Set your own expectations
At Resilience Education, it’s our mission to break cycles of incarceration by improving economic mobility for people who have been affected by the justice system.
Our story starts with a letter
Over a decade ago, an incarcerated man with the desire to learn sent a letter to the Dean of the Darden School of Business. He knew he’d have a hard time securing employment, so he asked for help with his business plan. The letter landed in the hands of Professor Greg Fairchild, who taught strategy and entrepreneurship to MBA students at UVA Darden.
“What if we taught entrepreneurship and business concepts to incarcerated people?” he asked.
Teaching business to people in prison is transformative.
Greg successfully delivered our first program with four MBA instructors to 17 incarcerated students at Dillwyn Correctional Center, VA. At the request of the Warden at Fluvanna, Tierney Fairchild launched a program at the women’s correctional facility the following year. Together, the Fairchilds co-founded Resilience Education to expand our reach and impact.
“When I look back, I realize how much this program pushed me forward, not just academically but as a person. It opened my eyes to the potential for change and growth, both in myself and in others.”
Resilience Education Graduate from Dillwyn Correctional Center, VA
The problem of mass incarceration isn’t confined to Virginia. Every year in the United States, more than 650,000 individuals are released from prison into a world that drastically changed during their sentence.
Our students are a skilled population with untapped potential, often coming from underserved communities who don’t have access to high-quality business resources. To help tackle this problem, we expanded to more business schools, engaged with law schools, designed new courses, and built up a collection of more than 100 case studies.
We have been building on this work in recent years by developing digital tools. We created the Resilient Professional Community for people to grow their skillsets, networks and career prospects post-conviction and post-release. In 2024, we won awards for our partnerships and efforts to create social good at the Charlottesville Business Innovation Council’s Annual Gala.
(Left) Resilience Education Graduate at UVA Darden School of Business
Our model of change
Our approach to education creates a powerful, dual impact. It’s more than just teaching current and formerly incarcerated people about business. These interactions are transforming the hearts and minds of future business leaders.
By spending time with our learners, the instructors form connections that change how they view the world. They emerge as advocates of fair chance hiring—ready to open doors to opportunity.
Our work brings the reality of mass incarceration to life, showing the business community the true face of resilience, perseverance, and undervalued talent. We are educators committed to bringing innovative solutions to employers, universities, and governments, ensuring this talent pool has the tools needed to thrive post-release.
Teaching Finance, Transforming Lives in Wharton Magazine
