A Second Chance
Tuesday, March 03 2009
A Second Chance
Juan Cruz
Finding a job these days is tough – and even tougher if you’re one of the 73 million Americans with a state criminal record. Most job applications have a box you’re supposed to check if you’ve ever been convicted of a crime. And that usually means you’re guaranteed not to be considered for the job.
Juan Cruz spent nearly 15 years in prison after being convicted of a violent crime at age 18. He says from his first day in prison, he worked to improve himself and prepare for a new start on the outside. He took classes, worked as a barber, and got an associate’s degree in business. But when he got out, Juan couldn't find a job anywhere. He talks with Dick Gordon about how he finally got a break through the help of a mentor. These days, Juan is a mentor to other felons.
Find out more about Juan’s employer, the Safer Foundation
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Taking it to the Banks
Derek Monroe
Derek Monroe was a business consultant brokering deals between U.S. and foreign companies. He enjoyed the work, but things changed when a U.S. client used Derek as a pawn to dupe a Japanese businessman who Derek respected. Derek protested, lost the account, and started thinking long and hard about the injustices he believes are perpetrated by corporate America.
Derek now spends much of his time taking large companies, including the big banks, to court when they don’t honor their word. He talks with Dick about finding strength in fighting the small fight.
- Music in this story: Oasis performed by Yo Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble for the album Silk Road Journeys: Beyond the Horizon
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