On Thursday July 18, Resolve Philly and Temple University are holding a special event to share information about what it takes to become a Fair Chance employer.
The panel discussion will be moderated by Resolve’s reporting fellow Ryan Moser and will feature the real life experiences of Fair Chance employers as well as formerly incarcerated people who have firsthand experience trying to convince business owners to hire them.
Here is a link where you can register to attend the FREE event at Temple’s Howard Gittis Student Center. Doors open at 9 a.m. and the program begins at 9:30.
Below are short descriptions of the people you will hear from at the event.
Hannah Seraphina Matos
Hannah is a barrier-breaking advocate who overcame wrongful convictions. She helped to launch the first all women’s re-entry program in Philadelphia. Because of Hannah’s experience and expertise she was asked to deliver a lecture in LaSalle University’s Criminology Department on re-entry and re-integration. She’s currently pursuing a B.A. in law and society with the ultimate goal to earn a J.D.
Tess Hart
Tess is the co-founder and CEO of Triple Bottom Brewery, a Fair Chance business at 9th and Spring Garden streets. She is motivated by community and communication, and loves that Triple Bottom is a place for all community members to come together and share ideas and experiences. Tess uses her experience working with foundations, social enterprises, and nonprofits — as well as a passion for craft beer and the power it has to bring people together — to develop the strategy she shapes for Triple Bottom.
Erik Van Sant
Erik is an organizer for REFORM Alliance, a nonprofit that aims to transform probation and parole by changing laws, systems and culture to create real pathways to work and wellbeing. He is also executive director of the Pennsylvania Safety Coalition. Erik was formerly incarcerated and is passionate about setting up returning citizens for success.
Jacqueline Fusco
Jacqueline is regional director for the Center for Employment Opportunities. The center works to reduce recidivism and increase employment by providing people returning from prison immediate paid employment, skills training, and ongoing career support. Before joining the center, Jackie served as clinical director of a nonprofit specializing in community mental health services.
Evan Figueroa Vargas
Evan has been in recovery for substance abuse for many years and has worked in the recovery field to help others. Much of what he has accomplished since release began while he was still incarcerated, where he worked diligently on his education. He’s continued that since regaining his freedom and holds a master’s degree in social work from Widener University. Trying to find work as a justice-impacted person was so frustrating for Evan that he started his own towing business where he makes it a priority to hire people who have spent time in jail or prison.
Ryan Moser (moderator)
Ryan is finishing up his year as Resolve Philly’s journalism fellow. He has written stories about troubles with resources for returning citizens as well as what gets in the way for formerly incarcerated people to find housing and work. Before joining Resolve, he was a published journalist even before he finished his time in prison. Ryan is the driving force and brains behind this event.
Keenan Hudson (Founder of The Re-entry Connect Podcast, will be doing his show from the event)
After being certified as an adult at the age of fifteen and incarcerated for nearly fifteen years, Keenan Hudson has since positively transformed his life. He took full advantage of educational services and self-development opportunities while incarcerated and persevered using lessons learned through education, religion, and music. As a productive citizen, Keenan aims to share now his incarceration and the people who helped him could motivate and inspire those who he encounters daily. This is particularly true for youth who may be struggling to overcome issues with which he is familiar and for which he can offer positive solutions. He is the founder and host of The Re-entry Connect Podcast