In the United States, more than 220,000 women are currently incarcerated. Between 1980 and 2019, that number steadily increased by 700%. At the end of their sentences, many of these women will face barriers they probably never imagined.

Latonia Carson, an 8x8 customer, knows the struggle firsthand. Her experience reentering the workforce after incarceration was challenging, to say the least, but once she landed back on her feet, she felt compelled to help others. Her goal: teach other women and their families how to navigate life post-incarceration.

Latonia now describes herself as a life coach, and as the founder of Let's Face It, she devotes her career to supporting women and giving them the tools they need to move forward. Meet Latonia.

Providing essential services during unprecedented times.

While much of the world came to a sudden halt last March, Latonia and her team remained focused on their mission. And while in-person coaching sessions were no longer feasible, virtual coaching gave her the flexibility to continue providing tools and resources to the women she serves.

"We had to quickly reinvent ourselves. I can literally coach from my car if I had to."

Thanks to 8x8, that transition was an easy one for Latonia. The hard part? Navigating the red tape involved in helping women reenter life outside the prison system.

"The biggest challenge has always been dealing with some of the systematic things that are in place and letting people get to see me for who I really am."

Another often overlooked aspect of the equation? More than 60% of women in state prisons have a child under the age of 18. Caring for those children during and after their mother's incarceration is a focus for Latonia and her business. Helping to repair and restore the relationships is life-changing. And that work is critical. Luckily, Let's Face It had the technology they needed to keep business up and running.

Open for business (from home).

Like everyone else, Latonia packed up her downtown office and headed home in early 2020. Her office now is a reflection of her vibrant personality, the walls and windows adorned with purple. As you may have guessed, Latonia says purple is her favorite color. And given the work she does, it feels powerfully symbolic. After all, purple is one of the colors associated with women's suffrage.

Even though the way she operates her business has changed, her passion for the cause is unwavering.

"I was an incarcerated woman, serving a sentence, and I got out, and there were so many barriers to making it. Because I had such a fight in so many areas, once I accomplished some things and saw that companies were willing to give people a second chance, that's what inspired me to gather all the knowledge about making it after incarceration and share that. I felt like I had to give back."

Latonia is an 8x8 Original

Latonia is just one of the many customers, partners, and employees who inspire us. Her grit, positivity, and determination is changing lives, and we're proud to play a small part in her story. She embodies a spirit of innovation, and that's why she's an 8x8 Original Thinker. Stay tuned for more profiles like hers in the weeks to come.