General Session: Closing

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Judge Cook-Calvin believes in taking a holistic approach to justice, where perpetrators will receive proper treatment and education while serving their sentences, so that they may be more productive citizens once released back into society. Judge Cook-Calvin also continues to give back to the community by going into local schools speaking to our kids through the Judges in the Classroom program, and volunteering in Know Your Rights trainings

From overcoming adversity to identifying one’s personal talents while serving a decade in federal prison, Jeff reveals his hard-knock yet transformative life lessons and the secrets to rising above and realizing your potential. His dynamic and engaging presentations help audiences discover their hidden business aptitudes, make life-changing decisions, and gain a new foothold on the ladder to success despite having a criminal record.

Mr. Huffman is a formerly incarcerated man who served roughly five years in the Louisiana Department of Corrections. While incarcerated, he was allowed to live in a dormitory with ten deaf men, where he took an interest in learning American Sign Language to communicate with a group of individuals who seemed isolated and lived in a prison within a prison. Scott witnessed a disconnect between the deaf men and prison staff, opportunities for programming, and religious services. It was then he set out to become an advocate for that underserved population.

Chief Ramirez leads the U.S. Probation Department in the Eastern District of Louisiana. A longtime federal probation employee, she began her service in Texas. In Colorado, she was an adjunct criminal justice instructor, served on the Criminal Justice Department Advisory Board, mentored at Denver Kids, and was on a team of distinguished criminal justice professionals committed to educating and advocating for at-risk youth. She also spent time in California which included participating in San Francisco's Project Homeless Connect where wrap-around services are provided to the Bay Area Community.

Topeka K. Sam is the Founder and Executive Director of The Ladies of Hope Ministries — The LOHM — whose mission is to help disenfranchised and marginalized women and girls transition back into society through spiritual empowerment, education, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. She is also the founder of HOPE HOUSE NYC – a safe housing space for women and girls. Topeka serves on the board of directors for Grassroots Leadership and Operation Restoration.

After serving 13 years and nine months in prison for armed robbery, Patrick knows first-hand what is needed when trying to start your life over. With low self-esteem, he had to beg and borrow clothing and shoes just to be seen as normal. Patrick is one of the leading reentry experts in the city of New Orleans.