Steps to Success: An Evening of Transformation and Hope
CROP's Inaugural Signature Event Brings Together 250+ Champions of Second Chances
September 25, 2025 was an unforgettable eventing for CROP. Our inaugural Signature Event, Steps to Success: An Evening of Transformation and Hope, brought together an extraordinary coalition of dreamers and doers, proving that when we invest in people over punishment, entire communities transform.
A Convergence of Courage and Community
Inside the vibrant Bloc15 venue, over 250 attendees witnessed something remarkable: corporate executives, policy advocates, nonprofit leaders, and nearly 100 justice-impacted individuals standing together as equals, united by a shared vision of redemption and opportunity.
The evening showcased CROP's innovative approach to breaking the cycle of incarceration through comprehensive leadership development, industry-specific career training, and wraparound reentry support. But more than programs and statistics, this was a celebration of human resilience.
The Journey to Be Here
Perhaps no story captured the evening's spirit better than Kathryn Elam's. A CROP Fellow from Los Angeles, Kathryn shared that this was her first road trip in 18 years. After nearly two decades, her first journey wasn't for leisure, but to stand in solidarity with a community rewriting the narrative of reentry in America. Fellows drove hundreds of miles from Southern California because they understood: this wasn't just CROP's moment—it was theirs.
An Evening of Transformative Moments
From the moment CROP Program Coach, Michael Stone, commanded the stage with his original spoken word performance, electricity filled the air. Our dynamic MC duo, Terah Lawyer and Jason Bryant, masterfully guided the audience through an emotional journey that included:
The Fireside Chat That Changed Perspectives
A pinnacle moment arrived when renowned journalist and CROP Board Member Lisa Ling sat down with Larry Miller, former President of the Jordan Brand and the Portland Trail Blazers. This wasn't your typical corporate panel—it was raw, honest, and transformative.
Larry, who helped found the Jordan Brand at Nike in 1999 and led the Trail Blazers from 2007 to 2012, openly shared his journey from incarceration to the C-suite. Drawing from his memoir JUMP: My Secret Journey from the Streets to the Boardroom, he reminded everyone that talent exists everywhere—sometimes it just needs an opportunity to flourish.
Music That Moved Mountains
The energy reached new heights when JJ'88—featured in the Netflix documentary Songs from the Hole—took the stage. His performance wasn't just entertainment; it was testimony. Having served time with CROP's founders at Soledad Prison, JJ'88's presence embodied the transformative power of art, resilience, and community.
The evening culminated with a soul-stirring performance by Oakland R&B legend Goapele, whose voice and message of empowerment brought the entire room to its feet, creating a moment of collective hope and determination.
Community Action
When CROP Board Member Shelley Winner fearlessly launched our text-to-give campaign, the response was immediate and overwhelming. Starting with a $10,000 lead gift, our community raised over $22,000 in minutes—proof that investing in people over punishment isn't just the right thing to do, it's what our community demands.
Celebrating Our Champions
We were honored to recognize four visionary leaders whose work expands opportunity and hope:
Kat Taylor – 2025 Change-Maker Award
Governor Gavin Newsom – 2025 Justice Champion Award
Larry Miller – 2025 Trailblazer Award
V.R. Ferose – 2025 Bridge-Builder Award
Thank You for Believing
To our 31 sponsors—including JUMP, Cooley, Checkr, and SAP—and every guest who filled Bloc15 with hope and determination: you made history last night. You proved that when we come together, when we refuse to let past mistakes define future potential, we can transform not just individual lives but entire communities.
As we debuted CROP's latest impact video showcasing our growing reach across California, one message rang clear: This is just the beginning.
We dreamt big. We worked hard. We celebrated. And together, we're building a future where everyone gets a second chance to succeed.
