Jay was inspired by their childhood experiences to pursue a career that would help other people. Among the roles they considered were guardian ad litem, building mobility robots, and working as a psychologist. Jay followed in their mother and grandmother’s footsteps to college but did not complete the degree – they felt they were learning how to pass tests instead of genuinely learning.

A period of incarceration set Jay back in their career goals. It took them a year after release to find a job due to background checks, a practice Jay questions. “It’s not a fair thing – when you get home you’re supposed to have served your debt to society… but your punishment actually starts when you get home.”

Still, they persevered with support from their mother, participating in training programs, building up their network, and eventually starting a business. Less than two years after their release, they have a house and a car. They work two jobs to make ends meet but they find them both rewarding. One is for a workforce development program and the other for a non-profit connecting people to BIPOC therapists, fulfilling their childhood goal of helping people.