Allen Burnett
The Prism Way
Long Beach, CA USA
"My body was incarcerated but my words were never incarcerated. They could touch everyone and everybody everywhere and all the time."
Career Roadmap
Allen's work combines: Non-Profit Organizations, Entrepreneurship, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
Associate's Degree
Theology
Channel Island Seminary
Bachelor's Degree
Communication Studies
California State University, Los Angeles
Graduate Degree
Communication Studies
California State University, Los Angeles
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
I was sentenced to life without parole and served 28 years, but I used that time to transform my life and pursue education.
2.
My first job in prison was handing out class sign-up lists, which sparked a passion for community and education.
3.
Despite no institutional support, we shared books and inspired each other—over 300 of us earned associate degrees while inside.
4.
Joining the first in-person Cal State LA Prison Graduation Initiative cohort inside prison gave me the tools and hope to lead with compassion and purpose.
5.
My sentence was commuted in 2019 by California Governor Gavin Newsom.
6.
When I got out, I feared no one would hire me, but I leaned into my skills and vision and began consulting for justice organizations.
7.
An LA Times article about the Prison Graduation Initiative led to a call that changed everything—joining The Prism Way as a co-founder.
8.
I went from solitary prison cells to shaping nonprofit strategy, getting my master’s degree, and creating spaces rooted in healing.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Peers:
You're ugly, dumb, and stupid.
How I responded:
School was a challenge for me. I struggled with learning differences and was in danger of being held back in school. I did have some amazing teachers who supported and encouraged me, but it almost didn't resonate because of the other noise I was receiving about who I was and what I was capable of. That noise outweighed my opportunity to fully grasp my education. It wasn't until I was in prison that I took ahold of my education and realized my potential.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I caused harm and was sentenced to life without parole. I served 28 years before my sentence was commuted, and I used that time to better myself and my opportunities through education.