Written by Natalie Medley, Marketing Support Coordinator at Televerde Foundation

When Kaitlin Horton walked out of prison in December 2024, she feared her past would erase her future. Thanks to a second-chance hiring partnership between Televerde Foundation and Aventiv Technologies, Kaitlin is not only thriving—she’s now leading others to the same opportunity.

Today, Kaitlin serves as the Fair Chance Hire Pipeline Lead at Aventiv Technologies, where she helps identify and support justice-impacted talent. Her role isn’t just a job—it’s a mission rooted in experience and purpose.

Q&A With Kaitlin Horton

Q: Where are you working now, and what’s your role?
I’m currently working at Aventiv Technologies as the Fair Chance Hire Pipeline Lead in the Talent Acquisition group. I’ve never been happier at an organization. I feel so accepted and loved. I get to be my true, authentic self—and they love what I’ve overcome.

Q: What was your biggest fear before finding employment?
I honestly thought all the education and experience I had would be overlooked because of my background. I applied for thousands of jobs and didn’t hear back. It was frustrating and discouraging. I felt like no one would ever give me a chance in corporate America again.

Q: How did you end up getting the job at Aventiv?
While I was still incarcerated, I had the chance to interview with Aventiv during a career fair hosted by Televerde Foundation. That first conversation planted a seed. After my release, Kathleen, an employment specialist with the Foundation, personally advocated for me—she sent my résumé directly to their hiring manager. Because she believed in me, they gave me a chance. I was offered the job shortly after. It was the opportunity I had been hoping for.

Q: What advice would you give to someone reentering the workforce?
Make small goals and work toward them one at a time. I know how tempting it is to want everything instantly—the job, the car, the apartment, everything. But good things take time. Also, tailor your resume! That’s something we’re always taught in the PATHS program and in our resume workshops—and honestly, I didn’t think it made a difference. But the first time I actually did it, I got the job.

Q: What would you say to a company considering second-chance hiring?

Fair chance hires are loyal, motivated, and resilient. We meet or exceed expectations. We bring culture, diversity, and hope. When you say yes to someone’s potential, you’re helping rewrite their story—and you gain a dedicated employee in the process.