Tony Curtis
Tony Curtis graduated from CALPIA’s HFM program and former General Facilities Maintenance and Repair programs at Centinela State Prison. Mr. Curtis also was part of the first incarcerated group to receive their Optician certifications through the American Board of Opticianry in CALPIA’s Optical program. Mr. Curtis returned to his community 2020 and started working weekends as an Environmental Services Technician at a San Diego Hospital providing COVID cleaning along with working as a Journeyman for construction firm Henkels and McCoy. Mr. Curtis is now the co-owner of a construction company Cyberdyne Solar, which was the first company to partner with Lowe’s and has expanded to Walmart for solar services in the Southern California area. In addition to his construction career, Mr. Curtis is going to seminary through the Church of the Nazarene.
“The skills I learned through the CALPIA programs were crucial to my success and they were directly transferable to the jobs that I acquired. It has opened up a lot of doors for me and I am truly blessed. The fact that I have met the love of life, I am happily married, and just purchased a new home speaks volumes to the success of my early beginnings at CALPIA.” – Tony Curtis
Blake Hansen
Blake Hansen graduated from CALPIA’s Computer Coding program at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center. He returned to his community in 2022, working as an Apprentice for The Last Mile. Currently Mr. Hansen works for software company Asana in the Bay Area.
“CALPIA gives incarcerated individuals an environment that makes them want to succeed. It gives them a chance to do something positive. The skills I learned in CALPIA and The Last Mile computer coding program got me prepared for coding boot camp, which helped me land a career.”– Blake Hansen
Kevin Kelly
KEVIN KELLY participated in CALPIA’s Pre-Apprentice Construction Labor program and the Computer Coding program at San Quentin State Prison. Since returning to his community, Kevin has found success working for The Last Mile as a Return Citizen Advocate.
“ If I can do it, so can you. I’m not going to pretend that any of this is easy. It’s hard work. But I’m standing here today telling you, it is worth it. We are all capable of changing the trajectory of our lives. CALPIA is equipping you with the right tools for the job. Take full advantage. Taking what you have learned here and applying it is key. Think about what you have already accomplished.”– Kevin Kelly
Robert Castaneda
Robert Castaneda received his Optician certification while working for CALPIA’s Optical Lab at California State Prison, Solano. He worked in the program for seven years. When he returned to his community in 2021, he filed with the State Board of Optometry and started working at Eyeglass World. Robert now works as a licensed Optician for a leading eyewear retail chain and is thankful for the job training he received while incarcerated.
“CALPIA gave me a foundation that I could use in society. I am a licensed Optician and have been able to buy a home and a car because of the career training I received. I am grateful for CALPIA’s Optical program especially the staff who supported me along the way.”– Robert Castaneda
Inez Suarez
Inez Suarez graduated from CALPIA’s Pre-Apprentice Construction Labor program at Central California Women’s Facility in 2022. She now works for Overaa Construction in the Bay Area. When she returned to her community, Inez was supported by CALPIA through the Labor Union enrollment process and was able to find employment through the Northern California Training Center, Laborers Local 270. Inez is proud to be working in the construction industry and her Superintendent says she is a hard worker with a great skill set. Inez has four children and now has a meaningful career.
“I am thankful to CALPIA, my Union Instructors, and my employer for helping me with this incredible opportunity. CALPIA helped me with the job training I needed while paying for my union dues when I got out and buying me a new set of tools.”
– Inez Suarez
Louis Frazier
Louis Frazier graduated from CALPIA’s Metal Fabrication and Computer-Aided Design (Auto-CAD) programs at Folsom State Prison. He now works for Siemens Mobility, manufacturing light rail vehicles. Frazier learned Auto-CAD through CALPIA and worked side-by-side with engineers. While in CALPIA’s Metal Fabrication, he learned metal sheeting along with operating and programming the Turret Punch Press, brake presses and laser cutting systems. Frazier also completed CALPIA’s Essential Skills for the Workbook program and said it was beneficial to his success. He is grateful for the real-world skills he learned from CALPIA’s staff and the seven years of job training he received before heading back to his community in 2022.
“I am so grateful. I got a full-time career with Siemens Mobility as soon as I came back home and then I was able to get housing on my own. All the skills I learned through CALPIA are being utilized in my job. I have incredible benefits and the possibilities of climbing up the career ladder are endless.”
– Louis Frazier
Kenyatta Kalisana
Kenyatta Kalisana graduated from the CALPIA Commercial Dive Program at the California Institution for Men (CIM). Kalisana returned to his community in 2008 and started working in California and the Gulf of Mexico as a certified welder and commercial diver. He worked on construction projects for power plants, rivers, and dams and had a successful career in the dive industry for more than 12 years before coming to work for CALPIA. Kalisana is now the Lead Commercial Dive Instructor overseeing the program at CIM.
“CALPIA gave me the opportunity and skills to be successful as a Commercial Diver . I am now back in prison, not as an incarcerated individual, but as a Dive Instructor helping others to achieve their fullest potential as divers, underwater welders, and outstanding employees .”
– Kenyatta Kalisana
Richard Barnfield
Richard Barnfield graduated from CALPIA’s Healthcare Facilities Maintenance Program at Salinas Valley State Prison. He returned to his community and went to work for Five Keys and now holds the Lead Position for Showers of Hope, an organization providing relief to unhoused individuals and families.
“CALPIA was my first job. I am eternally grateful for it. It helped me grow as a person. I had no idea how to be an employee. This program creates employees, and that is what is helping me thrive on the outside.”
– Richard Barnfield
Albert Carmona
Albert Carmona graduated from the CALPIA Pre-Apprentice Construction Labor program at the California Institution for Men (CIM). Albert pursued all possible job opportunities and was able to get hired by the Southern California Laborer’s-Local 300. Albert now works for Morley Builders. He is building high-rise luxury apartments in Los Angeles. He credits CALPIA, Local 300, and his former instructor Vincent Rodriquez.
“The training I learned through CALPIA helped me stay focus while I was in prison and see a future not only for me, but for my family. I wanted a better way of living and CALPIA was the answer to that when I got out of prison.”
– Albert Carmona
Tommy DeLuna
Tommy DeLuna is a Life Coach for the Anti-Recidivism Coalition. Tommy returned to his community in 2019 and now helps the formerly incarcerated find employment and provides guidance to keep people from returning to prison. Tommy received certifications through CALPIA at California State Prison, Corcoran in General Fabrication in 2003-2006. Tommy wants to continue to improve the lives of others especially in the underserved communities and become a motivational speaker.
“CALPIA was the first job I had where I had great responsibility, gained independence, and learned employable job skills where I was able to find a career I actually enjoy.”
– Tommy DeLuna
Terry Billingsley
Terry Billingsley returned to his community in 2020 and has been working for Caltrans as a Bridge Maintenance worker. Terry graduated from CALPIA’s Metal Products enterprise at the California State Prison, Solano.
“CALPIA honed my welding skills, and I was able to receive my apprenticeship certification, along with the other certifications. It was a great process and I have a career today with Caltrans welding and repairing draw bridges in Northern California.”
– Terry Billingsley
Timothy Jackson
Timothy Jackson is the owner, founder, and CEO of Quality Touch Cleaning Systems in Southern California. His business is expanding thanks to the training he learned through CALPIA’s Healthcare Facilities Maintenance (HFM) program at the California City Correctional Facility. Timothy graduated from CALPIA’s HFM program and returned to his community in 2017. He and his team clean office buildings, legal firms, and bio-tech companies like Truvian Sciences. Timothy is married and has started growing his family.
Timothy Jackson Success Story Video
“I am so blessed to have graduated from CALPIA’s program learning those job skills employers value. I am a proud business owner and committed to making work environments the cleanest and safest they can be by cleaning beyond what the eye can see. Thank you CALPIA.”
– Timothy Jackson
Ruben Minjarez
Ruben Minjarez graduated from CALPIA’s Commercial Diving program at the California Institution for Men in Chino. He has been out since 2009 and has been commercial diving ever since. He works for American Marine Corporation (AMC) and is part of the South Bay Union Divers. Ruben started off as a Dive Tender for AMC and then advanced to Lead Tender, Commercial Diver, Supervisor and now Superintendent/Project Manager.
“I am so grateful to CALPIA and the Dive program. The skills I learned helped me with the amazing career I have today!”
– Ruben Minjarez
Maynard Walker
Maynard Walker graduated from CALPIA’s Commercial Diving program at the California Institution for Men in Chino. He was released in 2015 and has been working for Caltrans as an Equipment Operator II in Southern California. Maynard is also working on his college degree in Civil Engineering. Besides a full-time career and going to school, Maynard is happily married and has two children.
Maynard Walker Success Story Video
“CALPIA gave me the foundation of hard work and perseverance. I got the skills and technical training I needed to make it on the outside.”
– Maynard Walker
Sumit Lal
Sumit Lal graduated from CALPIA’s Code.7370 program at San Quentin State Prison. Sumit was incarcerated for five years. During his time at San Quentin, he decided to look AT what opportunities are available to change his life for the better. Since being released, Sumit enrolled into college, teaches children Taekwondo, and is a software engineer.
Sumit Lal Success Story Video
“CALPIA provided the support and network, not only when I discharged my number, but it was a continued support. The Last Mile and CALPIA put me where I am at today. They provided the curriculum; they provided the network that we needed to be successful when I got out.”
– Sumit Lal
Steven Smith
Steven Smith graduated from CALPIA’s Pre-Apprentice Construction Labor program at Folsom State Prison. He was hired in Northern California by Genesis One Group, Inc. and is part of the Laborers Union Local 185. Currently, he installs solar systems throughout the Sacramento area.
Steven Smith Success Story Video
“CALPIA was there for me like they said they would be when I first joined the program in prison. All i had to do was come out and produce. When I got out of prison, I didn’t have to spend my own money on tools or union dues because CALPIA provided these to me to help get a fresh start in the community. And for this I am very grateful.”
– Steven Smith
Christopher Schuhmacher
Chris Schuhmacher graduated from the first Code.7370 class at San Quentin State Prison and was also hired by The Last Mile Works while in prison. When returning to his community, he worked as a Software Engineer at Fandom, a global entertainment media company powered by fan passion. As of November 2021, Mr. Schumacher has become a Software Engineer at Checkr.
“During my time at San Quentin, CALPIA and The Last Mile’s Code.7370 gave me the opportunity to realize my dreams .. No matter where you’re at, nothing is impossible. Continue to work hard and ‘Believe in the Process’!”
– Chris Schuhmacher
Vera Salcedo
Vera Salcedo graduated from CALPIA’s Pre-Apprentice Carpentry program at the California Institution for Women. She was hired in Southern California by a large construction firm. Currently, she is part of the Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters Union and works for Neff Construction as a foreman.
Vera Salcedo Success Story Video
“I have six children and I knew if I kept doing what I did before prison I wouldn’t have a future. The pre- apprentice program provided me the opportunity to change my life for the better. My kids now say they are proud of me.”
– Vera Salcedo
Aly Tamboura
Aly Tamboura graduated from the first Code.7370 class at San Quentin State Prison in 2014 and was one of the first men hired by the software development Joint Venture Program, The Last Mile Works. During his time in the computer coding program he met Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg. After being released, Zuckerberg hired Tamboura who now works as the Manager of Technology and Program Delivery for the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.
“By promoting collaboration and creativity, Code.7370 prepared me for employment in software engineering and for tech culture. I commend CALPIA, CDCR, and The Last Mile for having the vision to look for new and innovative programs to offer career training in correctional facilities.”
– Aly Tamboura
Billy Pham
Billy Pham graduated as a commercial diver and underwater welder from CALPIA’s Leonard Greenstone Marine Technology Training Center at the California Institution for Men. He was released in 2006 and now manages Muldoon Marine Services.
“The dive program not only taught me responsibility and how to become a diver, but how to be a man and be productive to society. If it wasn’t for this CALPIA program I would probably end up dead or back in prison somewhere.”
– Billy Pham
Clarissa Allen
Clarissa Allen graduated from CALPIA’s AutoCAD (Computer-Aided Design) program at the Folsom Women’s Facility which houses the first Authorized Autodesk Training Center at a state prison. Clarissa now works as an AutoCAD drafter for Infinity Energy.
“CALPIA gave me the knowledge to start a new career and be successful. I utilize my skills daily and now I am an AutoCAD drafter. My kids say they are proud of me and it feels good to have this second chance.”
– Clarissa Allen
Michele Payne
Michele Payne worked in CALPIA enterprises and says the skills she learned helped her with her career as a Reentry Specialist at the Inland Empire United Way. She says having that job in prison gave her purpose. Michele’s boss says it’s a win/win for their organization as Michele is a valuable employee who now helps others with similar backgrounds.
“CALPIA gave me the confidence to get up every day, try my hardest, and do my best. I was able to improve my skills and use that same confidence to promote in my career while working on getting my master’s degree at California State University, San Bernardino.”
– Michele Payne
