Selling Night & MBA Workshop

Class X's Selling Night and MBA Workshop attracted more than 65 executives and MBA students to the Cleveland Unit in late October. The Selling Night event pushes our aspiring entrepreneurs to practice their hustling skills while delivering one-on-one sales pitches to the "customer" executive. The MBA Workshop pairs MBA students and executives with our participants to provide written and oral feedback on their business plans. Here's what some of our executives and MBAs had to say:

"I was amazed at the genuinely solid business plans and marketing concepts that the PEP students presented. We owe it to ourselves, as key business leaders and as human beings, to make sure that those deserving of opportunity are not discriminated against because of their past. I can truly say that they inspired me to be a better person and a better business owner. I will be back, you can count on it!"
- Britanie Olvera, President/Owner, B.I.T. Construction



"I volunteered for PEP because I feel I have some business experience to share with others. As I look back on the weekend, I realize that PEP is only about 10% business. The other 90% is about building self-esteem, confidence and a relationship."
- Randy Vanstory, Co-President, Autumn Grove Cottage

To read a volunteer's perspective, check here.
To see more photos from the events, check here.
Interested in getting involved? Get more info here.

Join us for the
State of PEP Conference Call

When: Monday, December 8, 2008, 12-1p CST
RSVP by Wednesday, December 3, 2008,
to Lani Caffey at lcaffey@pep.org
You are invited to our 2008 fourth quarter "State of PEP" conference call. Our CEO and Founder, Catherine Rohr, will provide a recap of 2008 and a preview for 2009. As an added bonus you will also hear success stories from our graduates – a little inspiration over the lunch hour can′t hurt. About a week before the call, we will send all pertinent information and presentation materials for your review.

PEP at Highland Park United Methodist Church

PEP′s family program has the honor of helping our participants and their children celebrate the holidays together. During a visit to Highland Park United Methodist Church (HPUMC), members of the congregation “adopted” the children of our participants through a program called "In Their Honor" where they purchase Christmas presents for each child in honor of their incarcerated fathers. These gifts will be presented to the participants′ children after the graduation ceremony on December 5. If you are interested in bringing initiatives like this to your organization, contact Luis Palomo, LPalomo@pep.org.

Straight From the Inside

As they get closer to BPC and Graduation, our Class X participants are working harder than ever. In our new journal archive, read about their latest experiences with Selling Night, MBA Workshop and the the Class X dance troupe. Here's an excerpt from Week 6:

"This brotherhood goes way beyond the norm of other prison programs. This doesn′t end upon release, or get transferred elsewhere. PEP is for life. They wish to see us become the men we′ve always dreamt of being, and each of us steps up to the plate with zeal."

Read More Journals Here