Lester Young

About Lester Young

Lester Young, Jr is a native of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. At the age of 19, Lester was given a life sentence (with the possibility of parole after serving 20 years). Entering prison without an education was indeed a struggle, but he did not allow this to stop him from educating himself as well as others. With the support of family and friends, Lester was able to obtain his G.E.D and later enroll in Business Management Courses, via mail, as a student at Ashworth University. Lester began drawing attention and constantly rewarded for his interest in helping others. With permission and no hesitation from the warden, Lester along with the prison chaplain, began meeting to create templates, outlines, programs, and classes to instruct and mentor those currently incarcerated. After his release, on May 15, 2014 (22 years and 5 months) the outlines of his programs are still being taught in prison. The author of two books, Mr. Young is setting a new standard for \"living a life of redemption\". A member of The Leadership Challenge, The Commission of Minority Affairs, The Affordable Housing Task Force, A Certified Life Coach, Consultant, and Trainer, Lester specializes in training Human Resource Employees with hiring those that are formerly incarcerated. The training focuses on effective communication skills, preferred terminology, and dialogue. His organization, Path2Redemption, also sponsors workshops for those formerly incarcerated to assist with job training, basic computer skills, and self-help groups to discuss issues with their return. He is nationally known for his work with the Mayor of Columbia, SC; in having the first statewide ordinance passed for \"#Banthebox\". This campaign gives incarcerated individuals the chance to complete applications without being discriminated against for past convictions. In September 2020, Lester was granted a full pardon from The State of South Carolina. He now helps others with taking the necessary steps of applying for a pardon. For more on Lester Young, visit Path2Redemption.org

Experience

1. Statewide Organizer

   Justleadershipusa

   Aug 2018 — Present · Columbia, SC, US

Education

• Hilton Hilton High

  Business management, Business