@DefyVentures profile picture
Defy Ventures @DefyVentures

Defy is an entrepreneurship, employment, and leadership training program that serves people with criminal histories.

Joined March 2011
  • Tweets 2,955
  • Following 3,102
  • Followers 7,430
578 Photos and videos
We are thrilled to announce a $1M gift from @SmartRecruiters!🎉 This gift will help double the number of people we serve annually by 2030. Thanks to SmartRecruiters for investing in #secondchances! Read more: defyventures.org/smartrecrui…
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Thanks to @agarfinks for volunteering with Defy & for her insightful article on her experience in @thetermsheet newsletter. Read the full article here to learn how this experience impacts both our program participants & volunteers: bit.ly/4cJfpke

Defy Ventures teaches entrepreneurship in prisons. It changed how I think about founders

Andrew Glazier is the CEO of Defy Ventures, a nonprofit running entrepreneurship training programs in prisons. And twice now, I’ve tagged along at Defy events.

ca.style.yahoo.com
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In the mood for snack? From 10/17-10/21, head over to @DoADoubleGood Popcorn & help our Defy Illinois chapter raise vital funds to serve more justice-impacted people who need access to educational & vocational opportunities! popup.doublegood.com/s/z961y… #givingback #reentryprograms
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JCOD Director Judge Songhai Armstead (ret.) joined @DefyVentures to provide support and coaching during the Business Coaching Day at the California Correctional Institution (CCI) this past month on July 10th.
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Our SoCal chapter shares their mid-year success with LA2050. Thank you to @LA2050 for supporting our work of second chances, fair chance hiring, and economic opportunity!
LA2050
@LA2050
3 Jul 2024
Congratulations to @DefyVentures’ class of Entrepreneurs in Training who graduated on April 29th! This update is part of Defy Ventures' mid-year grantee update, which you can read here: l8r.it/vtGi
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“It was great seeing the impact our community leaders had on the (entrepreneur trainees), investing their knowledge and support and spreading a message of hope.” - Community Resources Manager Harrison Glin
CA Corrections
@CACorrections
12 Jun 2024
The California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) in Norco hosted their first Defy Ventures Coaching Day for entrepreneurs-in-training. Read the full story on Inside CDCR: cdcr.ca.gov/insidecdcr/2024/…
Defy Ventures volunteers coach incarcerated entrepreneurs-in-training at the California Rehabilitation Center in Norco.

ALT Defy Ventures volunteers coach incarcerated entrepreneurs-in-training at the California Rehabilitation Center in Norco.

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Defy Ventures retweeted
John Howard Assn.
@JHAofIllinois
3 Jun 2024
So great to join @DefyVentures' Business Pitch Showcase and Graduation last week and to speak to their Entrepreneurs in Training - thank you for including JHA!
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Read more about how Defy helps individuals with incarceration histories find ways to employment and prevent recidivism. #defytheodds
CalMatters@CalMatters
26 Apr 2024
An anti-recidivism nonprofit helps formerly incarcerated people start businesses and get tech jobs. Meet Timothy Jackson, who spent 12 years in prison and got out in 2017. He now runs his own business and employs five others. 1/5
Photo: Timothy Jackson Quote: Five, six years later and I’m signing checks. This is crazy.” Source: Timothy Jackson spent 12 years in prison and got out in 2017. After enrolling in a training program, he now runs his own business and employs five others.

ALT Photo: Timothy Jackson Quote: Five, six years later and I’m signing checks. This is crazy.” Source: Timothy Jackson spent 12 years in prison and got out in 2017. After enrolling in a training program, he now runs his own business and employs five others.

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Defy Ventures retweeted
Center for Changing Lives@CCLchicago
30 Apr 2024
On April 23rd, our Small Business Coach and Team Lead Jeremy, (aka "Jubilant Jeremy, as seen in the screenshot below) was part of @DefyVentures' Deep Dive Business Coaching Night! A virtual space for currently/formerly incarcerated EITs to work on their business ideas.🤩
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Upcoming #volunteer event deadline 🙌
LA2050
@LA2050
27 Mar 2024
#EVENT LA2050 is partnering with 24 organizations to host a range of impactful volunteer activations across LA. You can Support Second Chances w/ @DefyVentures virtually on 4/3. Details: l8r.it/pbaI 🖥️
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Defy Ventures retweeted
LA2050
@LA2050
18 Mar 2024
We’re partnering with 24 organizations across LA County to host diverse volunteer activations during LA2050 Grants Challenge voting, from April 2nd to May 8th. You can clean the beach, help a former foster youth move into their first home, assemble lunches for those in need, beautify an elementary school garden, and more! Check it out: la2050.org/grants-challenge/…
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Are you based in Illinois, love podcasts & stories of resilience and drive? Sign up for @ChangeAgentspod and Defy’s podcast listening event happening on March 5th! bit.ly/3HZLSlF P.S. don't forget to invite a friend!
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🌟 Exciting News from Defy Alumni! 🌟 Defy alumni Coss Marte’s entrepreneurial journey after prison is being featured in the Sundance documentary film “Conbody vs Everybody”! 🎬✨✨ moviemaker.com/conbody-coss-… #DefyAlumni #ConbodyVsEverybody #SundanceFilm #SuccessStory

In Conbody vs Everybody, Coss Marte Turns Lives Around With a Prison Workout

Conbody founder Coss Marte was in solitary when he developed a fitness program in solitary confinement. It's changing lives.

moviemaker.com
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Did you know that Defy has chapters across the country? And behind each Defy chapter, there is a dedicated executive director who believes 2nd chances are possible for everyone! Why? ED Quan shares his thoughts below: Donate to our Why-athon campaign at bit.ly/support-defy-23
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Appreciation to @NASDAQ for this detailed profile of Defy’s work! We invite you to explore the insights shared by CEO & President Glazier, shedding light on our mission to cut recidivism in half and shift perceptions about people with criminal histories. bit.ly/nasdaq-defy-profile
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Have you ever wondered WHY Defy #volunteers are the heartbeat of positive change? Longtime and dedicated volunteer Adriana shares this: “The programs [...] foster genuine human connections that transcend societal boundaries. These experiences have been immensely fulfilling.”
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WHY is Defy valuable for EITs? Here's what EIT Michael had to say: “The most important thing that I’ve learned from Defy is how to simply become a better person.” Will you help us expand our impact next year & help more EITS in 2024? Donate at bit.ly/support-defy-23 #GiveBack
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Defy believes in the powerful transformation of 2nd chances for our EITs. If you’ve ever experienced the life-changing impact of a 2nd chance, would you consider supporting it for others with a gift to Defy? Learn more & donate at bit.ly/support-defy-23 #GivingTuesday2023
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Defy Ventures retweeted
LA2050
@LA2050
6 Nov 2023
Want to leave a powerful statement? Our 2023 Grants Challenge winner, @DefyVentures, has volunteer opportunities for those seeking to be more involved with prison programs and community-based projects. Check out all the details: l8r.it/thHM
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Defy's virtual auction is now live! bit.ly/defy2023auction All of the items in our auction—from custom cooking experiences and fine dining to vacation stays and sports tickets—support second chances by funding Defy’s transformative programs for Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs).
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