On June 15, 2023, Melisa O'Dell, the Executive Director of Defy Ventures - along with Malaki Crayton, presented a program about their non-profit organization. Melisa has been with the organization for 8 years, and described that the organization is currently operating in eight states; they are in the process of initiating services in Pennsylvania.


In Chicago, Defy Ventures currently is staffed by 4 full time staff and 2 part time staff. They provide services to inmates in one womens' prison and two men's prisons.

The program seeks to assist the inmates they serve upon release, to find housing and jobs, even before release. Preparations well before release from prison, including the completion of training in the prison, on how to successfully work in a job, and/or even becoming an entrepreneur.

Melisa noted that recidivism of clients served to be10% at one years and 15% at three years.