Written by Ashlee Liberty, Program Manager at Televerde Foundation

Once Upon a Second Chance isn’t just an event—it’s a full-circle moment. It’s where women like me go from being honored to leading. It’s where second chances become success stories, and where we witness the power of what’s possible when someone chooses to rise and keep rising. It’s a night that reflects everything we believe at Televerde Foundation: that second chances are possible, and every woman deserves the chance to be empowered to rewrite her story—not just once, but as many times as it takes.

Let that sink in….

Just two years ago, I stood on the OUSC stage full of nerves—yet driven and ready—having been released two months earlier from a ten-year sentence. I was being honored as a Cinderella. It was one of the most surreal moments of my life—not because I didn’t feel worthy, but because I had spent so long believing I would never be seen this way again. Back then, I was still getting used to freedom, still learning how to trust my own voice, and still figuring out where I fit in this world.

But here I am today, writing this not as a guest, not as a participant, but as the Program Manager of the very event that once celebrated me.

I used to think women like me, those who made it out, made it through, and stood tall afterward, must have some rare magic in them. Some “unicorn” quality that made them different. But I’ve come to realize: I am not a unicorn. I am just a woman who refused to stop showing up. I made mistakes. I fell. I started over. And the truth is, my journey didn’t take magic. It took mentorship, hard work, deep healing, and relentless belief—from others, and eventually from myself.

That all happened with the support and guidance of Televerde Foundation.

What humbles me most now isn’t the title or the responsibility of leading this event—it’s watching the women coming behind me. I remind them time and time again… “I am not a unicorn. If I can do it, you can do it too.” Every time I meet a new Cinderella, every time I see someone graduate, land a job, share her truth, or walk with confidence I didn’t have at that stage—it reminds me that the women coming behind me are even stronger, bolder, and more equipped. And I love that.

That’s what this work is about.

Leading this year’s event reminded me that none of us rise alone. I’m here because someone saw me, mentored me, and lifted me up. Now it’s my turn to build the stage, open the doors, and hand the mic to the next woman rising. And let me tell you—they’re not just ready. They are on fire.

On April 4, 2025, I had the incredible honor of standing beside this year’s Cinderellas—not as one of them, like I was in 2023—but as a staff member, mentor, and witness to their transformation. Watching these women walk across the stage, dressed in elegance and beaming with pride, reminded me how powerful a second chance can be.

That’s the magic of this event. It gives dignity back to women who were told they didn’t deserve it. And it reminds the world that with belief and support, transformation isn’t rare—it’s real.

One of the most emotional moments of the night was the presentation of the Dawn Coppens Mentor of the Year Award. I had the privilege of being mentored by Dawn when I started my role as the program coordinator inside Perryville. She gave so much of herself to this community, helping women like me believe that we had something worth giving. Honoring her legacy in front of a room filled with people she helped shape—there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

It was a reminder that the real magic isn’t in fairy tales — it’s in mentorship. And that kind of magic doesn’t fade when a sentence ends. It carries forward: life to life, woman to woman. It’s in every hand extended, every lesson shared, every door held open for the next one rising.

This year also brought something new for me personally. I got to share the evening with my partner—someone who has stood beside me as I’ve rebuilt my life. Standing in that room, surrounded by support, celebration, and love, I was struck by how far I’ve come. There was a time I never imagined I’d have any of this.

In 2013, I walked into Perryville with no idea what the future held. I never thought I’d return through those gates as a professional—working in the same place where I once served time. I used to joke with myself, “Could you imagine working in a place like this?” and then dismiss the thought as impossible.

But in 2021, when I met Michelle Cirocco, I learned it was possible. And I set it as a goal.

Today, I’m living that goal. I’m not just someone who was given a second chance—I’m someone helping give them.

“I’m not a unicorn. If I can do this, any of these women can.”

That’s the heart of what we do. We don’t just tell stories of success—we show what’s possible when women are equipped, believed in, and supported. Events like Once Upon a Second Chance remind everyone—inside and outside—that no one is beyond redemption.

The energy in the room that night was electric. Supporters showed up with open hearts and gave generously. Because of that, we raised vital funds that go directly into our programs—helping more women heal, grow, and lead.

As someone who has been on both sides of this event, I can tell you: your support matters. It changed my life. It’s changing others right now. And it’s building a future none of us could’ve imagined.

This chapter of Once Upon a Second Chance may be closed, but the story is far from over. I hope you’ll be part of the next one.

Help us prove that it doesn’t take magic—it just takes belief in second chances and opportunities.

Join us in creating more second chances.