Dear friend,

This Women’s History Month, I want to talk about a talent pool that often goes overlooked: justice-impacted women.  

Each year, over two million women return home from incarceration in the U.S., and thousands more are released in the U.K., ready to reenter the workforce and provide for themselves and their families. But too often, they’re shut out — due to employer background checks, outdated occupational licensing laws, and other systemic challenges that are only worsened by existing gender disparities. These barriers don’t just hurt them; they weaken businesses, communities, and the economy. 

The good news? Businesses have the power to change that. Companies can break down employment barriers for justice-impacted women by advocating for policies that expand workforce opportunities and making sure their own hiring practices give all justice-impacted applicants, regardless of gender, a fair chance to succeed.    

This Women’s History Month and beyond, we’re dedicated to amplifying the voices of women with criminal records — and the companies that empower them to thrive. Through inclusive hiring and opportunity-expanding justice reform, the justice-impacted women hired today can become the business leaders of tomorrow, bringing their resilience and dedication to everything they do.  

Let's make justice our business, 

Maha Jweied

CEO

Women's History Month Webinar: A Celebration of Women Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners Advancing Justice (March 20)

March is Women’s History Month in the U.S. and the U.K. and, alongside our partners at Small Business Majority, we’re celebrating by bringing you an event that focuses on women entrepreneurs and business owners who are committed to advancing justice in the workforce. Featured speakers include Maggie O’Donnell from RBIJ, Rachel Shanklin from Small Business Majority, Liliana Cornado from The Parzival Group, Kenya Jenkins from Lillian’s Southern Box Catering, Cheri Garcia from Cornbread Hustle, and Charlotte Garnes from ReNForce. Register here for this free event. 

Justice Champion Spotlight: ConCreates, Inc.

ConCreates is a creative agency powered by currently and formerly incarcerated individuals — helping transform their talent into promising careers in marketing and communications. We heard from CEO & Co-Founder Vincent Bragg about the power of storytelling, the need to combat the stigma of a criminal record, and why more businesses should consider Second Chance Hiring. Read the Q&A here. 

2025 Workforce & Justice Summit: New Speakers Announced! 

Our speaker lineup is growing! Join us in Seattle from May 13-14 to hear from business leaders like Larry Miller (Chairman, Jordan Brand Advisory Board), Michelle Cirocco (Chief Executive Officer, Televerde Foundation; Chief Impact Officer, Televerde), philanthropic leaders like Ken Oliver (Chief Innovation Officer, The Just Trust), bestselling author Lara Love Hardin, and more. Register your interest here.  

Summer Internship Opportunity: Policy & Advocacy  

RBIJ is seeking a student intern to join our Policy & Advocacy team and support our work mobilizing businesses to champion critical criminal justice reforms. Applicants can apply by submitting a cover letter and resume to applications@rbij.org by March 30, 2025. Read the role description. 

POLICY & ADVOCACY UPDATES

Business Leaders Push for Clean Slate Bills in Maryland and Missouri 

Clean Slate legislation, which would automatically seal the criminal records of hundreds of thousands of working-age Marylanders, continues to gain strong business support. Eight companies have testified in favor of the state’s two bills as they moved through both the Senate and House Judiciary Committees in recent weeks.  

Momentum is also building in Missouri, where RBIJ joined seven influential businesses and chambers in testifying for the state’s Clean Slate bill. The legislation was heard last month in the Senate Judiciary Committee and House Economic Development Committee. Maryland and Missouri businesses who'd like to support these efforts can email maggie@rbij.org for more information. 

Business Leaders: Take Action Against the Death Penalty in Louisiana & California  

After 15 years without executions, Louisiana is attempting to resume them this month, drawing widespread opposition. Meanwhile, in California, advocates are urging Governor Gavin Newsom to commute eligible death sentences — effectively shielding individuals from future execution risk. RBIJ is calling on business leaders in both states to lend their voices to these urgent issues. If you represent a business that has operations in these states and would like to take action, please reach out to lena@rbij.org or sign the Business Leaders’ Declaration Against the Death Penalty to join in.  

INCLUSIVE HIRING UPDATES

Welcoming Delaware Businesses into the Equitable Hiring Initiative  

RBIJ had the pleasure of meeting with businesses and funders from the Delaware Equitable Hiring Initiative at a welcome breakfast hosted by local construction company EDiS last month. The event brought employer partners together to connect in person and discuss solutions to break down employment barriers for Delaware’s “hidden workers.” Thank you to Brian DiSabatino, President and CEO of EDiS and President of Delaware Business Roundtable, for hosting this important gathering at EDiS’s Wilmington office. Learn more about DE EHI. 

Upcoming Event: Find RBIJ at Talent Management Reloaded USA (March 25-27 | Chicago) 

At this annual networking event for talent leaders, RBIJ will lead an Icebreaker Roundtable on how inclusive hiring supports justice reform and a thriving workforce. Learn more and register. 

RBIJ is an independent nonprofit organization. Support from donations helps fund our work to improve the criminal justice system.