The Prison Startup | Chrisfino Kenyatta Leal | TEDxMarin

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. “The Last Mile”, a entrepreneurial education program at San Quentin State Prison offers more than business advice - it gives opportunity, community and hope. Speaking for the venture capital-backed initiative, former life sentence inmate and founding program member Kenyatta Leal shares his triumphant journey and the life-affirming power of building an empowered and connected community within the walls of San Quentin.
Former San Quentin Inmate and First Graduate of "The Last Mile”. Kenyatta Leal spent nearly 19 years incarcerated within the California prison system for possession of a firearm under California’s Three Strikes Law. Throughout his incarceration Kenyatta spent his time preparing for his future academically, vocationally, and spiritually. Upon his arrival at San Quentin, Kenyatta was inspired by a number of men who had turned their lives around by committing themselves to the process of change. A high school dropout at 17, Kenyatta decided then to begin his journey to earn his GED and, ultimately, his Associates of Arts degree. In 2011 Kenyatta earned his Associate of Arts Degree from Patten University and graduated as Class Valedictorian with a 3.95 GPA. In 2011 Kenyatta became a founding member of The Last Mile, an entrepreneurial program sponsored by San Francisco Venture Capitalists Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti.
About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[@mrmarvellous5378]

Awesome

[@SpirulinaKid]

I had the privilege of interacting with Kenyatta at San Quentin. Few have the ability to balance homeboy and mentor. He continues to be a beacon shining bright for us all