Please join us on Wednesday, August 6, at 9:00 am PT for the Defy SoCal Business Pitch Competition & Graduation at the California Institution for Women!

What's it all about?

The culmination of months of dedication, learning, and growth. EITs present their business ideas in a Shark Tank-style competition, receiving feedback from volunteer judges. The day ends with a powerful cap-and-gown graduation ceremony.

• Serve as a judge and provide valuable feedback to EITs on their business pitches.

• Ask thoughtful questions and share insights to help refine their ideas.

• Celebrate their hard work and transformation as they graduate with a Certificate of Entrepreneurship from the Drucker School of Management.

This event is about more than business—it's about second chances, belief in potential, and the power of community.

Please reach out to Bree ([email protected]) with any questions, and we'll see you soon!

Details

• Date: Wednesday, August 6, 2025

• Time: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm PT

• Location: California Institution for Women - Chino, CA

• Transportation: The prison is 60 miles and approximately 1 hr 20 min from Sherman Oaks, CA

  • Drive Self - Arrive at Prison @ 9 am

• Sign Up & Complete Clearance Paperwork Here By: Sunday, June 15, 2025

Please join us on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at 9:00 am PT for the Defy SoCal Business Coaching Day at the California State Prison, Los Angeles County!

What's it all about? 

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. 

Please reach out to Bree ([email protected]) with any questions, and we'll see you soon!

Details

• Date: Wednesday, January 29, 2025

• Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm PT

• Location: California State Prison, Los Angeles County (LAC) - Lancaster, CA

• Transportation: The prison is 60 miles and approximately 1 hrs 20 min from Sherman Oaks, CA

  • Defy Bus - Departing from Sherman Oaks @ 7 am

  • Drive Self - Arrive at Prison @ 9 am

• Sign Up & Complete Clearance Paperwork Here by Sunday, December 8, 2024

Please join us on Monday, October 24, at 10:00 am PT for the Defy SoCal CEO of Your New Life Prison Business Coaching Day at the California State Prison, Los Angeles County!

What's it all about?

At Defy business coaching events, volunteers support the talented, ambitious 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. 

This is an in-person event, and to keep everyone safe, all volunteers will need to show proof of Covid vaccination. Masks will be required of all participants during the event. Acceptable forms of vaccination proof can include a vaccination card (can be a copy or photo on the phone), or a digital record provided by a state agency. 

Please reach out to Bree ([email protected]) with any questions, and we'll see you soon!

Details

• Date: Monday, October 24, 2022

• Start Time: 10:00 am PT

• End time: 4:00 pm PT

• Location: California State Prison, Los Angeles County - Lancaster, CA

• Transportation: Drive Self

• Sign up here by September 16!

Please join us on Wednesday, November 2, at 10:00 am PT for the Defy SoCal CEO of Your New Life Prison Business Coaching Day at the California City Correctional Facility (CAC)!

What's it all about?

At Defy business coaching events, volunteers support the talented, ambitious 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. 

This is an in-person event, and to keep everyone safe, all volunteers will need to show proof of Covid vaccination. Masks will be required of all participants during the event. Acceptable forms of vaccination proof can include a vaccination card or a digital record provided by a state agency.

Please reach out to Bree ([email protected]) with any questions, and we'll see you soon!

Details

• Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2022

• Start Time: 10:00 am PT

• End time: 4:00 pm PT

• Location: California City Correctional Facility - California City, CA

• Transportation: Defy Bus or Drive Self

• Sign Up Here by September 12

Date: June 3, 2020

Time:  Volunteers must arrive at facility at 8:30 am and the event will conclude by 6 pm.

Location:  California City Correctional Facility in California City, CA (90 minutes outside Los Angeles)

Description of Event: Business Pitch Competitions (BPCs) are the culminating events for hard-working EITs completing the CEO of Your New Life program. During a BPC, EITs will present their business ideas in several rounds of a Shark Tank-style competition to panels of business leaders and investors. The event also includes Defy’s signature icebreaker and empathy-building exercises designed to create an inclusive and accepting community. At the end of the day, five winning pitches are selected from the group in an awards ceremony, followed by a cap and gown graduation ceremony.

REGISTRATION: Complete this registration form by 5/1/20

Date: May 27, 2020

Time: Volunteers must arrive at facility at 9 am and the event will conclude by 4 pm.

Location:  Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, CA

Description of Event: Business Coaching Days (BCDs) are great ways to meet like-minded volunteers and many talented, ambitious Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs). In addition to one-on-one career coaching and business planning activities, these events also include icebreakers and powerful empathy-building activities. BCDs support employment readiness and entrepreneurship skills and, through conversations and connections with our volunteers, enhance EITs' self-esteem, ambition, and sense of hope that is critical to their transformational journey.

REGISTRATION: Complete this registration form by 4/15/20

Date: May 14, 2020

Time: A charter Defy bus will leave from the Sherman Oaks area at approximately 6:45 am and return around 6 pm for volunteers who wish to travel with Defy. Volunteers who wish to drive themselves must arrive at the facility at 9:00 am and the event will conclude by 4:00 pm. 

Location:  Avenal State Prison in Avenal, CA 

Description of Event: Business Coaching Days (BCDs) are great ways to meet like-minded volunteers and many talented, ambitious Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs). In addition to one-on-one career coaching and business planning activities, these events also include icebreakers and powerful empathy-building activities. BCDs support employment readiness and entrepreneurship skills and, through conversations and connections with our volunteers, enhance EITs' self-esteem, ambition, and sense of hope that is critical to their transformational journey.

REGISTRATION: Complete this registration form by 4/10/20

Date: April 21, 2020

Time:  Volunteers must arrive at facility at 8:30 am and the event will conclude by 6 pm.

Location:  California State Prison, Los Angeles County in Lancaster, CA

Description of Event: Business Pitch Competitions (BPCs) are the culminating events for hard-working EITs completing the CEO of Your New Life program. During a BPC, EITs will present their business ideas in several rounds of a Shark Tank-style competition to panels of business leaders and investors. The event also includes Defy’s signature icebreaker and empathy-building exercises designed to create an inclusive and accepting community. At the end of the day, five winning pitches are selected from the group in an awards ceremony, followed by a cap and gown graduation ceremony.

REGISTRATION: This event is canceled. Please email Sandy at [email protected] with any questions.

Date: February 12, 2020

Time: A charter Defy bus will leave from the Sherman Oaks area at approximately 6:45 am and return around 6 pm for volunteers who wish to travel with Defy. Volunteers who wish to drive themselves must arrive at the facility at 9:00 am and the event will conclude by 4:00 pm.

Location: California City Correctional Facility in California City, CA (90 minutes outside Los Angeles)

Description of Event: Business Coaching Days (BCDs) are great ways to meet like-minded volunteers and many talented, ambitious Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs). In addition to one-on-one career coaching and business planning activities, these events also include icebreakers and powerful empathy-building activities. BCDs support employment readiness and entrepreneurship skills and, through conversations and connections with our volunteers, enhance EITs' self-esteem, ambition, and sense of hope that is critical to their transformational journey.

Registration for this event is now closed.

Date: January 11, 2020

Time: Volunteers must arrive at the location by 12:45 pm and the event will conclude by 5:30 pm. Please note that this event is not in prison but in Downtown Los Angeles.

Location: 221 S FIGUEROA ST #400 LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

Description of Event: Business Coaching Days (BCDs) are great ways to meet like-minded volunteers and many talented, ambitious Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs). In addition to one-on-one career coaching and business planning activities, these events also include icebreakers and powerful empathy-building activities. BCDs support employment readiness and entrepreneurship skills and, through conversations and connections with our volunteers, enhance EITs' self-esteem, ambition, and sense of hope that is critical to their transformational journey.

REGISTRATION: Complete this registration form by January 6, 2020

Date: August 12, 2020

Time: Volunteers must arrive at the facility at 10:00 am and the event will conclude by 6:30 pm. A charter Defy bus will leave from the Sherman Oaks area at approximately 6:45 am for volunteers who wish to travel with Defy.

Location:  Avenal State Prison in Avenal, CA (2.75 hours from Los Angeles)

Description of Event: Business Pitch Competitions (BPCs) are the culminating events for hard-working EITs completing the CEO of Your New Life program. During a BPC, EITs will present their business ideas in several rounds of a Shark Tank-style competition to panels of business leaders and investors. The event also includes Defy’s signature icebreaker and empathy-building exercises designed to create an inclusive and accepting community. At the end of the day, five winning pitches are selected from the group in an awards ceremony, followed by a cap and gown graduation ceremony.

REGISTRATION: Complete this registration form by 7/10/20

Business Pitch Competition at California Institution for Women

Date: October 21, 2020

Time: Volunteers must arrive at facility at 9 am and the event will conclude by 6 pm.

Location: California Institution for Women (CIW) in Corona, CA (1 hour east of Los Angeles)

Description of Event: Business Pitch Competitions (BPCs) are the culminating events for hard-working EITs completing the CEO of Your New Life program. During a BPC, EITs will present their business ideas in several rounds of a Shark Tank-style competition to panels of business leaders and investors. The event also includes Defy’s signature icebreaker and empathy-building exercises designed to create an inclusive and accepting community. At the end of the day, five winning pitches are selected from the group in an awards ceremony, followed by a cap and gown graduation ceremony.

REGISTRATION: Complete this registration form by 9/18/20

Date: July 8, 2020

Time: Volunteers must arrive at facility at 9 am and the event will conclude by 4 pm.

Location:  California Institution for Women (CIW) in Corona, CA (1 hour east of Los Angeles)

Description of Event: Business Coaching Days (BCDs) are great ways to meet like-minded volunteers and many talented, ambitious Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs). In addition to one-on-one career coaching and business planning activities, these events also include icebreakers and powerful empathy-building activities. BCDs support employment readiness and entrepreneurship skills and, through conversations and connections with our volunteers, enhance EITs' self-esteem, ambition, and sense of hope that is critical to their transformational journey.

REGISTRATION: Complete this registration form by 6/5/20

Description of Event: Business Coaching Days (BCDs) are great ways to meet like-minded volunteers and many talented, ambitious Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs). In addition to one-on-one career coaching and business planning activities, these events also include icebreakers and powerful empathy-building activities. BCDs support employment readiness and entrepreneurship skills and, through conversations and connections with our volunteers, enhance EITs' self-esteem, ambition, and sense of hope that is critical to their transformational journey.

Time: Volunteers must arrive at the facility at 8:45 am and the event will conclude by 4:30 pm.

Location: California State Prison, Los Angeles County in Lancaster, CA (about 55 minutes north of Los Angeles)

REGISTRATION: This event is now full and closed.

Date: October 17, 2019

Time: Volunteers must arrive at facility at 9:00am and the event will conclude by 6:00 pm. A charter Defy bus will leave from the Sherman Oaks area at approximately 6:45 am for volunteers who wish to travel with Defy.

Location:  Avenal State Prison in Avenal, CA (2.75 hours from Los Angeles)

Description of Event: Business Pitch Competitions (BPCs) are the culminating events for hard-working EITs completing the CEO of Your New Life program. During a BPC, EITs will present their business ideas in several rounds of a Shark Tank-style competition to panels of business leaders and investors. The event also includes Defy’s signature icebreaker and empathy-building exercises designed to create an inclusive and accepting community. At the end of the day, five winning pitches are selected from the group in an awards ceremony, followed by a cap and gown graduation ceremony.

REGISTRATION: This event is now full and closed.

Business Pitch Competition at California Institution for Women

Date: October 2, 2019

Time: Volunteers must arrive at facility at 9 am and the event will conclude by 6 pm.

Location: California Institution for Women (CIW) in Corona, CA (1 hour east of Los Angeles)

Description of Event: Business Pitch Competitions (BPCs) are the culminating events for hard-working EITs completing the CEO of Your New Life program. During a BPC, EITs will present their business ideas in several rounds of a Shark Tank-style competition to panels of business leaders and investors. The event also includes Defy’s signature icebreaker and empathy-building exercises designed to create an inclusive and accepting community. At the end of the day, five winning pitches are selected from the group in an awards ceremony, followed by a cap and gown graduation ceremony.

REGISTRATION: This event is full and now closed.

Type of Event: Business Pitch Competition (BPC): Business Pitch Competitions (BPCs) are the culminating events for hard-working EITs completing the CEO of Your New Life program. During a BPC, EITs will present their business ideas in several rounds of a Shark Tank-style competition to panels of business leaders and investors. The event also includes Defy’s signature icebreaker and empathy-building exercises designed to create an inclusive and accepting community. At the end of the day, five winning pitches are selected from the group in an awards ceremony, followed by a cap and gown graduation ceremony.

Time:  Volunteers must arrive at facility at 9 am and the event will conclude by 6 pm.

Location: California City Correctional Facility, California City

Registration for this event is now closed.

Description of Event: Business Coaching Days (BCDs) are great ways to meet like-minded volunteers and many talented, ambitious Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs). In addition to one-on-one career coaching and business planning activities, these events also include icebreakers and powerful empathy-building activities. BCDs support employment readiness and entrepreneurship skills and, through conversations and connections with our volunteers, enhance EITs' self-esteem, ambition, and sense of hope that is critical to their transformational journey.

Time: Volunteers must arrive at facility at 9 am and the event will conclude by 4 pm.

Location: California Institution for Women (CIW) in Corona, CA (1 hour east of Los Angeles)

REGISTRATION: Complete this registration form by 5/20/19

Description of Event: Business Coaching Days (BCDs) are great ways to meet like-minded volunteers and many talented, ambitious Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs). In addition to one-on-one career coaching and business planning activities, these events also include icebreakers and powerful empathy-building activities. BCDs support employment readiness and entrepreneurship skills and, through conversations and connections with our volunteers, enhance EITs' self-esteem, ambition, and sense of hope that is critical to their transformational journey.

Time: Volunteers must arrive at facility at 9:45 am and the event will conclude by 4:30 pm. A charter Defy bus will leave from the Sherman Oaks area at approximately 6:45 am for volunteers who wish to travel with Defy.

Location: Avenal State Prison in Avenal, CA (2.75 hours from Los Angeles)

REGISTRATION: Registration is now closed.

Time:  Volunteers must arrive at facility at 8:30 am and the event will conclude by 6 pm.

Location:  California State Prison, Los Angeles County in Lancaster, CA

Event Information: Business Pitch Competitions (BPCs) are the culminating events for hard-working EITs completing the CEO of Your New Life program. During a BPC, EITs will present their business ideas in several rounds of a Shark Tank-style competition to panels of business leaders and investors. The event also includes Defy’s signature icebreaker and empathy-building exercises designed to create an inclusive and accepting community. At the end of the day, five winning pitches are selected from the group in an awards ceremony, followed by a cap and gown graduation ceremony.

REGISTRATION: Registration is now closed.

Type of Event: Business Pitch Competition (BPC): Business Pitch Competitions (BPCs) are the culminating events for hard-working EITs completing the CEO of Your New Life program. During a BPC, EITs will present their business ideas in several rounds of a Shark Tank-style competition to panels of business leaders and investors. The event also includes Defy’s signature icebreaker and empathy-building exercises designed to create an inclusive and accepting community. At the end of the day, five winning pitches are selected from the group in an awards ceremony, followed by a cap and gown graduation ceremony.

Time:  Volunteers must arrive at facility at 9 am and the event will conclude by 6 pm.

Location: Richard J Donovan Correctional Facility, San Diego, CA 

This event is now closed.

Type of Event: Business Coaching Day (BCD): Business Coaching Days (BCDs) are great ways to meet like-minded volunteers and many talented, ambitious Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs). In addition to one-on-one career coaching and business planning activities, these events also include icebreakers and powerful empathy-building activities. BCDs support employment readiness and entrepreneurship skills and, through conversations and connections with our volunteers, enhance EITs' self-esteem, ambition, and sense of hope that is critical to their transformational journey.

Time: Volunteers must arrive at facility at 9 am and the event will conclude by 4 pm.

Location: California City Correctional Facility in California City, CA

Event registration is now full and closed.

Type of Event: Business Coaching Day (BCD): Business Coaching Days are great ways to meet like-minded volunteers and many talented, ambitious Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs). These events begin with powerful icebreakers and continue with one-on-one career-coaching activities and empathy-building activities. BCDs build not just marketable employment readiness skills, but also more overlooked components of human health in the criminal justice system. Conversations and connections with our volunteers enhance EITs' self-esteem, ambition, and sense of hope.

Time: Volunteers must arrive at facility at 9 am and the event will conclude by 4 pm.

Location:  California State Prison, Los Angeles County in Lancaster, CA

Event registration is now full and closed.

Type of Event:  Business Coaching Day (BCD): Business Coaching Days are great ways to meet like-minded volunteers and many talented, ambitious Entrepreneurs-in-Training (EITs). These events begin with some powerful icebreakers and continue on with one-on-one career coaching activities and empathy building activities. These events build not just marketable employment readiness skills but more overlooked components of human health in the criminal justice system; conversations with our volunteers enhance EITs' self-esteem, aspiration, and sense of hope.

Time: Volunteers must arrive at facility at 9 am and the event will conclude by 4 pm.

Location: Robert J Donovan Correctional Facility, San Diego, CA

Complete this RJD 1/30 BCD Clearance Form to register for event (clearances due by 12/14/18)

Thursday, September 13

Correctional Training Facility, Soledad (map)

Transportation will be provided from San Francisco

Volunteers will provide coaching, resume review and personal statement feedback to our EITs.