When Karisa first walked through The Fortune Society’s doors in 2005, she had no idea how profoundly the organization would shape her future. At the time, Karisa was referred to a women’s program, similar to today’s Women Rising, where she encountered alternatives to incarceration, group work, and support systems specifically for individuals affected by the legal system. These experiences revealed a path that would become Karisa’s life’s work.  

After her own period of incarceration, Karisa returned to Fortune. She began attending programs at another organization, eventually working there as well, all while deepening her interest in human services. She pursued her bachelor’s degree in the field and spent the next decade working with New York City’s homeless shelters and service providers. From transitional housing to substance use programs to family services, she immersed herself in supporting underserved communities.  

Despite years of professional growth at other reentry organizations, Karisa always felt pulled back to Fortune.  

When she finally applied for a position at Fortune, the leadership team saw her potential. The Deputy CEO and President and CEO personally advocated for her, reaching out internally to find a department where her skills, experience, and perspective could thrive.  

Upon her return to the organization, this time as a staff member, Karisa found herself surrounded by leaders who shared their own experiences with the legal system, understood the barriers these experiences create, and valued the lived experiences that shape Fortune’s mission.   

“At Fortune, you don’t have to hide who you are,” Karisa said. “You don’t have to worry about how people see you. We’re all here for the same thing and looking to build our community.”  

As a Program Director, she oversees Freedom House, an emergency and transitional housing facility for men. In her role, she works closely with building residents to ensure their success and equip them with the tools they need as they transition to permanent housing.    

“We’re not here to handhold,” Karisa explained. “We’re here to guide them. We’re the GPS, but they’re the ones driving.”  

However, Karisa emphasized that the foundation of strong client services begins with a strong team. Supporting her staff emotionally, mentally, and logistically is central to her leadership philosophy.

Now a year and a half into her role, Karisa is eager to learn what comes next. She feels ready to take on more responsibility and find new opportunities to shape programs and policy.   

“I want to be part of implementation, advocacy, framework, all of it,” she said. “I’ve sat in so many seats and seen this work from every angle. I just want to keep building from that.”  

Her journey from participant to professional to leader at The Fortune Society is a testament to what is possible when lived experience meets opportunity, support, and a commitment to uplifting others.