Reentry Keys Summit

“For many attendees, this was the first room they’d entered where their lived experience was treated as expertise.”

Connecting and Empowering a Reentry Ecosystem of Care

The Reentry Keys Summit is not just a conference. It is a gathering where justice-impacted individuals, advocates, employers, educators, policymakers, and community leaders come together to build a reentry ecosystem rooted in dignity, access, and opportunity.

The Reentry Keys Summit is intentionally designed as a learning, healing, and action-oriented space. Inside the summit, participants engage in:

Workshops focused on entrepreneurship, workforce readiness, financial literacy, and leadership
Advocacy sessions that elevate policy, systems change, and lived experience
Networking opportunities that connect returning citizens with employers, educators, and service providers
Resource fairs offering direct access to reentry services and community support

Lived life experience and trusted messengers at the forefront

This two-day event focuses on empowering those impacted by the justice system, by embracing entrepreneurship and the burgeoning field of Artificial Intelligence.

This summit goes beyond discussions; it serves as a valuable resource center. Participants will have access to a wide range of resources from different vendors, educational institutions, and funding organizations. These resources are designed to support individuals in furthering their education or launching their entrepreneurial endeavors.

Leading voices & speakers

Industry leaders, legal experts, advocates, and returning citizens share the stage to model what inclusive leadership truly looks like.

Pastor Troy Vaughn

Executive Director, LARRP

Dr. Rick Willamson

Co-Founder, EMMADA

Iman Jaffrey, Esq

Jaffrey Law Group

Sam Lewis

Executive Director, ARC

Champion of Justice Award

Reentry From the Inside Out

Long Beach, CA – For the first time, a California state prison will host a two-day reentry summit, equipping incarcerated men with financial literacy, career training, and entrepreneurial tools before their release and tools they can use inside. The initiative aligns with the new California Model, which emphasizes rehabilitation to combat the state’s 60% recidivism rate and will take place during National Second Chance Month, April 12th to April 13th.

Switch the Hustle: Level Up from the Inside Out Reentry Summit, at Chino Men’s Prison is led by Ronnie’s House in partnership with the Emmada Institute, Cal State Long Beach Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and justice reform organizations like the Amity Foundation and others.

This summit marks a first-of-its-kind initiative within the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), signaling a shift toward more proactive reentry support inside correctional facilities. “The California Institution for Men (CIM) in Chino is excited to host this groundbreaking reentry summit because we see the department evolving, and we want to be part of its evolution,” said Warden Eric Mejia.

The event opened with trauma-informed care workshops, focusing on emotional literacy, stress management, and mental wellness—critical factors in successful reintegration. Special attention will be given to relationship-building and domestic violence prevention, both key components in reducing recidivism. “Mental health and wellness are essential for building a fulfilling life, fostering healthy relationships, and embracing new opportunities. This summit empowers justice-impacted individuals to turn challenges into strengths, develop and build a positive future,” said Dr. Rick Williamson of the Emmada Institute. Financial literacy sessions will cover credit management, school funding, and pathways into high-growth careers such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and green energy. On day two, the focus will shift to entrepreneurship and nonprofit development, giving participants the tools to launch their own businesses and community programs. “Those impacted by the system have a 40% chance of starting a business or launching a nonprofit which can turn their setbacks and pain into a deeper purpose, said Shirin Senegal, Executive Director of Ronnie’s House. We are grateful for the amazing team at Chino, such as Community Resource Manager, Angel Wirth who is dedicated to the California Model. It takes a village to decrease recidivism.