April is Second Chance Month, a nationwide effort to raise awareness of the barriers faced by individuals with criminal records and unlock brighter futures for returning citizens. Today, we have invited distinguished professionals with experiences from both sides of the pond to talk about models for supporting newly returning citizens. We’ll be hearing from representatives of the UK-based Skill Mill, a social enterprise providing employment for young ex–offenders. We'll also hear from representatives from Georgetown University's Pivot Program, which provides formerly incarcerated individuals with leadership and professional development through business and entrepreneurship. We're also joined by Joe Houston Jr, aka Mr. WeFit, and Founder, WeFitDC . Joe wears many hats as an entrepreneur, actor, author, and writer. He is committed to empowering others to develop the skills and tools to enhance well-being through sustainable and innovative community wellness initiatives. Joe will share his thoughts and insights into the importance of second chance hiring. Through our discussion today, we'll meet at the nexus of education, workplace development, opportunity, and empowerment. Our dynamic panelists are here to share their experiences and discuss their role in second chances; we will celebrate the mechanisms through which they support and champion others on their journeys, to fulfill their hopes, dreams and aspirations, and the pivotal role they play in their communities.

Quotes

Removing these barriers gives us, as employers, access to a pool of hardworking, enthusiastic employees. And while it may seem counterintuitive, removing those obstacles and creating those pathways to employment actually leads to safer and more prosperous communities, which is a win for everyone. - Professor Lovegrove

If people have better environment, people will have opportunities, they will have finances and they will have better situations - Joe

what we try and do is to allow them to focus on the skills that they're developing and the qualities that they're developing." - Andy

Our Guests and Host

Michael Akin
President, LINK Strategic Partners
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-akin-link/

Lakina Edwards
Associate, LINK Strategic Partners
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lakinaedwards/

Alyssa Lovegrove
Professor of Entrepreneurship, Georgetown University, Georgetown Pivot Program
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssa-lovegrove-8a330424/

Andy Peaden
Director at The Skill Mill social enterprise
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-peaden-3666b42b/

Joe Houston
Founder, WeFit Nation, LLC
https://www.instagram.com/joehoustonjr/
https://www.wefitdc.com/

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
03:21 Professor Lovegrove and the Pivot Program
06:28 Explaining SKill Mill Program
08:47 About WeFit
11:09 Navigate through the journey with intention of achieving results
13:30 Recidivism rate and its impact
22:42 Empowering returning citizens
24:35 Explaining the magics of the model
33:00 Situations that the youth will be facing regarding the issues
40:44 Importance of well-fitted workplace environment
43:29 Joe’s new gym
46:06 Call to action advice from our guests

Produced by Heartcast Media
http://www.heartcastmedia.com