Tanaine Jenkins - Recidivism Strategist and Reentry Expert

12/03/2025

“I’m not perfect, but I hope that I am a good example.”

That line has been sitting with me lately. Not because I’m striving for perfection, but because I’m striving for impact.

Next week, I have the honor of delivering two keynote speeches in Tennessee for their graduation ceremonies. Every time I step on a stage, I’m reminded that the work I get to do isn’t about being flawless… it’s about being real, being transparent, and showing what’s possible even after your story takes a turn you didn’t expect.

I used to dream about moments like this, moments where my voice, my experiences, and my journey could help someone else believe in their own. Now it’s happening, and I don’t take a second of it for granted.

So here’s to showing up with honesty.
Here’s to being an example, even with the imperfections.
And here’s to the graduates who are ready to write their next chapter... boldly, unapologetically, and with purpose.

Tennessee, I’ll see you soon.

12/02/2025

✨ Honored. Grateful. Speechless. ✨

I’m excited to share that I’ve been named one of the National Black Justice Collective’s 100 Black LGBTQ+/SGL Emerging Leaders to Watch for 2025.

To be recognized on a national stage, alongside trailblazers who are fighting for justice, equity, and liberation, is truly humbling. Every part of my journey has led me to this moment: the work, the advocacy, the second chances, the community, and the belief that change is possible when we refuse to let our past define our future.

This recognition highlights the impact of the work I do through Second Sentence Awareness, REFORM Alliance, and the Florida Safety Coalition, work rooted in compassion, strategy, and a commitment to transforming systems that were never designed for us.

Being chosen means:
• National recognition and a feature on NBJC’s digital platforms
• An invitation to exclusive leadership events during the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference
• Access to a network of brilliant Black LGBTQ+/SGL leaders shaping the future

I’m grateful, I’m grounded, and I’m ready for whatever this next season brings.
Your voice matters. My voice matters. Our impact matters.

Thank you to National Black Justice Collective - NBJC for seeing something in me worth uplifting.
Onward. 🖤🏳️‍🌈✨

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06/25/2025

Too often, we let our mistakes, our trauma, or the hardest chapters of our story box us in. We replay the moments that broke us and forget the strength it took to survive them.

But what if your past wasn’t a prison, but a blueprint?
What if every setback, every scar, and every second chance was shaping the exact person you were always meant to become?

I’m not who I was ten years ago—and I’m proud of that.
I’ve been redesigned by experience. Refined by failure. Rebuilt by resilience.

So no, your past doesn't define you. But it can design a future filled with purpose, power, and possibility.

✍🏽 Who else is building a life because of what they’ve been through—not in spite of it?

05/27/2025

🚨 Now Booking for Fall/Winter 2025! 🚨

If you’ve been thinking about bringing me in to speak, consult, or collaborate—now’s the time! My Fall/Winter calendar is officially OPEN and I’m accepting bookings for:

🎤 Keynote Speaking (Conferences, Colleges, Community Events)
🧠 Consulting (Reentry Strategy, Recidivism Reduction, Systemic Change)
📣 Workshops & Trainings (Second Sentence Awareness, Reentry Support, Lived Experience Integration)
🤝 Panel Discussions, Webinars & Strategic Planning Sessions

Whether you're planning ahead for a summit, need expert insight for your program, or want to inspire your audience with a powerful lived-experience story—let’s connect.

🗓️ My availability fills up fast, especially around end-of-year events. If you’re ready to create real impact this season, I’d love to be part of the solution.

📩 DM me or reach out via my website to secure your date.

Let’s make bold moves this fall. 🍂❄️

05/19/2025

In 2021, at the beginning of my self-discovery journey, I took my first solo trip — to Puerto Rico. I went to explore, to think, to just be.

One day, I found myself deep in the jungle with a group of fellow adventurers. We came across a cliff — a 40-foot drop into the water below. I watched as people climbed up, stood at the edge, looked down… and then changed their minds.

When it was my turn, I did something different:
I didn’t look down.
I looked at my guide and listened:
“A little hop. Arms to your side.”

I repeated it: “A little hop. Arms to my side. Got it.”
And then I jumped.

That moment changed something in me. Since that day, I’ve made it a point never to look down.
I look at God, listen, and move — trusting that I’ll be caught, carried, or called higher.

That same mindset fuels my work in justice reform.
Because when returning citizens come home, they face a different kind of cliff — the Second Sentence.
They’re told to “reintegrate” and “rebuild,” all while facing 33,000+ barriers that scream look down.
Barriers that make jumping feel impossible.

We need a system that doesn’t just say “you’re free” — but actually makes freedom possible.

So I’ll keep jumping.
For me.
For them.
For all of us who were once too afraid to speak, act, or leap.

I'll jump and I won't look down.

01/21/2025

I need your vote! Entrepreneur of Impact.

With the $25,000, I would expand my Second Sentence Awareness t-shirt brand and publish my next book, My Seventh Life: Finding Success in Every Life you Live. I would also go on a women prison tour. Women are the fastest growing demographic in the prison system, yet they are constantly ignored. They need to see what's possible... we all do.

One visionary will be featured in Forbes, receive a one-on-one mentoring session from Daymond John, and take home $25,000.

01/08/2025

Why am I so passionate about education society about the Second Sentence? Because change is in knowledge ~ Tanaine Jenkins

I had the privilege of sitting down on The Horse's Mouth to share the heart and mission behind Second Sentence Awareness—a movement dedicated to eliminating the barriers justice-impacted individuals face long after their release

As we step into a new year, it’s the perfect time to align yourself with organizations that are driving meaningful change. Supporting Second Sentence Awareness is not just about wearing a shirt or hoodie; it’s about wearing a cause. Every purchase helps raise awareness and funds to break down reentry barriers and provide second chances—not second sentences.

💡 Why Join the Movement Now?
✔️ T-shirts: $25
✔️ Hoodies: $40 (and perfect for the chilly weather!)
✔️ Now accepting bulk orders for National Second Chance Month

Your support makes a tangible difference. Let's walk into 2025 as advocates for change, one step—and one hoodie—at a time.

🛒 Get yours now: https://secondsentenceawareness.square.site

11/06/2024

There are rainbows after the rain... remember that.

After her release, Tanaine Jenkins .jenkins faced immense challenges, from low-wage jobs to paying off restitution while rebuilding her life. Determined to reclaim her story, she founded a confidence-boosting clothing line, became a public speaker, and now leads reform efforts in Florida. Her journey exemplifies the power of resilience, self-forgiveness, and turning past mistakes into platforms for change.

Tanaine, we are so excited to have featured you this month! Your story inspires many and helps change the lives of other for the better.

Read the full article on our website!



















https://www.carrierpigeonpost.org/our-latest-paper

11/06/2024

After her release, Tanaine Jenkins .jenkins faced immense challenges, from low-wage jobs to paying off restitution while rebuilding her life. Determined to reclaim her story, she founded a confidence-boosting clothing line, became a public speaker, and now leads reform efforts in Florida. Her journey exemplifies the power of resilience, self-forgiveness, and turning past mistakes into platforms for change.

Tanaine, we are so excited to have featured you this month! Your story inspires many and helps change the lives of other for the better.

Read the full article on our website!



















https://www.carrierpigeonpost.org/our-latest-paper