S1 E20 | Embracing Second Chances: How Education Impacts Re-entry – with Ken Oliver & John Koufos

Todd Zipper, EVP and GM of Wiley University Services and Talent Development, welcomes Ken Oliver, Executive Director at Checkr.org and John Koufos, Executive Director at Taking Action for Good Foundation. Todd, Ken, and John dive into what works and what doesn’t for the justice involved community and how we can increase access to outcomes-driven education.Topics Discussed: Reimagining the re-entry experience for formerly incarcerated individuals through investments in housing, education, and job-readiness The importance of transforming the prison system from one that punishes to one that reforms How second chance hiring in corporate America can provide meaningful job opportunities The barriers to online education in the prison system and solutions for change How society can help restore a sense of belonging for formerly incarcerated individuals Guest BiosKen Oliver Ken Oliver has over 28 years of direct experience with the criminal justice system, leading and representing the justice involved in their quest to learn, manage, and restore their civil and human rights. He was a major catalyst for a landmark litigation to end the use of solitary confinement as a status-based deprivation in California. As a result of his litigation efforts, Ken’s life sentence was recalled, and he was released from prison early. Soon after his release, Ken was hired as a paralegal for a public interest law firm and quickly became the organization’s policy director based on his work and strong advocacy efforts. During his tenure as policy director, Ken’s innovative and impact-driven approach to solving re-entry and fair-chance employment challenges made him a sought-after speaker on issues related to technology in re-entry, talent development, and the California Governor’s Future of Work Initiative. John Koufos John Koufos works with the public and private sector to build partnerships that lead to better employment outcomes and safer communities. Prior to his incarceration, John was a criminal trial attorney. After his release, John’s work began in New Jersey, where he helped the Christie Administration, and five former Governors implement effective, evidence-based re-entry services. He went on to design New Jersey’s nationally recognized legal program, combining staff lawyers with approximately 70 pro bono lawyers to help the re-entry community clear old tickets and warrants to restore their driver’s licenses and secure jobs. His leadership in the business community was recognized in 2016 when NJBIZ named him one of New Jersey’s “Top 40 Under 40.” With lived experience on both sides of the criminal justice system, John has become a regular speaker, known for helping cities, states, and the federal government to optimize re-entry systems.