Life & Work with Micah Harris of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Micah Harris

Hi Micah, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?

From Olympic Dreams to DreamWorks: My Journey of Redemption and Purpose

My story began as a young athlete at the University of Oregon, where I was an All-American hurdler with a dream of qualifying for the Olympic Trials. That time of my life was defined by speed, precision, and the pursuit of excellence, but it was also only one chapter in a much larger journey.

While I experienced the highs of athletic success, life took an unexpected turn when I became justice-impacted. That experience changed me deeply, forcing me to confront my choices and dig deeper to understand my purpose. Prison became a laboratory for my personal growth, where I had to not only rebuild my life but also envision a future I could be proud of.

After my release, I found my path through the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC). Working with ARC gave me a second chance, allowing me to advocate for others and show that change is possible, no matter how deep the adversity. One of the most powerful moments came when I was able to support a young woman battling suicidal ideations. By showing up, listening, and sharing my own story of transformation, I was able to help save a life. It was a reminder of the power we have when we step outside of our own struggles to uplift someone else.

Today, I’m proud to say I’ve received an incredible opportunity through DreamWorks. Working as an intern with them has been a dream come true—proof that second chances aren’t just about survival, but about thriving. I never imagined that my journey would take me from the track to the world of animation and storytelling, but here I am.

Social media has also played a big role in my evolution. As a fitness model, I’ve been able to inspire others to push past their limitations. Fitness has always been a grounding force in my life, and through platforms like Instagram, I’ve connected with people who want to reclaim their health, both physically and mentally. My message is simple: you have to get out of your own way. So many of us are held back by the stories we tell ourselves, but we’re more powerful than we realize.

Ultimately, my journey is about transformation—physically, mentally, and spiritually. From Olympic trials to DreamWorks, from incarceration to helping others, I’ve learned that it’s never too late to write a new chapter in your story. My hope is that by sharing my experiences, I can encourage others to do the same.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Everything I had worked for seemed within reach. However, life threw challenges my way, and before I knew it, I found myself not just off the track, but behind bars.

Being justice-impacted was one of the darkest chapters of my life. I was separated from my family, from the life I knew, and from everything that defined me. The doubts hit hard: How was I going to redeem myself? How was I going to prove that my life was still worth something? There were days when fear felt overwhelming—fear of losing who I was, fear of being forgotten, fear that the dreams I had were no longer attainable.

Prison, though, also became a space of deep reflection. I knew I couldn’t let my mistakes define me forever. That’s when I started thinking seriously about transformation. How could I take all this pain, fear, and doubt, and turn it into fuel? I realized that redemption wouldn’t come overnight, and it wouldn’t come easy. But I had no choice but to keep moving forward.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
For a living, I wear multiple hats, but the core of my work revolves around inspiring others and giving back to the community. I currently intern at DreamWorks, where I contribute to the creative process and get hands-on experience in the entertainment industry—something I never imagined would be part of my journey. At the same time, I work closely with the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC), helping justice-impacted individuals navigate the challenges of reintegration and personal growth, just as I once did.

On social media, I share my passion for fitness and mental wellness as a fitness model. I create content that encourages people to take control of their health, break through personal barriers, and realize their potential. Whether it’s through my workouts, motivational messages, or sharing my story, I aim to help others get out of their own way and take steps toward becoming the best versions of themselves.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People Can Collaborate with or Support Me

If you’re interested in collaborating with me or supporting my journey, there are a few key ways we can work together:

1. Partnerships & Collaborations: Whether you’re in the fitness industry, entertainment, or community advocacy, I’m always open to partnerships that align with my mission of inspiring positive change. We can collaborate on fitness content, community outreach projects, or creative initiatives. I love working with brands, organizations, or individuals who are passionate about health, empowerment, and giving back.
2. Speaking Engagements & Storytelling: I’m available for speaking engagements where I share my personal story of overcoming adversity, achieving personal transformation, and advocating for justice-impacted individuals. I aim to motivate others to push past their fears and doubts to achieve their dreams. If you’re looking for someone to connect with your audience and leave them inspired, I’d be honored to contribute.
3. Fitness Coaching & Motivation: As a fitness model, I offer personalized fitness guidance, whether through collaborations on fitness campaigns or one-on-one coaching. If you’re interested in working with me to inspire your audience or create tailored fitness programs, I’d love to help bring those ideas to life.
4. Supporting My Mission: You can support my work by engaging with my content on social media (@mrmicaharmand on Instagram), sharing my message, and helping spread the word about the causes I care about, such as prison reform and fitness as a tool for mental wellness. I’m also looking for supporters who believe in the power of second chances and want to amplify the voices of justice-impacted individuals.

Whether you’re looking to collaborate, bring me in for speaking engagements, or support my message through partnerships, I’m excited to connect with like-minded people who share the vision of uplifting others and creating lasting impact.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Mr.micaharmand
• Facebook: Mr.micaharmand
• Youtube: The duck pond

Image Credits
Steve Williams Imagines