Revealing the Faces of Incarceration: #SeeJamie
Imagine being judged for the rest of your life by the worst mistake you made on the worst day of your life.
This is the reality for 2.3M people currently incarcerated in U.S. prisons across the country. But it doesn’t have to be. We’re working to change that narrative by sharing the stories of incarcerated women who work each day to rebuild their lives. Our #SeeMe campaign takes you behind prison walls to our Televerde call centers at the Department of Corrections in Arizona and Indiana where we hire and train incarcerated women in business acumen, sales and marketing, and the most in-demand hard and soft skills. Our ladies have a confidence and dedication to their work that is unmatched, and we love when people visit our prison-run call centers and see them where they shine.
Meet Jamie.
What is one accomplishment you’re most proud of?
Becoming the confident woman I am today. My managers have helped me to reach this goal by pushing me way beyond my comfort zone.
It’s said that the most successful women build a female tribe to help them learn & grow. Tell us about the culture on the inside and how you’re supported by the women around you.
I never thought an environment like this could be filled with such positive uplifting spirits. The women around me work together to succeed. Whenever I feel I’m falling short these women care and help me get to where I need to be. The culture here has taught me that it’s OK to ask for help.
How will you set an example to the young women of tomorrow?
I want to live today with integrity, responsibility and respect. I will continue to prove that your past mistakes do not have to hold you back from a successful future.
If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Face your fears and when something gets a little rough don’t quit, keep pushing forward.
What has inspired you most in your professional journey? (A book, a person, a training, etc.)
First would be Televerde’s business model and people like Michelle Cirocco who are living proof of that model. Michelle has shown me that my past is behind me and through hard work and determination my professional career will continue to prosper. Also Ronald Henton, our Televerde call center manager here at Rockville Correctional. He has pushed me to find solutions and be confident in my own work. Because of these opportunities, I’ve grown mentally, socially, and most importantly, professionally.
