Tanaine Jenkins - Recidivism Strategist and Reentry Expert

06/25/2025

Too often, we let our mistakes, our trauma, or the hardest chapters of our story box us in. We replay the moments that broke us and forget the strength it took to survive them.

But what if your past wasn’t a prison, but a blueprint?
What if every setback, every scar, and every second chance was shaping the exact person you were always meant to become?

I’m not who I was ten years ago—and I’m proud of that.
I’ve been redesigned by experience. Refined by failure. Rebuilt by resilience.

So no, your past doesn't define you. But it can design a future filled with purpose, power, and possibility.

✍🏽 Who else is building a life because of what they’ve been through—not in spite of it?

05/27/2025

🚨 Now Booking for Fall/Winter 2025! 🚨

If you’ve been thinking about bringing me in to speak, consult, or collaborate—now’s the time! My Fall/Winter calendar is officially OPEN and I’m accepting bookings for:

🎤 Keynote Speaking (Conferences, Colleges, Community Events)
🧠 Consulting (Reentry Strategy, Recidivism Reduction, Systemic Change)
📣 Workshops & Trainings (Second Sentence Awareness, Reentry Support, Lived Experience Integration)
🤝 Panel Discussions, Webinars & Strategic Planning Sessions

Whether you're planning ahead for a summit, need expert insight for your program, or want to inspire your audience with a powerful lived-experience story—let’s connect.

🗓️ My availability fills up fast, especially around end-of-year events. If you’re ready to create real impact this season, I’d love to be part of the solution.

📩 DM me or reach out via my website to secure your date.

Let’s make bold moves this fall. 🍂❄️

05/19/2025

In 2021, at the beginning of my self-discovery journey, I took my first solo trip — to Puerto Rico. I went to explore, to think, to just be.

One day, I found myself deep in the jungle with a group of fellow adventurers. We came across a cliff — a 40-foot drop into the water below. I watched as people climbed up, stood at the edge, looked down… and then changed their minds.

When it was my turn, I did something different:
I didn’t look down.
I looked at my guide and listened:
“A little hop. Arms to your side.”

I repeated it: “A little hop. Arms to my side. Got it.”
And then I jumped.

That moment changed something in me. Since that day, I’ve made it a point never to look down.
I look at God, listen, and move — trusting that I’ll be caught, carried, or called higher.

That same mindset fuels my work in justice reform.
Because when returning citizens come home, they face a different kind of cliff — the Second Sentence.
They’re told to “reintegrate” and “rebuild,” all while facing 33,000+ barriers that scream look down.
Barriers that make jumping feel impossible.

We need a system that doesn’t just say “you’re free” — but actually makes freedom possible.

So I’ll keep jumping.
For me.
For them.
For all of us who were once too afraid to speak, act, or leap.

I'll jump and I won't look down.

01/21/2025

I need your vote! Entrepreneur of Impact.

With the $25,000, I would expand my Second Sentence Awareness t-shirt brand and publish my next book, My Seventh Life: Finding Success in Every Life you Live. I would also go on a women prison tour. Women are the fastest growing demographic in the prison system, yet they are constantly ignored. They need to see what's possible... we all do.

One visionary will be featured in Forbes, receive a one-on-one mentoring session from Daymond John, and take home $25,000.

01/08/2025

Why am I so passionate about education society about the Second Sentence? Because change is in knowledge ~ Tanaine Jenkins

I had the privilege of sitting down on The Horse's Mouth to share the heart and mission behind Second Sentence Awareness—a movement dedicated to eliminating the barriers justice-impacted individuals face long after their release

As we step into a new year, it’s the perfect time to align yourself with organizations that are driving meaningful change. Supporting Second Sentence Awareness is not just about wearing a shirt or hoodie; it’s about wearing a cause. Every purchase helps raise awareness and funds to break down reentry barriers and provide second chances—not second sentences.

💡 Why Join the Movement Now?
✔️ T-shirts: $25
✔️ Hoodies: $40 (and perfect for the chilly weather!)
✔️ Now accepting bulk orders for National Second Chance Month

Your support makes a tangible difference. Let's walk into 2025 as advocates for change, one step—and one hoodie—at a time.

🛒 Get yours now: https://secondsentenceawareness.square.site

11/06/2024

There are rainbows after the rain... remember that.

After her release, Tanaine Jenkins .jenkins faced immense challenges, from low-wage jobs to paying off restitution while rebuilding her life. Determined to reclaim her story, she founded a confidence-boosting clothing line, became a public speaker, and now leads reform efforts in Florida. Her journey exemplifies the power of resilience, self-forgiveness, and turning past mistakes into platforms for change.

Tanaine, we are so excited to have featured you this month! Your story inspires many and helps change the lives of other for the better.

Read the full article on our website!



















https://www.carrierpigeonpost.org/our-latest-paper

11/06/2024

After her release, Tanaine Jenkins .jenkins faced immense challenges, from low-wage jobs to paying off restitution while rebuilding her life. Determined to reclaim her story, she founded a confidence-boosting clothing line, became a public speaker, and now leads reform efforts in Florida. Her journey exemplifies the power of resilience, self-forgiveness, and turning past mistakes into platforms for change.

Tanaine, we are so excited to have featured you this month! Your story inspires many and helps change the lives of other for the better.

Read the full article on our website!



















https://www.carrierpigeonpost.org/our-latest-paper

10/07/2024

It's Monday... and I GET to go to work that.

I GET to get out of bed.
I GET to talk to my co-workers.
I GET to go to meetings.
I GET to...

I count all the things above as a privilege because there was a time I didn't GET to do those things.

I didn't have a bed to get out of.
I didn't have co-workers to talk to.
I didn't have meetings to attend.

So now that I get to do these things, I never say I have to because I am blessed to be able to.

I am also blessed that so many of you have already purchased a shirt or hoodie to make 300 in 30 days a possibility.

For a limited time, shirts are still $20 and hoodies, because winter is coming, are $35.

Just 200 more to go and 19 days to do it! We can't do it without you. Purchase yours today at the link below.

https://secondsentenceawareness.square.site/

#

09/27/2024

We are on a mission to bring awareness to the Second Sentence and you we need your help.

🚨 300 shirts in 30 days.🚨

Visit the link below 👇🏼to purchase yours and support today: https://secondsentenceawareness.square.site/

08/19/2024

I’m thrilled to be heading to Alaska for the first time to deliver the opening keynote presentation at the 2024 Mat-Su Reentry Summit. The theme of this year’s summit is "Building Bridges to Success," a topic that resonates deeply with me.

During my presentation, I’ll be sharing my personal journey from prison to president, and the critical role that employment, advocacy, and resources play in supporting justice-involved individuals. We’ll explore how each of us can be more than just “travel agents” pointing the way, but true “tour guides” leading and supporting others on their reentry journey.

I look forward to discussing actionable strategies to improve recidivism rates in Alaska, backed by state-specific data and success stories. Together, we can make a lasting impact by building stronger bridges to success for all.

Looking forward to connecting with fellow advocates and change-makers at the summit. Let’s build those bridges! 🌉💪

If you are looking for a dynamic speaker for your next event, let's connect:

TanaineJenkins.com

04/02/2024

"There is power in a name. It is through names that we bring all things into this world, and when they leave, it is names we carry with us, so they are never truly gone."
~ Justin Cronin

For 10 years, my name was "J42433"...

To be renamed without your consent can alter how you view yourself. I didn't realize this until I was 12 years removed from prison. Standing on the stage with a golf ball size lump in my throat, I declared my freedom from the number that stole my identity. Taking my name back was one of the most powerful things I could have done for myself.

What have you been renamed without your consent? Felon? Criminal? Unstable? Unreliable? Uneducated? I challenge you to take your name back and if that name doesn't serve you anymore, choose one that does.

My name is Tanaine Ja'Cole Jenkins. My father named me and It's a good name.

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03/20/2024

I love speaking to the person I was yesterday. I know if I had someone pour into me and show me what my life's possibilities were, then it would not have taken me 8 years to believe that I made a mistake and wasn't a mistake.

In Tennessee, I delivered the keynote speech to a class of incarcerated women receiving their associates degree. This is what makes the work I do worth it. People can not be what they can not see, that's why I show them me... and now I can show them these ladies.

Just because your last chapter didn't turn out the way you may have liked it doesn't mean the book is over. Pick up your pen and write your next chapter. Trust me, your story gets better. The more you write, the better writer you will become.