LAI Exclusive
Royal Ramey
Wildland Firefighter, Founder of Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program
- CEO and Co-Founder of the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program, Ramey played a key role in mobilizing firefighters to battle the devastating Los Angeles wildfires
- From incarceration to pioneering a social enterprise, Royal Ramey’s journey of resilience and purpose-driven leadership inspires anyone to push past adversity and create meaningful success
- Built a nationally recognized nonprofit that has launched over 300 formerly incarcerated individuals into successful careers in professional firefighting
Check fees and availability for Royal Ramey
About Royal Ramey
Download ProfileAt just 20 years old, Royal Ramey was sentenced to six years in prison. It was there that he first stepped into the world of wildland firefighting through California’s Conservation Camp program. What began as a job soon became a calling—a way to reclaim his future and serve something greater than himself. That experience sparked a transformation, launching him on a path from incarceration to leadership.
After his release, Ramey spent the next decade fighting California’s most dangerous wildfires with the U.S. Forest Service and CAL FIRE. With every fire line he crossed, he gained not just skills but a vision: a future where people like him, formerly incarcerated and often overlooked, had a real shot at meaningful, dignified careers. Determined to turn that vision into reality, he co-founded the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program (FFRP).
Today, FFRP has placed over 300 formerly incarcerated individuals into professional firefighting roles and helped reshape how the state responds to wildfire. Under Ramey’s leadership, the organization has become a powerful engine for second chances, training and deploying skilled crews of formerly incarcerated firefighters who played a critical role in battling the massive Los Angeles wildfires in early 2025.
A 2024 TED Fellow and 2023 Obama Leaders USA participant, Royal brings lived expertise, hard-earned leadership, and a deep commitment to systems change. Exclusively represented by Leading Authorities speakers bureau, Ramey delivers unforgettable talks on resilience, redemption, and the power of second chances, moving audiences to rethink who gets to lead and how lasting impact is made.
Royal Ramey is exclusively represented by Leading Authorities speakers bureau.
Video Gallery
Royal Ramey x TED: From Prison to Purpose Through Wildland Firefighting
Royal Ramey: The Prison to Public Service Pipeline, The Daily Show
Royal Ramey x TED: From Prison to Purpose Through Wildland Firefighting
Royal Ramey: The Prison to Public Service Pipeline, The Daily Show
Speech Topics
Download TopicsChief Royal Ramey’s journey is a testament to resilience, transformation, and opportunity. Sentenced to six years in prison at just 20 years old, he found purpose in California’s Conservation Camp program, where he trained as a wildland firefighter. After his release, he faced systemic barriers that prevented him from continuing the work he had already proven himself in, but instead of giving up, he fought to change the system. Motivated by his experiences, Ramey founded the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program (FFRP), helping over 300 justice-impacted individuals launch careers in fire service. In this deeply personal and inspiring talk, he shares how perseverance, leadership, and commitment to public service compelled him to create opportunities for others and drive meaningful change in the world.
Drawing from his decade of experience as a wildland firefighter and nonprofit leader, Chief Royal Ramey explores the parallels between fire service and effective leadership in mission-driven organizations. He shares how firefighting principles can shape strategy, crisis management, and team coordination in any industry. Through real firefighting guidelines and gripping stories on the frontlines, Ramey teaches leaders how to cultivate resilience, adaptability, and accountability in high-pressure environments. Attendees will leave with a fresh perspective on leadership and practical tools to implement in their own work.
As industries across the country struggle with labor shortages, a highly skilled but overlooked workforce—formerly incarcerated individuals—remains untapped. Chief Royal Ramey, who went from serving time to leading wildfire crews and founding the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program (FFRP), will expose the contradictions in a system that trains incarcerated firefighters but prevents them from professional opportunities upon release. He will also shift the conversation from recidivism rates—the percentage of formerly incarcerated individuals who return to prison—to non-recidivism, the measure of those who transition into stable and fulfilling careers. This talk is a call to action for anyone looking to create a workforce that not only addresses labor shortages but also drives meaningful social and economic change.
Big Ideas in 24 Hours
Our veteran team is standing by to help with big ideas and real perspective. Call us at +44 20 3038 4689, email us at [email protected], or click below for a custom speaker proposal.
Similar Speakers
Robyn Benincasa
World Champion Adventure Racer & San Diego Firefighter
LAI Exclusive
Scott Mann
High-Impact Leadership Expert, Master Storyteller, Retired Green Beret
