Professional Summary
Cheri Garcia is the Founder and CEO of Cornbread Hustle, a staffing agency headquartered in Dallas, Texas. The firm is dedicated to providing second chances by helping individuals, particularly those in recovery or recently released from prison, find meaningful employment. With over six years of experience leading Cornbread Hustle, Cheri has combined her personal journey of overcoming addiction with a professional mission to aid others in similar situations through job placement and education.
Professional Experience
Cornbread Hustle
- Title: Founder and CEO
- Location: Dallas, Texas
- Founded: ~6 years ago
- Focus: Second-chance hiring for individuals in recovery and those with criminal backgrounds
- Achievements:
- Placed over 1,000 candidates in jobs over the last year
- Recognized as the 2021 Social Innovator of the Year by United Way
Junk Hustlers
- Title: Founder
- Description: Demolition and junk hauling company
Volunteer Work
- Active volunteer in the Prison Entrepreneurship Program
- Regularly engages in coaching and mentorships for returned citizens
Educational Background
Cheri Garcia attended the Connecticut School of Broadcasting, where she honed skills that later contributed to her ventures.
Professional Skills
Cheri has developed a diverse skill set over her career:
- Marketing and Public Relations: Leveraged to assist individuals in rebranding themselves for the job market.
- Entrepreneurship Coaching: Created the "Raise the Bar" curriculum aimed at helping people transition from service industries to more career-oriented paths.
Impact and Program Development
Second-Chance Hiring
Cheri’s approach to second-chance hiring includes understanding the multifaceted barriers faced by her candidates:
- Transportation and Curfew Restrictions: Many participants face logistical challenges such as GPS monitors and mandatory parole classes.
- Employer Education: By educating employers on the benefits and challenges of hiring candidates with criminal records, Cheri ensures better workplace integration and stigma reduction.
Empathy Training
Cheri advises clients, often billion-dollar companies, on implementing empathy training for supervisors and managers to ensure successful integration of second-chance hires. She emphasizes the importance of not just HR, but also day-to-day managers being committed to the fair chance hiring approach.
Community Engagement and Support
Cheri Garcia places strong emphasis on community building:
- Complimentary Classes and Events: Offers ongoing education and personal development courses ranging from PR to public speaking.
- Social Activities: Regularly organizes events like sports games and fairs to foster community among employees.
- Public Speaking and Social Media: Shares her personal struggles and successes openly to inspire others and create an empathetic community around second-chance employment.
Public Presence and Recognition
Social Media and Interviews
Cheri is active on LinkedIn and other social media platforms where she regularly posts updates about Cornbread Hustle’s activities and her personal journey. She has been featured in several interviews and articles:
- Voyage Dallas Magazine: Detailed interview about her story and the evolution of Cornbread Hustle.
- Checkr Blog: Insightful discussion on the power of second chances and the future of fair chance hiring.
- Dallas News: Recognized for her efforts in supporting ex-cons through meaningful employment opportunities.
Awards
- Social Innovator of the Year (2021) by United Way
Inspirational Talks
- Regular speaker at industry events and conferences, where she advocates for second-chance hiring and shares her methodology for successful employment reintegration.
Key Contact Information
- Email: Cheri@CornbreadHustle.com
- Website: [www.CornbreadHustle.com](https://www.cornbreadhustle.com/)
- Instagram: [CornbreadHustle](https://www.instagram.com/cornbreadhustle)
- Facebook: [Facebook.com/cornbreadhustle](https://www.facebook.com/cornbreadhustle)
- Twitter: [@CornbreadHustla](https://twitter.com/CornbreadHustla)
This professionally detailed profile provides a comprehensive overview of Cheri Garcia's career, achievements, and the operational focus of Cornbread Hustle, tailored for strategic sales and professional engagement.
