A Viable Employment Reality

According to data analysis by the Sentencing Project, as many as 1 in 3 Americans have some form of a criminal record. Although not all offenses dramatically impact an individual’s employment opportunities, many do—especially for those who have been incarcerated.

In light of this national landscape, Second Chance Hiring (hiring individuals with criminal records) is becoming a hot topic and not just for the social good it can bring about for people with records and our communities. It’s also good for business!

The Redemption Project brought together a panel of experts to discuss how business, government, and nonprofit leaders can help make the second chance hiring model not just a hot topic, but a viable employment reality.

Dwight Tostenson (Host) is the Co-Founder and CEO of The Redemption Project. He oversees the strategic direction of the organization with a particular emphasis on the Virtues for Success curriculum. Dwight has been approved by the Bureau of Prisons to serve as a mentor for incarcerated individuals and routinely visits the prisons in which The Redemption Project operates. Dwight has a strong passion for social justice and for providing second chances to former felons. He also brings over 20 years of executive management experience to the organization.

Jeff Korzenik is the Chief Investment Strategist for one of the nation's largest banks, where he is responsible for the investment strategy and the allocation of over 40 billion dollars in assets. A regular guest on CNBC, Fox Business News, and Bloomberg TV, his insights into the economy, markets, manufacturing, and workforce are frequently cited in the financial and business press. Jeff is the author of Untapped Talent: How Second Chance Hiring Works for Your Business and the Community. Jeff is a graduate of Princeton University with a bachelor's degree in economics and a Certificate of Proficiency in Near Eastern Studies.

Paul Schnell is the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Corrections and is part of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's cabinet. The Minnesota Department of Corrections is an organization of more than 4400 men and women committed to serving the needs of people involved in the criminal justice system. The Department's goal is to reduce recidivism and reengage those they serve back into their communities. Paul holds a bachelor's degree in social work from the University of St. Thomas and a master's degree in organizational leadership from St. Catherine University.

Odell Wilson is our VP and COO. Odel was a Supervising U.S. Probation and Pre-trial Services Officer and member of The Redemption Project Board. He attended Penn State University on an athletic scholarship and was a member of the 1986 National Championship football team. In 1989 Odell graduated with a degree in rehabilitation education and then attended graduate school at Penn State University, where he received a master's degree in counselor education. He has been a Federal Probation Officer for over 27 years and has served as a supervisor for the past five years.