Nena Walker-Staley lives her life with intention. Growing up in a household where her parents taught her leadership, courage and purpose, Nena didn’t hesitate to apply those principles in every aspect of her life. Her service as a warden in the South Carolina prison system was exemplarily. Fearless in her efforts, she constantly sought out ways to find opportunities for those incarcerated under her care. Her no nonsense yet companionate nature were the recipe for incredible growth in her responsibilities. In 2021, South Carolina was recognized as having the lowest recidivism rate in the United States. Her straightforward fearless approach had a great deal to do with that outcome. Working now to help formerly incarcerated people navigate healthcare.gov so they can keep their medical needs taken care of, Nena continues to be a force for good in this marginalized space.

Sponsors & Partners
The Other Side Academy - theothersideacademy.com
My Story Matters / Captain Your Story - mystorymatters.org
The Peaceful Prisons Project - peacefulprisonsproject.com

(00:00:00) Nena Walker Staley
(00:01:17) Thanks to Our Sponsors
(00:02:57) From Childhood to Warden
(00:14:24) How She Worked Her Way Up Through the Prison System
(00:18:45) Becoming Warden Staley - A Story of Change through Reluctance
(00:25:53) Earning Her Reputation Through Example
(00:32:30) Up & Up - Getting Organized
(00:36:18) Preparing Them for the Real World
(00:44:48) The Impact of Education
(00:49:07) All My Friends Are Felons Too
(01:04:48) What She’s Doing Now - Free Healthcare For Affected Individuals
(01:07:05) Advice for Those Affected