People often ask me, “How can you be incarcerated and yet accomplish all you have as the founder of a successful nonprofit organization?” My response, PEOPLE! Sure, determination and a passion for community play a significant role as well, but ultimately it is the desire to work with people, learn from one another, and have prosperous relationships that is behind it all.

Another question is, “Well, what can I learn from working with an organization that has been founded and established by someone who is actually in prison?” The simple answer: A LOT! Often, I tell people that many of the social justice movements we see today were inspired by the struggles and political thoughts of someone who was imprisoned. The famed John Brown, Nelson Mandela, Malcolm X, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. are just a few examples.

Personally, I have discovered that people who work with the incarcerated gain a unique perspective on many social, economic, and political factors that go into creating the reality seen in communities plagued by violence, drugs and gangs, and high incarceration rates. Check out just one of our many student testimonials: https://youtu.be/foYFr673e44

Additionally, there is the experience gained and inspirational aspect of it. I often explain to people what it takes to cultivate and mobilize resources (e.g., grant development and procurement, sponsorship, volunteerism, leadership, infrastructure, and program development) from a prison cell—it’s truly unlike any experience that teaches resource development. As one can imagine it can be challenging, yet very inspiring. And this is to say nothing about the competitive edge to be gained.