At Defy business coaching events, volunteers support the talented, ambitious Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs) who are progressing through Defy’s CEO of Your New Life program, developing employment readiness skills and taking the first steps in their entrepreneurial journeys. Volunteers provide one-on-one coaching on EITs’ resumes and personal statements and serve as early sounding boards for the business concepts that EITs are beginning to develop. In addition to career coaching and business planning activities, these events also include fun icebreakers and powerful empathy-building activities, which encourage conversations and connections that enhance EITs' self-esteem, ambition, and sense of hope that is critical to their transformational journey.

Details

• Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026

• Start Time: 9:00 am CST

• End time: 3:00 pm CST

• Location: Pontiac Correctional Center

• Transportation:

  Defy Bus (departing at ~ 6:15 am from the downtown Chicago area.

  Drive Self (approximately 2-hour drive from Chicago) or Carpool (link will be provided to those who request it).

• Sign up here no later than December 11, 2025.