My experience behind the walls of Soledad Prison volunteering with the EITs via Defy Ventures Program.

How I Found Defy Ventures

For about 13 years, I had the privilege of volunteering with a program that supported formerly incarcerated women. When that program ended, I felt a deep void.

While searching for a new opportunity, I came across Defy Ventures, EIT (Entrepreneurs in Training) program. These programs are conducted in prisons nationwide. After my first conversation with Israel Garcia, Executive Director of Northern California, I felt that it was where I was supposed to be.

My Defy Experience at the Correctional Training Facility in Soledad State Prison.

Upon arriving, we all got off the bus, forming a line for the security clearance process.

Although we were briefed on what to expect, I was still overwhelmed at first glance. Upon entering, we were greeted with smiles, exuberant hellos and high-fives by all the EITs who were standing in a welcome line. Their enthusiasm was irresistible and endearing. So much so that I forgot we were in a prison environment.

From there we settled down to hear about the day’s agenda. Then onto the ice breaker activities which were super fun, engaging, and put us all on common ground.

One of the activities which affected and has stayed with me was “the blue line”. I’ll say no more other than it was the most revealing, gripping, humbling and uniting journey.

The One-On-One Breakout Session.

We met one-on-one with several EITs discussing business plans, financing, resume and any other professional tips we could share. The EITs were eager to learn, listen, inquire, plan, and share a part of their life’s goals, as I was able to share mine. This was another unifying moment. For me, it was like meeting with a business colleague.

Being surrounded by the group of EITs, only cemented my belief that no matter what our past is, the soul still longs to set goals, dream, and create. This precious gift cannot be taken from an individual.

Why This?

I’m ashamed to admit that I receive more than I could ever give in a volunteer capacity.

I receive the gift of humility, hopefulness, resilience, gentleness, perseverance, determination, the strength of the human spirit, finding joy in small accomplishments, accepting life changes, leaving our past, building new relationships and sometimes leaving old ones.

Wouldn’t you agree that I owe them a huge thank you for these priceless gifts?

I was always curious and intrigued by people’s choices in life. What caused someone to take one road or another?

I have since learned that sometimes it isn’t a choice, it’s a person’s circumstances that makes the choice for them. It’s the lack of guidance, encouragement or example that leaves the door open to taking that detour.

What I Believe.

My soul yearns to believe that we are all the same deep inside. I was blessed with a nurturing upbringing without trauma or drama, giving me the best chances of staying on track. So strikingly evident during “the blue line” activity.

Naturally, there are exceptions, but in many cases, the difference is that they took a detour, I stayed on the main road. Fortunately, detours are temporary and always lead back to the main road.

Thank you, Defy Ventures. Thank you to the staff of the Correctional Training Facility at Soledad Prison. And to the EITs for sharing their time with us.

I look forward to humbly contributing in the future.

Professional Development; Soft Skills Development; Productive Communication Techniques, including texts, emails, virtually, social skills, picking up on social cues, office gossip, business dining, communication skills, client relationships, presence, image…

Contact me to discuss how we can work together by providing a customized workshop for your staff. Workshop are available for college students, community organizations, sales team, actors, athletes attending fundraisers, general professional development, support Code of Conduct, to support implementing new employee standards in 2025.