For Jalisa Glenn, returning is the word that defines her journey as a justice-impacted woman. It’s not just about reentry into society—it’s about reclaiming her future, opportunities, and leadership.

Jalisa has faced many obstacles since her return home in 2021, from securing stable employment and housing to navigating mental health challenges and the impact on her family. But instead of letting these barriers define her, she turned them into stepping stones. “I focus on building relationships with various community organizations,” she shares, “so that I can provide housing assistance, job training, and mental health services for others.”

Her resilience and leadership didn’t go unnoticed. After joining CEO Charlotte’s reentry transitional jobs program, she quickly stood out for her dedication and work ethic. She became CEO Charlotte's first African American female site supervisor, a remarkable achievement, leading her crew in a city contract that keeps Charlotte’s streets clean. “When they offered me the job, it was truly life-changing,” Jalisa says. “I am forever thankful.”

Jalisa draws inspiration from powerful women like Maya Feemster-Jones and Tiffany Miller—both of whom took leadership roles at CEO Charlotte and are dedicated to uplifting and empowering women to excel in all aspects of life. Now, she carries that torch forward, offering encouragement to other women on their reentry journeys:

“If I can do it, so can you! There is always light at the end of the tunnel, so never give up!”

Through her work, Jalisa embodies the strength, perseverance, and leadership that define women making a difference.

For Melissa Riccio, strength is the word that defines her experience as a justice-impacted woman. Her journey has been about more than overcoming external barriers—it’s been about confronting the internal battles of shame and doubt, transforming them into resilience and purpose.

“The biggest things I’ve had to overcome have mostly been inside of ME,” Melissa shares. “Success has come from two places—not being afraid to put in the hard work and creating a network of supportive people who recognized what I had to offer and gave me opportunities.”

Melissa found that owning her story was the key to moving forward. “Every chance I’ve had for growth has come from someone with whom I shared my story,” she explains. “It allowed me to stop looking over my shoulder wondering when I was going to be ‘found out’ and instead gave me the time, energy, and motivation to just learn, grow, and succeed.” She also credits a strong network of other justice-impacted individuals, many of whom remain her biggest cheerleaders and mentors to this day.

Her biggest inspiration? Her grandmother. A divorced single mother at a time when that was nearly unheard of, she built a lifelong career at Ohio Bell despite the stigma and obstacles she faced. “She didn’t let what society said about her affect who she was at her core,” Melissa says. “She held her head up high and kept plugging along, creating a beautiful life for herself and her family.”

Now, as CEO’s Director of Inclusive Hiring, Melissa is using her own journey to uplift others. She is especially proud of mentoring participants in the Emerging Leaders Program (ELP), where she guides those in the early stages of their reentry journey. “I really value the chance to help someone see their potential and encourage them not to underestimate themselves as they rebuild their lives.”

For women working to reclaim their lives after justice involvement, Melissa offers this advice:

“Figure out who you are and then be that person authentically wherever you are. Be intentional about creating a network for yourself, and never underestimate the transferable skills you bring to the workplace. The opportunities are out there—you just have to be open-minded about how to get where you want to be.”

Melissa’s journey proves strength is not just about endurance but about transformation—and using that transformation to uplift others.

For Simone Price, resilience isn’t just a trait—it’s a declaration. As a justice-impacted woman, she understands what it means to be flawed but not lesser than. Her journey has been shaped by both external barriers and the silent expectations placed on women to be accommodating, agreeable, and grateful for whatever space they are “allowed” to take up.

“I deal with the stigma so many of us do—job denials, housing denials, credit denials—and it hurts when your value is glossed over due to your background,” Simone shares. “The world expects you to just be grateful for whatever opportunities they permit you to have. And as a woman, that expectation is amplified.”

But Simone refuses to simply strive for success. Instead, she moves through life with the “audacity of expectation”—a belief that she is already doing the work she was meant to do, and success will follow. “I don’t have to strive,” she says. “I expect to be successful.”

Simone draws inspiration from the late Marissa McCall Dodson, a powerhouse advocate who fought tirelessly for justice, both publicly and privately. “She was a single mother, a strategist, and a trailblazer who earned the respect of people on all sides of the fight,” Simone reflects. “The void she left will never be filled.”

As Director of Organizing at CEO, Simone is not just advocating for change—she is empowering others to become advocates themselves. Through her leadership, CEO runs dozens of advocacy training workshops every year, guiding participants as they step into their state Capitols, share their stories, and demand change.

Her proudest moments come when she sees the transformation in her team and community members. “You see their faces shift from uncertainty and timidity to pride as they use their voices and speak truth to power,” she says. “When I get messages from alumni showing us they’re still out there, still doing the work, still making an impact—it’s the best feeling.”

For women rebuilding their lives, Simone’s advice is both simple and profound:

“Never skip the healing work. You survived incarceration. You have already proven your strength, and you have nothing else to prove to anyone ever again.”

Simone Price is more than an advocate—she is a force, ensuring that justice-impacted voices are not just heard but amplified.

For Genna Rimer, resilience isn’t just a word—it’s a way of life. As a justice-impacted woman, her journey has been marked by challenges, but also by the determination to build a career, uplift others, and reshape the narrative around reentry.

Like many justice-impacted individuals, Genna started her professional journey later than her peers, feeling locked out of academia and the workforce while others were launching their careers. And when she finally got a foothold, she encountered the glass ceiling—a barrier she’s had to navigate with caution.

“I have to be extra careful, not take as many risks, and as a formerly incarcerated person, I feel like I have to prove that I am capable and worthy” Genna shares. “It feels like there is always a lot on the line—and the truth is, there is! It can be exhausting at times.”

But through it all, she has embraced her story and transformed it into a source of strength. “Being formerly incarcerated is one of my favorite identities,” she says. “Twenty years ago, I could have never imagined that I would be able to use my story to bring hope and inspiration to others.”

Genna draws deep inspiration from Simone Price, CEO’s Director of Organizing, whose fearless advocacy and commitment to lifting up justice-impacted voices have been instrumental in driving change. “Not all heroes wear capes,” Genna says. “Simone continues to walk so others can run. I see you, sis.”

Today, as Senior Director of Inclusive Hiring, Genna is not just breaking barriers but building pathways for others. She’s especially proud of her team, a dedicated group of individuals who work tirelessly to ensure that every person with a conviction has the opportunity and support they need to work.

Beyond her leadership, Genna has spearheaded transformative initiatives at CEO, including:

• Providing technical assistance to reentry organizations across California to better serve justice-impacted individuals.
• Co-founding Justice-Involved Voices (JIV), a platform dedicated to amplifying justice-impacted voices.
• Relaunching the Participant Advocate Council (PAC)—now known as the Advocate Leadership Committee (ALC)—to create space for advocacy and leadership.
• Leading CEO’s fair chance and inclusive hiring efforts, helping over 100,000 incarcerated learners interact with an educational course she created on behalf of CEO.
• Launching CEO’s Social Workers’ Network, an employee resource group dedicated to supporting social workers within the organization.

Her advice to other women rebuilding their lives?

“It is not always easy, but it is always worth it.”

Genna’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, advocacy, and leadership—and she continues to use her experiences to open doors for those who follow.

For Darneicea Day, resilience is more than a word—it’s a way of reclaiming power. As a justice-impacted woman, she knows firsthand the challenges of returning home to limited resources and the shame that society places on women with convictions. But instead of letting those barriers define her, she made a choice:

“There was a point in my life where I decided to take my power back and live within my truth and purpose. Once I stole the narrative back of my existence, most of the challenges that I ‘thought’ I had became my superpowers.”

Darneicea doesn’t seek balance—she adapts, pushes forward, and thrives. “Being incarcerated taught me that I can overcome anything,” she says. “If I survived the carceral turmoil that one faces while in prison, I can face anything while I am free. The power in saying, ‘No,’ without an explanation is one of the best feelings for me.”

While many people look to well-known figures for inspiration, Darneicea finds motivation in the quiet acts of kindness she witnesses from strangers. “It’s those moments that keep me inspired,” she says, valuing authenticity over applause.

Her advice to other women rebuilding their lives?

“It won’t happen overnight, but it will happen. Take the small wins and build upon the next. Every single challenge you face is guaranteed to prepare you for your future wins. Some storms feel like they can’t be overcome, but trust that this too shall pass. Live in it, deal with it, and own it with sincerity, authenticity, and power.”

As Los Angeles Site Director for the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO), Darneicea is most proud of the team she’s built and the growth she’s witnessed in her colleagues. “The LA team stands on business,” she says. “We are truly the epitome of CEO’s mission, with the majority of the team being justice-impacted. That blows my mind each day. The drive, the resilience, the drama (lol), the laughs, the cries—it’s just amazing.”

Her work is not just about helping people find jobs—it’s about restoring dignity, hope, and opportunity for those who, like her, have reclaimed their stories and stepped into their power.