FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media contact: Azania Herron
aherron@zajapr.com
980-272-1804
CHARLOTTE, N.C., February 25, 2025 – City Startup Labs (CSL), an organization that offers entrepreneurship and workforce development training to justice-impacted individuals, is pleased to announce several key staff promotions and organizational changes. The new roles and responsibilities aim to strengthen CSL’s leadership in reimagining workforce development for formerly incarcerated and other justice-impacted individuals to advance their social and economic well-being. Through two flagship programs—Restorative Pathways and the ReEntry Entrepreneurship Program—men and women who face systemic barriers after involvement with the justice system are equipped with the tools and resources needed to build sustainable businesses or to start careers in healthcare. The following individuals have been promoted to pivotal roles within the organization:
Travis Williams – Director of Strategic Impact
Travis Williams has been promoted to Director of Strategic Impact at CSL, where he will oversee program initiatives, ensure operational efficiency, and manage financial and strategic planning.
Shaheedah Ross – Director of Restorative Pathways
Shaheedah Ross is now the Director of Restorative Pathways, responsible for leading the initiative focused on careers in healthcare for justice-impacted individuals. Ross will manage existing partnerships and lead efforts to expand City Startup Labs second-chance employment workplace partners.
Margaret Velez – Director of Reentry Entrepreneurship Program (REEP)
Margaret Velez has been promoted to Director of the ReEntry Entrepreneurship Program (REEP), which supports formerly incarcerated individuals in launching businesses, and will guide the program’s growth and sustainability.
LeeRoy Jordan – Senior Consultant for Restorative Pathways
LeeRoy Jordan has been appointed Senior Consultant for Restorative Pathways. Jordan brings nearly 40 years of expertise in restorative justice to help support and strengthen the Restorative Pathways workplace readiness program.
“These promotions are a reflection of our team’s dedication and the significant strides we’ve made in achieving our mission. We look forward to the continued success of our programs under this dynamic leadership team,” said City Startup Labs Founder and Executive Director Henry Rock.
With these strategic leadership changes, City Startup Labs is poised to continue its impactful work in supporting justice-impacted entrepreneurs and 21st century employees to foster social and economic mobility. The organization remains committed to breaking down barriers, providing transformative opportunities, and creating pathways for success for individuals impacted by the justice system.
About
CSL is reimagining entrepreneurship and redefining workforce development for formerly incarcerated individuals by cultivating their human and intellectual capital and potential for building businesses, and by developing an engaged, motivated and productive workforce for on-trend careers. The organization addresses social economic mobility through leading-edge skills training, hands-on instruction, support and mentorship, career building and community engagement. Its two flagship programs include the Restorative Pathways reentry workplace readiness initiative with “fair chance” employers, and the ReEntry Entrepreneurship Program (REEP) startup incubator. Learn more about City Startup Labs by visiting citystartuplabs.com.
