You Belong Here with Beth Ruffin

Listen to this week's episode with Lester Young, Jr. as we discuss how to support formerly incarcerated people.

Lester Young, Jr is a native of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. At the age of 19, Lester was given a life sentence (with the possibility of parole after serving 20 years). During his time in prison, Lester struggled with finding redemption and often wondered what his purpose was. While journaling he asked himself this question, “What is the footprint you want to leave in this world?” It was then that he realized his purpose was to be “that” voice to help at risk youth. With approval from the warden, Lester along with the prison chaplain began meeting to create outlines, programs, and classes to instruct and mentor fellow inmates. This is where the idea of him establishing his non-profit organization “Path2Redemption” got its start. On May 15, 2014 (22 years and 5 months later), Lester was released on parole. Even after his release, the outlines of his programs are still being taught in prison.

Mr. Young is setting a new standard for “living a life of redemption”. His commitment to advocating for criminal reform is changing the way society has been proportioned to deal with incarcerated individuals transitioning back into society upon release from prison. As the “Statewide Organizer for South Carolina at JustLeadershipUSA, he specializes in developing and managing innovative campaigns in multiple cities. Lester is widely known for his work with the Mayor of Columbia, SC; in having the first statewide ordinance passed for JustLeadershipUSA’s current campaign entitled “#Banthebox”. This campaign gives incarcerated individuals the chance to complete applications, job and/or housing, without being discriminated against for past convictions

You can reach him at: 

Facebook - Lester Young

Twitter - lester972

Instagram - path2redemption

Email - [email protected]

lester young - FB

lester972 - TW

path2redemption - IG

[email protected]

Listen to this week's conversation with Brianne Benness as we discuss chronic illness.

Brianne Benness is a writer, editor, TEDx speaker, and the host of No End in Sight, a podcast about life with chronic illness. Brianne is also a co-founder of a monthly Toronto-based storytelling event called Stories We Don't Tell, which recently published its first anthology of vulnerable stories about tough topics.

You can connect with Brianne at noendinsight.co or on Twitter @bennessb.

Kayla Mallett is a Black woman organizer and mom.

In the summer of 2019, Kayla launched Black Women 2020, a project designed to explore what it means for Black women (especially in the state of South Carolina) to feel safe, seen, and supported. Since it's inception the project has hosted over 17 discussions with Black women, including events with 2020 Democratic primary candidates.

A native of Manning, SC, Kayla's values are rooted deeply in the ideals of community and collectivism.

Kayla believes everyone wins when Black women win.

Listen as we discuss how Kayla elevates the voices of Black women through her activism.

Introducing the "At the Table" podcast with Beth Ruffin!  

Hi, I’m Beth Ruffin and I’m committed to making our world more inclusive through consulting, coaching, and speaking. I believe everyone deserves a seat at the table, so I started this podcast to highlight the underrepresented. The marginalized. The diminished. The underappreciated. I wanted to create a platform to elevate their voices. So come join me, have a seat At the Table, and let’s chat!