Mississippi Women in the Lead – 2024 Cohort
Pauline Rogers
Jackson
Pauline Rogers is a seasoned leader with over 35 years of dedicated service in the realm of Criminal and Social Justice. Her profound impact extends across mentoring, advocacy, leadership, rights restoration, reentry housing, and supportive services for incarcerated individuals in Mississippi, long before criminal justice garnered widespread attention.
Pauline’s journey into advocacy stems from her own lived experiences, including a childhood marked by adversity and a stint in prison resulting from circumstances rooted in survival. Despite facing significant challenges, Pauline emerged from incarceration with a resolute mission to address the systemic barriers hindering successful reentry into society.
In the confines of prison, Pauline’s resolve crystallized as she witnessed firsthand the struggles of parolees unable to secure stable housing due to lack of a verifiable address. Determined to effect change, she embarked on a path to provide tangible solutions to this pressing issue.
Her commitment to resilience is evident, having navigated through personal trauma, including childhood sexual abuse and the harrowing experience of witnessing her father’s death. Yet, she transformed her pain into purpose, channeling her energy towards advocating for marginalized communities.
Pauline’s impact reverberates beyond state lines, earning her prestigious accolades such as the 2022 Soros Justice Fellowship from the Open Society Foundation and recognition as Mississippi’s 2021 Remarkable Woman by Nexstar Television. Alongside her husband, she pioneers innovative reentry programs, boasting an unparalleled 0% recidivism rate.
Their unique perspective, informed by firsthand incarceration experiences, enables them to tailor support services effectively, addressing the multifaceted needs of individuals transitioning from prison to society. As the founder of her envisioned organization, Pauline remains steadfast in her commitment to driving positive change and empowering others.
A self-described Solutionist, Pauline believes in her role as a catalyst for transformation, embodying the ethos that she is an indispensable ingredient in every solution. Through her advocacy and unwavering dedication, she continues to inspire hope and resilience in those she serves, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of criminal justice reform.