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Jon Ponder

Jon Ponder

Hope For Prisoners

Las Vegas, NV USA

Career Roadmap

Jon's work combines: Non-Profit Organizations, Philosophy & Religion, and Helping People

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Day In The Life

Founder & CEO

HFP provides services for young men and women exiting the judicial system to successfully integrate back into society.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Certification

    Personal Experience

    School of Hard Knocks

Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Founder & CEO:

Certification: Personal Experience

Learn more about different paths to this career

Defining Moments

How I responded to discouragement

  • THE NOISE

    Messages from Society in general:

    People didn't take me seriously or want anything to do with me because I had a criminal history. Being on parole at the time, getting in contact with the Nevada Department of Corrections was difficult but needed for the organization I visualized.

  • How I responded:

    Although it was discouraging, I used it as a motivational factor to get to where I am today. The moral of the story is don't quit. Every "no" is not a definite "no." It's just a "not yet." I am very grateful that my vision of putting together an organization to help people coming out of the prison systems has come to fruition, and we have a wonderful partnership with the Nevada Department of Corrections.

Experiences and challenges that shaped me

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  • I grew up in a single parent home with no financial guidance, but it was something that was important to me. When I realized its benefits, I knew I had to turn around and help others get financial insight so they can take back control of their life.

  • Growing up on the streets of New York, I was involved in criminal and gang activity. I have found from personal experience that the majority of people involved in such things truly want to change but have no idea how. They need tools and navigation.