Join us from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, April 23 at Valentino’s, 5022 S. 108th St., for our April Dine & Discuss event. The topic is life after incarceration and improving the lives, and supporting the community re-entry, of returning citizens.

Our guest speaker is Jasmine L. Harris, MPH, Post-Release Program Manager,  Defy Ventures Nebraska.

Jasmine is a public health professional who is passionate about criminal and juvenile justice reform, social justice issues and women’s rights. Jasmine has been effecting change in the Omaha community through advocacy and civic-engagement efforts that heighten awareness of the barriers people with criminal histories face.

A bit about Defy Ventures:

Defy Ventures recognizes that many former drug dealers and gang leaders can become successful, legal entrepreneurs. We “transform the hustle” of our currently and formerly incarcerated Entrepreneurs-in-Training (EITs) by offering intensive leadership development, Shark Tank-style business plan competitions, executive mentoring, financial investment, and startup incubation. We give our EITs a legitimate chance to succeed and equip them to become profitable entrepreneurs, stellar employees, engaged parents, and committed role models and leaders in their communities. We intentionally build life-giving, authentic community between EITs and our executive volunteers as they bond in their humanity.