How to Set up a Profile

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We've made it simple for anyone to create a profile on PrisonProfessorsTalent.com. Please take the following steps:

1. Watch the 30-minute explainer video that offers insight into the value of creating a personal profile.
2. Click this link to enter a form where you can insert the identifying data to get started. Remember, if you want to be anonymous, you can always assign yourself a pseudonym.
3. Click this link to add ongoing information to update your profile.

Use your profile to set document your progress, and build a record that you can use to advance your self-advocacy efforts at various stages of the journey. This strategy helped me immensely during the 26 years I served in prison.

Success begins with intentional choices. Those choices include how we represent ourselves, how we plan for the future, and how we document the work we’re doing every day to put ourselves in a better position. 

By following this guide, you’ll not only learn how to set up a profile but also understand how to use this platform as a tool for personal development and growth. 

Why Your Profile Matters 

Your profile is a reflection of your commitment to personal growth. It's your chance to showcase commitment to living as the CEO of your life. Document your goals, your progress, and your dedication to preparing for success upon release.

When I served my sentence, I built a record that would make it easier for people to believe in me. By building a record that shows how we responded to a crisis, we open opportunities to bring more support in our life. Creating a profile on Prison Professors Talent helps you do the same. 

Your profile allows anyone to track your progress over time. It gives you a place to archive your hard work and show others the steps you’re taking to build a better future. 

What to Include in Your Profile 

Your profile will have four key sections that help tell your story. Each one plays a role in showing who you are, where you’ve been, and where you’re going. 

1. Your Biography 

Your biography is your opportunity to introduce yourself. Think of it as your personal story in a nutshell. Where did you come from? What challenges brought you to this point? More importantly, who are you striving to become? 

When I wrote my first biography I emphasized my vision for the future. I wrote about my commitment to earning degrees, building skills, and becoming a contributing member of society. 

Here’s a helpful framework to get started on your biography:

• Start with your name and your background (e.g., where you’re from or what experiences shaped you). 
• Talk about your goals and aspirations. What do you want to achieve? 
• Reflect on what you’ve learned from your past and how it’s shaping your future. 

Keep your biography clear and focused, ideally within 250–500 words. 

2. Your Journal Entry 

A journal entry is where you document your daily or weekly efforts. This section is to show your work ethic, discipline, and progress. While incarcerated, journaling became one of the most important habits I developed. The journal showed how I held myself accountable, always moving closer to success, as I defined success. 

I'm still writing journal entries, and you can review my profile on Prison Professors Talent to get an idea of what I write. Your journal, however, is about you and what you're doing to prepare for success as you define. The people reviewing your profile will review your journals and see that you’re not simply talking about change, but actively working toward it. 

3. Your Book Report 

When we read, we grow. During my time in prison, I read hundreds of books on leadership, business, and personal development. By writing book reports, I developed better critical thinking skills. I also showed others how I extracted lessons from books, and then applied them to my life. 

The book report section of your profile is where you demonstrate your commitment to learning. Pick a book that has had a significant impact on you. Write about:

• Why you chose to read the book. 
• What you learned from reading the book. 
• How those lessons will contribute to your success. 

If you'd like to see an example, check out the book reports on my profile. A clear and thoughtful book report shows others that you’re investing in self-improvement. 

4. Your Release Plan 

The release plan shows that you're genuinely thinking about the many collateral consequences of a prison term. I began writing release plans very early in my journey. As time passed, I wrote new plans, showing how the progress I made put me on a pathway for new opportunities. My release plan kept me on track. And when I met with stakeholders, I could show how the release plan evolved over time, which advanced my efforts at self-advocacy. A strong release plan addresses:

• Housing: Where will you live? 
• Employment: How will you find a job or contribute to a business? 
• Education: What steps will you take to continue learning? 
• Support System: Who will be part of your network to help you with this transition? 

If you'd like an example, look through the various profiles on Prison Professors Talent. Your release plan shows you’re serious about building a structured path forward.  

Providing Identifying Information 

To make sure we can keep your profile up to date, be sure to include some basic identifying information. This allows our team to upload updates, whether that’s a new journal entry, advanced book report, or additions to your biography and plans. 

At the very least, include:

• Your name 
• Contact information (if possible) 
• Your participant ID (if applicable) 

This step ensures your hard work is documented and visible for others to support your progress.

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