We were lucky to catch up with Dr. Clover Perez recently and have shared our conversation below.
Dr. Clover, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you have any thoughts about how to create a more inclusive workplace?
Creating a more inclusive workplace requires a commitment to recognizing and valuing the diverse backgrounds and experiences of all employees, including those who are justice-impacted. One of the most significant steps in achieving this is to adopt fair hiring practices that give second chances to individuals with felony records. As a justice-impacted person, I have experienced firsthand how discouraging it can be to be overlooked for positions despite having the right qualifications, simply because of past conviction. This exclusion is not only unfair but also deprives businesses of dedicated, hardworking individuals who are eager to prove their worth.
In my journey, I have encountered workplaces that were not inclusive, where my record overshadowed my skills and potential. However, I’ve also been fortunate to experience the impact of inclusive environments, where employers looked beyond my past and recognized my abilities. These inclusive workplaces were transformative, fostering a sence of loyalty and commitment within me. When employees take a chance on justice-impacted individuals, they often find that these employees are highly motivated, punctual, and willing to go the extra mile. It’s smart business sense to embrace this untapped talent pool, as it not only enhances the workforce but also promotes social equity and reduce recidivism.
To foster an inclusive culture, companies should implement policies that support second chances, provide training on unconscious bias, and create mentorship programs to guide justice-impacted employees. By doing so, business can cultivate a diverse, innovative, and resilient workforce, benefiting both the employee and the broader community.
Dr. Clover, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Thank you for that question. So often our past mistakes overshadows us, making it easy for people to believe what others may say about us, rather than believing who we say that we are. There is a scripture in Matthew 16-13-16 where Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do they say that I am?” Some said John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and so on. I say this to frame my point. It doesn’t matter what others say about you. What matters is that you know who you are, and being authentic about who you are. So that being said: I’m Dr, Clover A. Perez! I am a mother, a daughter, a friend, a mentor, a motivational speaker, an entrepreneur, a daughter of the Most High God, and also a woman who has been impacted by the criminal justice system. But above all I’m a lover of humanity.
As a lover of humanity, my role as Executive Director of A Beautiful HEART Ministries is pivotal in transforming the lives of formerly incarcerated women and girls. Our mission is to enhance their quality of life through a comprehensive five-pronged approach: alternatives to incarceration, advocacy, education, empowerment, and wellness. These pillars are essential in creating lasting change, fostering healing, and significantly reducing recidivism. Alternatives to incarceration provide necessary diversionary programs that address root causes rather than punishing symptoms. Advocacy ensures that their voices are heard and their rights are protected. Education opens doors to new opportunities, while empowerment helps them to regain control over their lives. And finally, wellness ensures holistic support for their mental, emotional, and physical health. Without these foundational resources, the cycle of incarceration will continue unabated. At A Beautiful HEART Ministries we stand firm on our commitment to breaking the cycle of incarcerated and paving the way for a more brighter, and hopeful future.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
The lesson I had to unlearned is that not everyone who clasps for me wants to see me win. For years, I believed that the applause and encouragement from those around me were genuine reflections of their support. However, the backstory to this revelation unfolded during a pivotal phase in my career. As I began to achieve significant milestones, I noticed subtle shifts in the behavior of some of my colleagues and friends. While they outwardly celebrated my successes, there were undercurrent of envy and subtle sabotage. It was a painful discovery, but a necessary awakening to realize that people were more interested in appearing supportive while secretly hoping for my downfall. This experience taught me to discern genuine allies from those who only offer superficial praise, and to guard my aspirations with more care.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
This is an excellent question and one that I can relate to on so many levels. There are lots of stories from my journey to incarceration to my journey back into society. However, one story that highlights my resilience took place during my first few months in prison. Adjusting to the new environment, where hope felt like a scarce commodity, was one of the toughest challenges I ever faced. But each morning, I made a conscious decision to look in the plastic mirror that they had and asked myself, “How are you going to show up today in a place that dehumanizes you?” This reflective practice became my ritual, and a reminder of my inherent belief in myself and my capabilities. Despite the harsh conditions and the stigma attached to incarceration, I refused to let the situation define me or dictate the rest of my life. I immersed myself with educational material, mentoring others, and developing skills that would aid my transition back into society. My journey was fueled by my unwavering determination and the belief that with the help of God I could reshape my future.
Upon my release, I continued to harness this inner strength. I faced numerous obstacles, from finding employment to rebuilding relationships, but my superpower-my belief in myself- never wavered. Today, I stand as a testimony of resilience, proving that no matter how dire the circumstances, a strong, determined woman can rise above and create a life filled with purpose and positivity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cloveraperez.com
- Instagram: Clover A Perez
- Facebook: Clover A Perez
- Linkedin: Dr. Clover A Perez
- Twitter: Dr. Clover A Perez
- Youtube: Converse With Clover
Image Credits
www.abeautifulheartministries.org
Clover A Perez
https://justiceineducation.columbia.edu/the-latest-from-clover-perez/