Deadline to Register for Hotel 10/15/24
Reentry Vision Summit:
Transforming Reentry Together
Join us at the Reentry Vision Summit, a global event dedicated to reshaping how we welcome formerly incarcerated individuals back into society. Through shared best practices, diverse perspectives, and meaningful connections, we can build a reentry process that empowers healing, growth, and positive contributions.
This Year's Theme: The Alpha and the Omega
The Alpha represents a holistic, human-centered approach addressing all aspects of a person's reentry needs. The Omega symbolizes the ultimate goal—restoring dignity, preventing recidivism, and enhancing public safety. Together, they embody our vision for an equitable, effective, and empowering reentry future. Be part of the change today.
In partnership with:
The Travis County Sheriff's Office
MC and Keynote Speaker
Saul Paul
A 3X GRAMMY Nominated Musician with a Message. He has also presented 3 TEDx Talks, performed at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts and been featured on America’s Got Talent. His life story of transitioning from prison incarceration to college graduation and has been told on screen via the documentary Tower to Tower as well as via his memoir Be The Change.
Recognizing an inherent responsibility to give back, SaulPaul founded the SaulPaul Foundation. The SaulPaul Foundation is a launchpad for young people. And a platform for community members to serve as community leaders through acts of kindness, volunteerism and philanthropy.
In addition to using his creativity in the studio, on the stage, and in his community service, SaulPaul also uses it in his philanthropy. Most recently he launched CHANGE Water, an alkaline water company that is making the world a better place. With each case of water sold, CHANGE Water gives back to the local community where it was sold. To date, 100,000 students in 32 States across the US have benefited.
Whether via art, entrepreneurship or community service, SaulPaul is committed to #BeTheChange.
Keynote Speakers
Michael "Tony" Steptoe
Michael "Tony" Steptoe, originally from Springfield, Ohio, faced a critical decision during his senior year of high school: choosing between college scholarships in football, basketball, and baseball. However, a pivotal evening spent with a different group of peers altered his trajectory drastically. This choice led him into a downward spiral, resulting in over a decade within Ohio Corrections. Despite his circumstances, Steptoe made a transformative decision during his incarceration to rise above his setbacks, referring to this period as his "Beautiful Struggle."
On January 15, 2008, Steptoe emerged from Ross Correctional Institution with remarkable accomplishments: two associate degrees, numerous completed programs, and a profound spiritual connection. Driven by the daily question, "How Bad Do You Want It?" he embarked on a remarkable journey. Steptoe became the first black male graduate from Ohio State School of Aesthetics as a Skin Specialist, launched successful ventures such as Family Food Palace and Lead Strong, a mentoring organization, and joined John Legend's team as his personal stage manager. Despite personal loss and relocation to Virginia, he remains dedicated to speaking in prisons nationwide, aiming to inspire change as he was once inspired.
In 2023, Steptoe is set to finalize his fifth business plan, a pioneering reentry program for prisons across the United States. Through his experiences, Steptoe emphasizes that success stems from disciplined planning and perseverance, illustrating that anyone can achieve their goals with steadfast determination.
The Honorable Judge Stephanie M. Sawyer
Judge Stephanie M. Sawyer, born in Queens, New York, has called Philadelphia home since childhood. A proud product of the Philadelphia public school system and Temple University, she is a single parent whose commitment to community and justice was shaped by her upbringing by a single mother. Inspired by her mother, Juliet Sawyer, who overcame significant hardships to become an economics professor at Cheyney University, Judge Sawyer’s journey from running her law practice to becoming a Court of Common Pleas Judge is a testament to her resilience and dedication to community service. Upon becoming a judge in 2014, Judge Sawyer pioneered Restorative Justice reforms, focusing on integrating nonprofit organizations and social services to reduce recidivism. By 2018, she developed this approach into Resource-Based Sentencing Supervision, which she continues to expand. Judge Sawyer ensures fairness and reliability for every Philadelphian who appears before her.
Dr. Diana Ribeiro da Silva
Dr. Diana Ribeiro da Silva is a Researcher at the Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), from the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of the University of Coimbra (FPCE-UC) and holds a PhD in Forensic Psychology (University of Coimbra). She has been teaching courses related to Forensic Clinical Psychology for graduation and post-graduation degrees. She is also a psychologist at a juvenile detention facility from the Portuguese Ministry of Justice. Her research focus is on studying antisocial behavior and psychopathic traits in youth from an evolutionary-based perspective and developing and testing the efficacy of intervention programs for this population. Her research aims to revolutionize the way researchers, clinicians, and stakeholders look at detention, a unique opportunity to offer these extensively traumatized youth tailored interventions, crucial for their healing, rehabilitation, and societal reintegration.
The Honorable Judge Denise Hernandez
Judge Denise Hernandez is a trailblazer in the Austin community, serving as the presiding judge of County Court at Law No. 6 in Travis County. She is the first openly
gay Latina to hold a county court bench in Travis County. Judge Hernandez is dedicated to fostering a more inclusive and culturally competent judicial system. She leads the Transformative Youth Justice program, a youth diversion initiative that provides holistic, community-centered support for young individuals in the justice system. Judge Hernandez’s journey is deeply rooted in her personal experiences. Growing up as the daughter of Mexican immigrants in Houston, she witnessed firsthand the challenges her parents faced within the legal system. These experiences fueled her passion for social justice and her commitment to breaking generational cycles. She is also actively involved in various community organizations, serving as the Chair-Elect for Con Mi
MADRE, Vice Chair for the New Philanthropists, and Co-Chair for the LGBT Law Section of the Austin Bar Association
Dr. Tina Marie Jackson, Ph.D.
Dr. Tina Marie Jackson, Ph.D., is the Assistant Commissioner of Workforce Education at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. She oversees career and technical workforce initiatives. Previously, she was the District Director of Developmental Education at Collin College, addressing developmental education and career pathways. From 2016-2017, she served as Associate Dean of STEM at Dallas County Community College District. As the statewide coordinator of Community College Programs at the University of Texas at Austin (2012-2016), she led the redesign of developmental math across Texas community colleges.
Dr. Jackson has been recognized as a Jackson Scholar by the University Council for Educational Administration and received a Community College Leadership Fellowship from the University of Texas at Austin. Her research on STEM Workforce Development in Community Colleges, particularly focusing on students of color, earned her an award from the Association for the Study of Higher Education. She also serves as Vice President of Programs for the Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education State Board. Dr. Jackson holds a B.S. in Science and an M.Ed. from the University of Minnesota, and a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from the University of Texas at Austin.
Rosetta Pace Taylor, M.H.A., B.S.W., VHA-CM
Rosetta Pace Taylor, M.H.A., B.S.W., VHA-CM, How to Fail at Reentry! Rosetta Taylor, author, publisher, and retiree with 32 years of federal service and a total of 41 years of experience in all phases of reentry. She has educated audiences nationwide in the areas of addiction, incarceration, and recovery. She has counseled addicts, inmates, and families specializing in the areas of transitional issues. Rosetta continued her passion for helping others after retirement by working with Reentry Alliance Pensacola, Inc. (REAP), an organization assisting in the reentry process of men and women returning to their communities from prison. Rosetta is a Disabled U.S. Army veteran, a certified Lean Black Belt, and has 4 professionally published videos and several books related to recovery, incarceration, and reentry. She is the Founder and Executive Director of the National Association of Reentry Professionals, Inc.
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Andre Peart
Andre Peart is the visionary founder of Untapped Solutions, an innovative tech firm transforming the reentry landscape for formerly incarcerated individuals. Previously the top executive at ConConnect, Andre's entrepreneurial journey from overcoming personal challenges, including over five years in prison and periods of homelessness, to becoming a celebrated social entrepreneur, is nothing short of inspiring. He has raised over $2 million in funding from prestigious entities such as Google and the Robin Hood Foundation. As the subject of a PBS documentary, Andre's story and commitment to social change have been featured extensively in media outlets. His unique insights continue to influence the fields of workforce development and social entrepreneurship, making him a sought-after speaker and a beacon of hope and innovation
Lived Experience Panel
Moderated By:
Rachel Salgado
Rachel Salgado brings over 31 years of dedicated service to the Austin community in the field of social services. Currently, she excels as a Supportive Case Manager at Travis County Health and Human Services (HHS), where she empowers clients to achieve their self-defined case management and self-sufficiency goals.
In addition to her full-time role, Rachel contributes part-time at Caritas Supportive Housing, assisting clients in accessing essential services and securing long-term housing.
Her extensive experience spans numerous nonprofits and government programs, including the City of Austin Neighborhood Centers, LifeWorks, Foundation for the Homeless, and Austin Independent School District (AISD). Rachel is also a certified Re-entry Specialist, showcasing her commitment to supporting individuals in their reintegration into society.
