Inmates to Entrepreneurs

Every year, over 600,000 people will leave prison and attempt to rejoin their neighbors as productive members of society. Despite seeking employment at rates higher than the general population, formerly incarcerated individuals are half as likely to get a job because of their incarceration and face unemployment rates five times the national average. In the Google era, a simple web search ensures that no one can ever truly escape their past.

The discrimination that these would-be employees experience perpetuates a cycle of economic insecurity that forces many to return to illegal activities just to survive. It is unsurprising then that two-thirds of formerly incarcerated individuals find themselves back in prison in just three years. Inmates to Entrepreneurs is dedicated to helping people with criminal backgrounds start their own small businesses with free in-person and online education.

As many of you know, I am a big proponent of education. In fact, I finished my Doctorate in Business Administration less than a year ago. With my future so uncertain, I am continuing to take classes and learn what I can to make myself knowledgeable and moreover marketable. I decided to take this course to feel the gaps and look at business through a different lens. I know my future is going to be hard especially if I am sentenced to prison. The last 3.5 years have been extremely hard on me and my family. But I have not been idle. I have been working through my consulting business, finished my doctorate degree, finished this 8-week course, opened another business, and published a book. I am happy to share with you this milestone in my life. I know without a doubt there are so many articles written about me and it can never be hidden from the public. The only thing I can do is accept responsibility and work to make myself a better person who deserves a second opportunity. I pray God keeps you and your family.