Blog.
Read highlights from RBIJ’s work across the country, profiles of business leaders advancing criminal justice reform, and more.
A Conversation with RBIJ’s Lena Patel
We spoke with RBIJ’s Chief External Affairs Officer, Lena Patel, about how businesses can drive reform, her background working to advance racial equity, and how to change the justice system in the UK.
Unlock Potential, Award Winning Hiring Program Aimed at Preventing Incarceration, Announces Regional Partnerships with Virgin Hotels and Burlington Stores
Virgin Hotels and Burlington Stores are the two newest employers joining Unlock Potential, where they will use intentional hiring to prevent incarceration.
Justice Champion Spotlight: Shea Zwerver, Flagger Force
For our January Justice Champion Spotlight, we spoke with Flagger Force’s Shea Zwerver about the Workforce and Justice Alliance, the dignity of employment, and how she approaches workforce development.
A Conversation with Co-CEO Maha Jweied
We spoke with new co-CEO Maha Jweied about her background in justice reform, the role of businesses in creating change, and where she likes to eat in Washington, D.C.
Six New Companies Join Workforce and Justice Alliance
Six new companies have announced their participation in the Workforce and Justice Alliance, a groundbreaking coalition committed to using their platforms to drive narrative change.
RBIJ Announces Maha Jweied as Co-CEO
RBIJ is thrilled to announce that Maha Jweied will be joining Celia Ouellette as Co-CEO of RBIJ!
Justice Champion Spotlight: Brian Koehn, Social Profit Corrections
For our December Justice Champion Spotlight, we spoke with Social Profit Corrections’ Brian Koehn about building compassionate prisons and the future of corrections.
Justice Champion Spotlight: John Arensmeyer, Small Business Majority
For our November Justice Champion Spotlight, we spoke with Small Business Majority Founder and CEO John Arensmeyer about how workforce expansion can benefit companies of all sizes.
Businesses Form Workforce and Justice Alliance to Drive Criminal Justice Reform
U.S. businesses have come together to launch the Workforce and Justice Alliance (WJA), a groundbreaking coalition to help deliver criminal justice reform across the country.
Greyston Bakery Joins Groundbreaking Unlock Potential Employment Program as it Announces Pilot Locations, Partner Organizations, and Training Kick-off
Greyston Bakery is the newest employer joining Unlock Potential, expanding their existing Open Hiring model to create meaningful first-chances for at-risk youth.
Justice Champion Spotlight: Greyston Bakery’s Joseph Kenner
For our October Justice Champion Spotlight, we spoke with Greyston Bakery’s Joe Kenner about Unlock Potential, Open Hiring, and baking with a purpose.
Business Leaders Back Federal Clean Slate
Business leaders across the country offered support for the Clean Slate Act, aligning with the vast majority of Americans who back meaningful second chances.
RBIJ Urges Bipartisan Support of Federal Record Sealing Bills
RBIJ wrote a statement in support of the federal Clean Slate Act, urging Congress to take action to create second chances.
Justice Champion Spotlight: I Have A Bean Founder Pete Leonard
For our August Justice Champion Spotlight, we spoke with I Have A Bean’s Pete Leonard about making great coffee and creating real second chances.
Unlock Potential: Sam’s Club joins Walmart-funded youth hiring program to prevent the cycle of incarceration
Sam’s Club is the newest company joining Unlock Potential, a groundbreaking first-chance hiring program designed to create meaningful career opportunities.
Justice Champion Spotlight: Walmart.org and Dr Marvin Carr
For our June Spotlight we sat down with Dr. Marvin Carr, Director of the Walmart.org Center for Racial Equity. Click to read more about the most effective ways companies can fight for a fair and equal society, our incredible Unlock Potential partnership, and his storied opera career!
Unlock Potential: American Family Insurance and Delta Air Lines join racial equity focused youth hiring program to prevent incarceration
American Family Insurance and Delta Air Lines are the two newest businesses to join Unlock Potential.
Justice Champions Spotlight: AWJ 2022!
On May 4-5, RBIJ were honoured to host the first ever American Workforce & Justice Summit in Atlanta GA!
For our May Spotlight, we sat down with some of our preeminent speakers to discuss the Summit - their impressions, key takeaways, and what they would most want to see from next year’s instalment!
Business leaders testify in support of the Colorado Clean Slate Act
Business leaders testified in the House Judiciary Committee in support of the Colorado Clean Slate Act (SB22-099), which will help provide access to employment, education, and housing for thousands of Coloradans.
Justice Champion Spotlight: Basic Industries Owner Drew Patterson!
For our Second Chance Month Spotlight, we sat down with a true Second Chance Champion - Drew Patterson, owner of Basic Industries. For years Drew and Basic have worked with the Colorado Department of Corrections to provide employment opportunities to formerly incarcerated individuals - and he knows firsthand the benefits to businesses, employees, and the communities they serve.