Empowerment Behind Prison Walls: My Visit to Televerde at Perryville Correctional Facility

When I first drove up to Perryville Correctional Facility, I saw exactly what I expected. There were towering fences, barbed wire, and that heavy, institutional feel that screams “prison.” But stepping inside Televerde’s call center? That was a completely different story. Honestly, it felt like I’d walked into another world—a world of hope, ambition, and the kind of positive energy that you don’t typically associate with a prison.

This wasn’t my first time inside a prison. Years ago, I visited Folsom Prison to sing with a choir and that experience stuck with me. My visit there was a positive one, but I still remember the sterile environment, harsh fluorescent lights, and some feeling of tension in the air. But at Perryville, as soon as I walked through the doors of Televerde’s call center, it was like someone flipped a switch. Instead of cold, empty hallways, there were rows of bustling cubicles filled with women working hard, smiling, and genuinely excited to welcome me. They made me feel like a rock star when I walked in!

What surprised me the most was how driven these women are. We’re talking about individuals with big dreams and clear goals, not just vague ideas about “doing better.” They were focused, positive, and incredibly motivated. During a roundtable discussion, I had the chance to hear their stories firsthand. Some of these women had been incarcerated more than once, yet there was no shame in their voices; just a clear determination to grow, learn, and build a better future.

One story that hit me hard was from a woman who shared how a single decision turned her life upside down. She’d been living what many would consider a “normal” life. She had a steady job and a supportive family, but one bad choice changed everything. It really made me think: we’re all just one decision away from a completely different life. That realization stuck with me long after I left.

As someone dedicated to helping women find their voices and build confidence, I couldn’t help but see the alignment with my own mission. My mission is to help 10 million women overcome self-doubt and speak with confidence. The women at Perryville are living proof that confidence isn’t about where you are or what you’ve done; it’s about your mindset and the choices you make moving forward.

I shared a few strategies with them—simple but powerful tools to help shift their mindset. One of my favorites is the “fear script” exercise: you write down what fear is saying to you and then respond to it as your true self, going back and forth. Naming fear outside of yourself takes the power away. Another favorite is the “Broadway musical” technique. You take your strongest message of doubt, such as, “I’m not good enough,” and sing it like you’re in a musical. Sounds silly, but it completely changes how that negative thought feels, and this changes up the neural pathways in our brains, which causes that same message of doubt to lose its power.    

Another tip I shared was creating a “celebration portfolio.” Make a list of all the things you’re proud of accomplishing and all the character qualities that make you awesome. Whenever self-doubt creeps in, you can look back at that list and remind yourself of the evidence that you’re pretty amazing! Last but not least, how to stop rambling and get to the point. We often share more detail than necessary when communicating, so when you notice yourself rambling, stop, pause to gather your thoughts, and say out loud: “my point is this.” That will help you and the person you’re talking to focus.

What really amazed me was how quickly these women connected with these ideas. They weren’t just listening politely; they were engaged, jotting down notes, asking questions, and sharing their own insights. It felt like a true exchange of ideas, not just me talking at them.

My biggest takeaway? Empowerment isn’t about where you are; it’s about how you see yourself. Televerde isn’t just giving these women jobs. They’re creating an environment where women can rediscover their worth, build their confidence, and prepare for life beyond prison walls. It’s about more than skills; it’s about belief—in themselves and in their future.

In today’s world, where conversations around diversity and inclusion are sometimes met with resistance, my visit to Perryville was a powerful reminder of why these initiatives matter. When you invest in people, regardless of their past, you’re not just changing their lives. You’re transforming communities, businesses, and society as a whole. And that kind of impact? It’s priceless.