Retiring the Stigma: My 26-Year Journey from Incarceration to C-Suite
Reflecting on my 26-year journey with Televerde and Televerde Foundation, I am amazed by how society has evolved to embrace the concept of second chances. It’s nothing short of remarkable. My story begins on a pivotal day—May 10, 2001—when I graduated from the Televerde prison-to-workforce program in Perryville prison after a decade behind bars. A year and a half before my release, Televerde took a chance on me, making me the third person to transition to corporate and the first woman to step into a sales role. My career flourished over the next two decades, culminating in 2020, when I joined forces with my dear friend, Michelle Cirocco, to expand the Televerde Foundation.
From Stigma to Opportunity
In 2001, the stigma surrounding convicted felons was crushing. Televerde was still in its formative stages—no call center, no commission structure, just a collective of determined minds navigating uncharted waters. The notion of second-chance employment was unheard of. Challenges like securing housing were monumental, and the shadow of our past mistakes loomed large. But Jim Hooker, Televerde’s CEO at that time, offered me a simple yet profound choice: sink or swim. The Televerde opportunity before me wasn’t just any prison job. It was hope for countless women who would follow, signaling a chance to build professional careers and redefine their futures. I chose to swim—not just for my redemption but to pave a smoother path for others.
Over the years, I’ve been honored to mentor countless women whose past blemishes might have once obstructed their futures. With Televerde, those barriers dissolved. Women who began in entry-level roles have ascended to leadership positions, armed with Salesforce certifications, expertise in digital marketing, and MBAs. The growth and triumphs within Televerde fill me with immense pride.
A New Era of Second Chances
Today, the landscape has dramatically transformed. Leading corporations like JP Morgan Chase, the Charles Koch Institute, and Virgin have become pioneers in championing second chances for individuals with criminal records. This paradigm shift in corporate policy extends beyond opportunities—it offers hope and a tangible pathway for people like us to reclaim and reshape our lives.
In my recent role as Head of Business Development for Televerde Foundation, I’ve witnessed the vital importance of comprehensive support systems. The foundation offers certifications and job placement, but perhaps most importantly, it cultivates independence and self-efficacy, empowering women to excel. The synergy between Televerde and Televerde Foundation ensures these women can build fulfilling careers and lives.
My greatest reward is the success stories of our “orange blossoms,” those who began their journey at Televerde and have flourished. My goal has always been to inspire and empower others to find their purpose, make a meaningful impact, and pursue their highest aspirations. Televerde has been my partner in this mission.
Embracing the Future
After 26 years, I will add one more professional distinction this month: I will be the first graduate to retire as a Televerde employee. Yes, July 31 marks the end of my tenure with the company that made me whole.
As I retire, I feel it’s important to share not just my story but also a heartfelt wish for the future. The journey has taught me much about resilience, growth, and the transformative power of giving individuals a second chance.
To those contemplating the adoption of second-chance hiring, I implore you to consider the profound impact you could make. Research from SHRM and the Charles Koch Institute has shown that HR leaders perceive second-chance hires as highly motivated, loyal, and productive. This initiative is about investing in human potential. Without this commitment to personal and professional growth from a company that believed in me, I wouldn’t have reached the heights I did in sales, much less a leadership role in the foundation.
Companies unleash a torrent of dedication, determination, and drive by embracing second-chance hiring and development. This transformative approach does more than alter individual lives. It revolutionizes business cultures, strengthens communities, and injects vitality into our collective economic health.
Together, let us advance boldly and relentlessly into a future where the shadows of one’s past do not dim the brilliance of one’s potential. Let’s commit to a world where every individual is afforded the dignity to shine brightly, unrestricted by their history. After all, isn’t it our duty to ignite and nurture these sparks of human potential, transforming them into the most outstanding examples of success and hope? I believe so, and it’s my greatest hope that you agree!
Editor’s Notes: Click here to view pictures from Dawn’s 26-year journey with Televerde and Televerde Foundation. To hear from many of Televerde’s “orange blossoms” and graduates, visit the Televerde Virtual Roundtable.
