Becoming Who I Am: Annaleah's Journey to Confidence and Career Success
Life After Prison: Power of a Second Chance Series
Written by Natalie Medley, marketing support coordinator at Televerde Foundation
When Annaleah came home after two and a half years of incarceration, she faced more questions than answers — about work, direction, and self-worth.
“I never had something I knew I wanted to work toward,” she said. “I was doing deliveries for a while, just trying to figure out my next step.”
That next step came when Kathleen from Televerde Foundation called with an opportunity that would change everything. Within weeks, Annaleah landed a role as a technical support agent with McGraw Hill, one of Televerde Foundation’s valued employer partners. Today, she helps students and instructors navigate online learning platforms — and she’s building a life rooted in stability, confidence, and purpose.
Q&A with Annaleah Dominguez
Q: Where are you working now, and what’s your role?
I work for McGraw Hill as a technical support agent. I help students and instructors navigate their online courses, manage assignments, and troubleshoot issues. It was challenging at first, but now I love it. The team is really supportive.
Q: How did you land your position with McGraw Hill?
I was working with Kathleen from Televerde Foundation after my release. I wasn’t sure what direction I wanted to take, and one day she called and said, “I think I found something you’d really like.” She connected me with McGraw Hill, and that opportunity changed my life.
Q: What has been your biggest challenge since returning to the workforce?
I think it’s been overcoming self-doubt. I used to worry I wasn’t qualified or that my past would define me. But I realized I’m not my past. I can either be what everyone says I am — or who I say I am.
Q: Was there a turning point when things began to feel easier?
Yes, when I realized I could live beyond my mistake. For a long time, I carried guilt and shame. But I’ve learned that I can’t change what happened — I can only change who I am moving forward.
Q: What lessons from Televerde Foundation helped you most?
Definitely the computer skills! I hadn’t touched one in years. But more than that, it was encouragement. The people in the program, the visiting partners, and seeing women succeed before me helped me believe that I deserve the life I want.
Q: What would you say to someone currently in the program?
Don’t give up. Take it day by day. The goal matters, but what happens between now and that goal matters more. If you do it with a full heart, you’ll get there.
Q: What message do you have for employers considering second-chance hiring?
We’re still people. We’re not our mistakes. We’re just as qualified and capable as anyone else — sometimes even more so.
Q: Anything you’d like to say to Televerde Foundation or Kathleen?
To the Foundation — thank you for giving women like me the tools to become the best versions of ourselves. And to Kathleen — I love you and I’m so grateful for you. You never gave up on me, even when I was unsure of myself.
This story is part of our ongoing Life After Prison: Power of a Second Chance series — highlighting women like Annaleah who are redefining what’s possible through fair chance employment.
Special thanks to our employment partner McGraw Hill for championing second chances and supporting women in building meaningful careers.
Want to help create more opportunities like Annaleah’s?
Learn more about how we partner with employers to expand fair chance hiring opportunities across the country.