Jolie Bernard

Chief Impact Officer @The Hope Initiative

The HOPE Initiative is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides a unique system of support and partnerships to carry out its mission to provide equal access to educational and workforce opportunities for individuals living in under-resourced communities.In serving individuals who might not otherwise have access to college, career and life readiness without our help, we improve educational equality and remove barriers to college completion and career opportunities.The HOPE Initiative brings together nonprofit organizations, community-based institutions, and business and philanthropic communities to significantly impact college, career, and life readiness with traditionally underrepresented populations. We are uniquely positioned to enter into meaningful relationships to create sustainability and prepare individuals for life after high school.Additionally, one of The HOPE Initiative\'s signature programs, Beyond Change, developed through a social justice lens to support the NFL Inspire Change Initiative specifically assists youth, law enforcement, community organizations, and social justice experts in promoting positive change through collaborative partnerships and community service.The Beyond Change Model conceptualizes social justice broadly and combines the key components of Youth & Law Enforcement Interaction, Mentoring & Life Readiness, College & Workforce Development, and Social Justice & Community Engagement to solve social justice problems in underserved communities across the country with intentional focuses on Louisiana and Texas.