Lisa Kratz Thomas

Social

Biography

Lisa’s stirring account of survival from a life of alcohol abuse, cocaine addiction and incarceration, has acquainted her first hand with the challenges of overcoming obstacles and adversity. Learn her remarkable transformation from living on the streets and in crack houses to being appointed as a member of the Senate Sub-committee that studied prisoner re-entry in the State of Virginia.

Lisa’s contribution to women’s affairs, inmates and ex-offenders, addiction prevention and recovery is known throughout the Southeast Region of the United States. She is especially recognized as the pioneer and leader of an innovative, one of a kind prisoner re-entry program in the state of Virginia. Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, Bill Howell appointed Lisa to the Senate Joint Subcommittee on Prisoner Reentry at the Virginia General Assembly. During her tenure on this committee, Lisa introduced several legislative proposals which were accepted into law.

Her stirring account of survival from a life of alcohol and cocaine addiction has become a rallying point for all who believe in extending that hope to even the most disenfranchised members of society. Having served time in the state of Virginia on a felony conviction, Lisa is acquainted firsthand with the staggering challenges that offenders face.

Lisa’s inspiring message of conquering adversity and unleashing potential brings a fresh perspective to helping others transform their lives. Each week you can join her on www.herewomentalk.com for her weekly radio show entitled: THIS IS YOUR LIFE: Courage to Change which features guests that have overcome obstacles in life and who are living out their destiny.

Industry Expertise (3)

Public Safety

Women

Corrections

Accomplishments (2)

Appointed Member of Joint Senate Sub-committee Studying Reentry in the State of Virginia (professional)

Appointed my Speaker of the House Bill Howell, I served on a joint subcommitte that studied reentry in the state of Virginia from 2005-2006 and was reapppointed in 2007. During my tenure on this committee, I submitted various pieces of legislation in reference to inmate and ex-offender rights, three of which became Virginia law.

Founder & Former Director of New Vision (professional)

New Vision, a transitional program, holistic in nature, assisted women who were reentering society from incarceration. It was a one-of-a-kind program encompassing inmates & resource programs as well as a residential home which acommplished an outstanding ZERO Percent recidivisim rate.

Affiliations (1)

• Virginia Department of Corrections Reentry Council, District 16, Business Advisory Council, Goodwill Industries, Virgnia Chaplain Service Faith-based Initial Council, Better Business Bureau

Links (1)

• Lisa Kratz Thomas, Speaker, Author, Radio Talk Show Host