Overcoming defeat with a single gesture | Samantha Rucker | TEDxPerryvilleCorrectional 2018
From Samantha: "In today’s world, defeat eats at the heart of most of us but by calling to attention a word or gesture. We can begin the healing process. I wrote “One Word – One Gesture,” because I believe it is our responsibility to encourage and motivate one another. In this life, we all have gone through tragedies and what we share in these experiences is that defeating feeling, but words and gestures are the key to overcoming. Every day on the news we see stories of heartbreak and heartache, yet with these stories there are signs of victory, where people from all walks of life, help one another, motivate one another and make a difference. My own grandmother was limited in education and had very little money, but as I grew up, I watched her lend a hand, sit and listen with care, and in showing me those gestures she unknowingly passed it down to me. My passion lies in helping where I am needed. Despite my current situation, it is not hard to give a hug, cry with someone, or offer words of encouragement. I have found healing in learning that my place on this earth is to be that voice that says, “The world we live in, the lives we lead are hard, yet we can prevail." In this life we have to learn it doesn’t matter if we’re rich, homeless, or locked up, our words are power. With that power, we can change lives and outlooks. We have to do this together because at the end of the day, we are all that we have, sharing this world and relishing on the chance to motivate one another. PASSION, means passing it on. (pass-i-on), and as long as I have a voice, I will continue to pass along gestures of love, hope, inspiration because that’s what we all we’re put here to do. Don’t ever think your words are useless, because words are the things that change lives!"
Rise above the pain | Renee B | TEDxPerryvilleCorrectional 2018
Renee tells the story about life on the inside. Through the use of soft folk like melodies, she guides the audience through the fears and doubts that come with a life behind bars. Renee is an avid musician and loves the act of storytelling through song. Although initially nervous to share her folk music melodies with the TEDxPerryvilleCorrectional team, she overcame her fears and performed a beautiful song about the fears and doubts that came with a life behind bars. Renee is currently a resident of the ADOC at Perryville.
We gotta live together | Blessed Crew | TEDxPerryvilleCorrectional 2018
The Blessed Crew is a group of strong, diverse women who are residents of the ADOC - Perryville. Together they showcase the long-practiced dance genre, ‘step.' Much of their music is focused on the idea of striving for change and empowerment for all. In this performance they provide a collection of step routines created specifically for TEDxPerryvilleCorrectional. The Blessed Crew showcases the long-practiced dance genre of ‘step’ and is made up of a group of strong, diverse women striving for change and empowerment for all.
The climb from Perryville Correctional | Sarah R | TEDxPerryvilleCorrectional 2018
Nervous at first, Sarah eventually overcame her fear and auditioned for TEDxPerryvilleCorrectional. She knew this was an opportunity to share her musical talent with the greater Perryville and Phoenix community. She chose to sing a rendition of “The Climb,” originally performed by Miley Cyrus, as a tribute to the journey ahead of the women as they face their future. Sarah has always found solace in music. It’s her escape; a way she expresses her creativity and copes with a range of emotions both negative and positive. Sarah hopes that through singing she can help others deal with many of the emotional issues we struggle with on a daily basis. She is currently a resident of ADOC-Perryville.
My journey from privilege to prison | James Hooker | TEDxPerryvilleCorrectional 2018
As the CEO of Televerde, a sales and marketing demand generation company who runs contact centers out of the Perryville Prison Complex in Arizona and the Rockville Correctional Facility in Indiana, Jim knows too well that while may all be created equal, we’re not born equal. We’re automatically categorized by society based on circumstances, not by decisions we’ve made. For many, these categories last a lifetime and are near impossible to change. Why is this? This is even more true for those being released from prison in the United States. Regardless of their crime, their intellect, or their spirit, they are categorized into a single checkbox: a criminal. Withheld from working in favorable jobs or moving into thriving communities. For many, this categorization lasts a lifetime and is near impossible to change. “I believe we can all rethink how we look at those incarcerated. Discarding people for the rest of their lives, based on a decision they made on the worst day of their life, is such a waste of human potential.” In 1995, James Hooker’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to develop Televerde to help companies fill their sales pipelines and marketing funnels through insights and demand generation teleservices. Jim has set an extreme customer service culture and an always get better attitude to deliver results for clients. Prior to Televerde, Jim served as President and COO of Pacific Corp Capital, Executive Vice President for Pacific Atlantic and President and CEO of Ceres Capital Corp. Jim received is BA from Washington & Lee University and his MBA from American University. He has been a world-class novice bridge player in the American Contract Bridge League, and was voted “The Best Parent Fan” in support of his son Joey’s Big Red Cornell wrestling team.
How to handle precocious women | Marcia Reynolds | TEDxPerryvilleCorrectional 2018
There is a calling for women to speak up and take charge, yet when they speak truth to power, they encounter stigmas and bias that make them feel as if something is wrong with them. Leadership consultant and coach, Dr. Marcia Reynolds, focused her doctoral research on defining the challenges that assertive, purpose-driven women face in work and in life. Some prevail but many burnout, losing their sense of value and sometimes, their sense of self. Dr. Reynolds lived this scenario growing up when she was labeled “smart ass” “bitch” and “precocious child.” After bad choices led her to jail, it was her cellmate that taught her she was a smart, strong woman who shouldn’t be silenced. Reenergized, she earned degrees and fought her way up corporate ladders. Her struggles then helped her define the inner conflicts and restlessness that many women experience when contending with ongoing attempts to make them well-mannered. This talk shares what she found and stories from her book, Wander Woman: How High-Achieving Women Find Contentment and Direction. It’s not only the women, but all society suffers by not appreciating what strong and opinionated women have to offer. The time is right to embrace Precocious Women. Dr. Marcia Reynolds is fascinated by the brain. She draws on her research as she coaches and trains leaders to recognize and bring out the brilliance in others through meaningful conversations. She has worked with leaders in 38 countries, including top universities such as the Harvard Kennedy School, Cornell University, and the Moscow School of Management. Dr. Reynolds is a pioneer in the coaching profession.Interviews and excerpts from Marcia’s books have appeared in many places including Fast Company, Psychology Today, and The Wall Street Journal. Marcia’s doctoral degree is in organizational psychology and she has two master’s degrees in education and communications.
SILENCE any story that tells you this is the end | Julia Garcia | TEDxPerryvilleCorrectional 2018
Inspired by the incredible women she met and worked together with at Perryville Women’s Prison, nationally renowned speaker and performance poet, Julia Garcia, wrote this original piece in order to release the feelings of unworthiness and captivity that so many of us struggle with. Every breath she took and word she spoke is dedicated to unheard voices and courageous woman everywhere who continue to rise above their circumstances and own their innate power to rewrite their stories. “As we hold on to the hope that breathes life inside of us all, we have to remember that we ALL fall, but still, we must SILENCE any story that tells us that this is the end…” Whether it's through her powerful speaking style, edgy performance poetry. revealing memoir, small n' mighty tech startup, or her doctoral research, Julia Garcia, is a young biracial woman who is changing the game and leading our generation in some pretty powerful and urgent conversations.
Hickory dickory rox | Roxanne R | TEDxPerryvilleCorrectional 2018
Roxanne was a carefree individual, driven by bringing joy to others, always willing to crack a joke. She was a lover of travel and saw a world filled with opportunity and adventure. Abruptly all of that changed. As a result of her actions one fateful night, she would lose much more than just a few of years of her life to Perryville State Prison. She lost much of her core identity as well. Faced with nothing but the contemplation of time, she began to write. A good friend of hers encouraged her to write her story in line with a fairy tale or nursery rhyme. This is when she wrote, “Hickory Dickory Rox.” Two years later, TEDx came to Perryville. She took this opportunity to bring her poem to life. With the help of her friend Raeann, an Arizona native who loves her children, they were able to paint a picture of what Roxanne was feeling prior to her incarceration. For many people, prison can seem like a hopeless place. Roxanne saw it as an opportunity for growth and change. It was because of this mindset that she was able to rediscover her passions and focus on her future.
Plugged in | Sheena Knox | TEDxPerryvilleCorrectional 2018
Being one of the many faces of our country’s forgotten communities, Sheena gives you a glimpse inside these landscapes. Her weaving of stories gives you insight to her misfortunes but leaves you with seeds of hope and a call to action for our inner cities. “My heart was found and left within the inner city but my passion lays within the building blocks that allow these lost communities to thrive and succeed." From Sheena: "I was born and grew up in a disadvantaged environment; I’ve witnessed, and many times been a victim of the very dark things of this environment. Within the darkness there has always been a silver lining called 'light.' This light grew brighter and intensified when I became a mother of four beautiful children. These inspirations motivated me to build up these communities I was a part of. There are families just like mine in these communities. They want the same as each family unit wants: stability, confidence, security and opportunity. We all want the opportunity to leave a positive and lasting legacy for our generations to come." Sheena is not merely interested or concerned with community building; this is her passion. She calls this her life’s purpose and she will continue to be the fierce advocate for community building.
Today I feel like I'm evolving | Joey Cook | TEDxPerryvilleCorrectional 2018
The song “Today I Feel Like I’m Evolving” is a cover, originally written and performed by a band called River City Extension, and is featured on their 2010 record “The Unmistakable Man”. A record that has impacted Joey time and time again over the years. Joey Cook initially rose to fame on Season 14 of American Idol in 2015. Since then she has toured and recorded with the internationally known jazz ensemble, “Postmodern Jukebox”, as well as released her first studio album “Welcome To The Variety Show”. Her much anticipated new record is due to be released in 2018.
I'll be alright | Shannon R | TEDxPerryvilleCorrectional 2018
From Shannon: "It’s titled ‘I’ll be Alright.’ I wrote this song with a vibe that comes from positive energy. I made this song to be more inspirational on purpose. So I can lead by example. The first piece I performed gives a hard knock life description while the next one introduces strength as the key to survival. Telling everyone that I will move forward, despite my past; I survived. “I’ll get through this trial, and I will rise.” This is the message I wanted to send to all of the women in my position. TEDx allowed me to share this message." Updating Bio This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
Why don't you just do you | Kiki P | TEDxPerryvilleCorrectional 2018
In an effort to share with the public what life is like on the inside, KiKi performs a piece titled, “Why don’t you just do you,” detailing the negative impact judging others has on an individual. She shows what the human heart is capable of when inspired by feelings of love, forgiveness and transformation. Watch as she showcases a unique perspective of life on the “yard.”
Hard for me | Shannon R | TEDxPerryvilleCorrectional 2018
From Shannon: "The song I performed is titled ‘Hard for Me.’ I always wanted to show this piece of music that I wrote to the world because it describes what I went through as a child, and how I felt. It also explains my history, detailing how I made it to the Department of Corrections. Although my history is common, I wanted people to relate in the sense of the individual. This was ME in that situation at one point in my life. Here I am now, for the past no longer exists. Though, I’ve done something with it. I have created a song out of it by using my talent. Even though I made it to this correctional facility today, I am strong and I can make changes to do something different. I can lead a different life to feel better about myself."
The power of your thoughts | Yasiman Esmaeili | TEDxPerryvilleCorrectional 2018
"I had unknowingly been creating my own misery and depression for years. It never occurred to me to stop and examine my own thoughts and attitudes because in my reality at the time, circumstances were always to blame for my behavior. Once incarcerated, all I had was time to figure out why I acted and thought the way I did. As it turns out, spending time in prison has been pivotal to my personal growth and self-discovery. It is here that I’ve learned the power that my thoughts carry. It is here that I’ve changed my old ways of thinking. And it is through TEDx that I have been given the opportunity to share this message with others."
Bars never break bonds: motherhood from the inside | Christy S | TEDxPerryvilleCorrectional 2018
"Bars will never break bonds." That's what Christy has always emphasized to her children, and what her mother always emphasized to her. "My mother was my biggest supporter." She helped look after her grandchildren by providing "stability, normalcy, confidence in their relationship with me." Christy continuously provided for her children through gifts on holidays and birthdays, braces, school clothes and any of their other financial needs. A devoted mother after 24 years of incarceration, she credits her thriving relationships with her children to constant and open communication. Incarcerated since the age of 22, Christy did not let that deter her from being the best mother she could be; from the inside out. Missing some of life’s most important moments were never easy. Instead of letting her situation envelop her, she decided she would stay strong for her children by living a productive life behind bars. This included getting her G.E.D., working a steady job for over 10 years to be able to financially support her three children and being a mentor for women struggling with a similar predicament. Although she was not there in person, she was always there in every way she could be.
Waltz of desperation | Joey Cook | TEDxPerryvilleCorrectional 2018
The song “Waltz of Desperation” is an original piece written by Joey Cook, and is featured her first album “Hey, I Love You!”, a record that she recorded using only her ukulele and an iPhone in 2012. The song is about uncovering your true colors beneath our calloused exterior, about remembering our past mistakes and experiences and learning from them instead of letting them control our lives. Joey Cook initially rose to fame on Season 14 of American Idol in 2015. Since then she has toured and recorded with the internationally known jazz ensemble, “Postmodern Jukebox”, as well as released her first studio album “Welcome To The Variety Show”. Her much anticipated new record is due to be released in 2018.
In plain sight: sex trafficking next door | Dominique Roe-Sepowitz | TEDxPerryvilleCorrectiona 2018
As the Director of the Arizona State University Office of Sex Trafficking Intervention Research and an associate professor in the School of Social Work at ASU, Dominique is all too familiar with the abuse and trauma women and men face when exiting prostitution rings. In addition to teaching, Dominique provides clinical intervention groups for women and men and focuses her research on women and violence with a focus on prostitution and the therapeutic needs for exiting. “It can happen anywhere. There are some things you should be on the lookout for. First of all, if your gut instinct tells you this is not a good person, listen to your body, listen to yourself.”Dominique Roe-Sepowitz is an associate professor in the School of Social Work at Arizona State University and she is the Director of the ASU Office of Sex Trafficking Intervention Research. Dominique has her Master’s degree and PhD in social work and is a researcher, professor and a forensic social work practitioner. Dominique's research focus is on women and violence with a focus on prostitution and the therapeutic needs for exiting. Her expertise includes sex trafficker profiles, establishing a prevalence of sex buyers, and sex trafficking victim prevention and intervention design. Dominique works very closely with community groups including the Phoenix Police Department, the Phoenix Prosecutor's Office and Catholic Charities DIGNITY programs.
Who's that girl | Dorothy W | TEDxPerryvilleCorrectional 2018
Dorothy of ASPC at Perryville, gives a rendition of "Reflection," originally performed by Christina Aguilera. Dorothy is a resident of ASPC - Perryville and is an avid singer with a beautiful voice.
Living breathing ROI | Valerie Ochoa | TEDxPerryvilleCorrectional 2018
Valerie Ochoa entered Perryville with no prior business acumen and zero experience in the sales and marketing industry. She never imagined the future ahead of her included being a successful sales leader from behind bars. Valerie found solace in Televerde, a company partnered with the Arizona Department of Corrections, which offers employment and skill building to incarcerated women. It was at Televerde that she discovered her natural ability to sell. Valerie describes the pros of utilizing a correctional workforce and the potential she recognized in herself because of this opportunity. “Not only do I believe in myself, but I know that anything is possible and there are no limits on what you can accomplish if you put your mind to it.”
Journeys of change | Karen Hellman | TEDxPerryvilleCorrectional 2018
As the Division Director for Inmate Programs and Re-Entry for the Arizona Department of Corrections, Karen is familiar with change. Growing up, she never thought she’d work in prison, but LOVES her job, mostly because of the change she gets to witness – and help create. She is all too familiar with the sentiment that if nothing changes, nothing changes and knows the in order for change to happen, you must have, not only the mindset but also the skillset. This goes both for inmates and the Arizona Department of Corrections. “Change is like lightening in a bottle when it happens. I see it happen and see it happen often. In order to create positive change, you need to provide opportunities to both change the mindset and the skillset. Mindset plus skillset equals change a true second chance.” Karen is the Division Director for Inmate Programs and Reentry at the Arizona Department of Corrections. In this capacity, she oversees Education, Counseling and Treatment Services, Religious Services, Arizona Correctional Industries, and Community Corrections. In 1996 she graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice with Masters in Forensic Psychology and began working at the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections. Karen also worked in the ALPHA Program at the Maricopa County Sherriff’s Department. She joined ADC in 2004 and has held a variety of positions related to addiction treatment before moving into the role she now occupies.