Blog: Reflections from the Women of the Channel West Summit
By Michelle Cirocco, CEO, Televerde Foundation and Chief Social Responsibility Officer, Televerde
When I sat down to write this blog, I found myself reflecting on Televerde's humble beginnings, and I couldn't help but smile. Picture this: It's 1994. A budding company, not yet fully established, is planting its roots in a modest trailer on the grounds of an Arizona women’s prison. Armed with just a few IBM computers, a couple of phones, and a handful of women eager to reshape their futures, it unknowingly stood at the edge of profound transformation.
At this time, the digital age is also accelerating. While the world would eventually grapple with the challenges of Y2K and the dotcom explosion, Televerde—an unlikely company with an unlikely workforce—found itself on the precipice of the technological revolution. While many were captivated by the booming tech sector, we were quietly pioneering a model that empowered women, long before the dialogues on women in tech or women in revenue became mainstream. By generating leads for big tech companies, we not only contributed to solving critical technological challenges but also championed the role of women in this rapidly evolving industry, providing them with careers in tech and a path to reinvention.
Fast-forward three decades to the prestigious Women of the Channel West Summit in Palm Springs, California. Here, Alicia and I found ourselves on stage sharing our journeys from cell block to c-suite and receiving an enthusiastic embrace from every single attendee. This incredible support is a testament to how far we and society have evolved. So yes, I find myself smiling a lot!
Believe me, we are both still exhilarated by the overwhelming reception we received! It was a deeply personal and humbling experience to share our journeys—our transformations—and the powerful impact of belief and opportunity with such a supportive audience.
Our Shared Journey
During our keynote, Alicia and I shared three key takeaways that we believe can make a difference in your journey and, hopefully, in the journey of others. I thought I would reshare these:
- What’s Your Story?
Consider the worst decisions or biggest mistakes you’ve made. How would you feel if your life was defined by that moment? Instead of judging, let’s commit to seeing beyond the mistakes and recognizing the potential within each person.
- We All Have a Story
We all carry stories of failure, shame, and trauma that affect our self-perception. But you are good enough, smart enough, and have a purpose. Believe in yourself, trust your vision, and take that first step. It’s the hardest step to take but also the most rewarding.
- Help Someone Else Create Their Own Story
Many of us wouldn’t be where we are without someone else believing in us. Be that person for someone else. Seek out their potential, understand their dreams, and provide opportunities to achieve them. Write down the name of someone you can invest in and take action to support their journey.
Getting to Know Us
Many of you asked how you could get involved in supporting our work, so here’s some ideas:
- Schedule a Visit: Email Alicia or me or connect with us on Linkedin to schedule a visit to one of our workforce development centers in Arizona, Indiana, or Florida. Hearing about the work we do is one thing but experiencing it up close is next level!
- Take a Seat at the Televerde Virtual Roundtable: Unable to visit our centers in person? Join our virtual roundtable instead, where incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women and men share their inspiring stories of transformation. This platform offers a unique opportunity to witness the profound changes and discuss ways we can collectively support their journeys.
- Get Involved: Volunteer for mock interviews or professional mentorship through Televerde Foundation to help women prepare for reentry into the global workforce. Your personal or virtual involvement can have a profound impact.
- Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
We’d love to stay connected and keep the conversation going. Given our shared experiences and connections, we believe there's a lot we can learn from each other. Please feel free to reach out to us directly at [email protected] or [email protected].
Thank you again for your incredible support and for making our experience at the summit unforgettable. Together, we can continue to champion second chances and create a more inclusive, supportive society.
Bio: Michelle Cirocco is the CEO of Televerde Foundation and Chief Impact Officer for Televerde. Joining Televerde in 1999, she has been recognized as one of the World-Changing Women in Conscious Business and Most Admired Leader by the Phoenix Business Journal. Featured in Forbes, Michelle's journey showcases her dedication to using business for good. Michelle earned her MBA from Arizona State University where she was recently inducted into the Hall of Fame and serves on the Dean’s Advisory Council. She also serves on the boards for Responsible Business Initiative for Justice, Sixth Amendment Center and Legacy where she advocates for second chances, responsible business and women’s empowerment.