Real Stories, Real Change
Fair chance hiring is personal to us here at Awake. More than half of our team is justice-impacted. They are coworkers, leaders, mentors, and friends.
They are people who have worked hard to rebuild their lives and who show up every day with resilience, skill, and commitment. Fair chance hiring isn’t a program we follow. It’s part of who we are.
Our Partnership with RBIJ
Through our partnership with the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice, we’ve had the opportunity to expand that mission beyond our production floor. As members of the Workforce Justice Alliance, we’re connected to a broader movement working to open doors that have been closed for far too long.
Recently, that work came to life in a new way.
The Person Next to You
Our company launched a podcast, The Person Next to You, hosted by Awake team members Joe and Jessica. The idea is simple: create space for real conversations with the people we work alongside every day. These are stories of growth, setbacks, accountability, and transformation — the kind of stories that don’t often get told, but should.
That work caught the attention of RBIJ, who invited Joe and Jessica to host a live event featuring Jesse Crosson, author of The Best Part of Prison.
Jesse Crosson — A Conversation Worth Having
Jesse, who is formerly incarcerated, shared not only his personal journey but also the realities many people face when trying to rebuild after prison. Barriers to employment, housing, and basic stability are still very real.
But the conversation didn’t stop at challenges. Jesse also spoke about practical, tangible ways companies can implement fair chance hiring — how small shifts in policy and mindset can create real opportunity. How giving someone a chance doesn’t just change their life. It strengthens teams, communities, and businesses.
He also shared insights from his organization, Night As Day, which focuses on supporting individuals as they reenter society and build sustainable futures.
“The person next to you has a story you don’t see. And sometimes, all it takes is one opportunity for that story to change direction.”
Take a Moment This Month to Lean In
Read the Book
Visit Jesse’s website and explore his book, The Best Part of Prison.
Listen to the Podcast
Listen to The Person Next to You and hear these stories firsthand.
Start Hiring
If you’re in a position to hire, lead, or influence policy, consider what fair chance hiring could look like in your organization. Awake is here to help you get started.