In this powerful episode of Daily Influence, Gregg-Brooke Koleno sits down with Melissa O’Dell, the Illinois Executive Director of Defy Ventures, a national nonprofit dedicated to helping currently and formerly incarcerated individuals build pathways to financial independence. With over 20 years in this work and a decade at Defy, Melissa shares her journey from law school aspirations to leading transformative reentry programs that empower individuals to become the CEOs of their own lives.
Melissa dives deep into the importance of personal responsibility, mindset shifts, and second chances, highlighting the real impact of Defy’s work— from career readiness to entrepreneurship training. She shares inspiring stories of resilience, misconceptions about the justice-involved community, and the ripple effect of responsible influence in helping individuals reclaim their futures.
Join us for this insightful conversation on redemption, opportunity, and the power of human connection. Learn how you can support fair chance hiring, mentorship, and community reintegration.
💡 Want to make an impact? Learn more at www.defyventures.org
🎧 Tune in and be part of the movement toward second chances and lasting change!
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