About Dr. Sarah Shannon

Dr. Sarah Shannon is a Megis Professor and Director of Criminal Justice Studies Program at the University of Georgia. Sarah K.S. Shannon joined the UGA Sociology Department in 2013 after receiving her PhD (and MSW) from the University of Minnesota.  Sarah’s research focuses on systems of criminal punishment and their effects on social life. Her interdisciplinary research has been published in top journals in several fields including sociology, criminology, public health, social work, and geography. Sarah is also an award-winning teacher, having received recognition for excellence in undergraduate instruction, research mentoring, creative teaching, and service-learning. She proudly facilitates UGA’s first-ever Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program course in partnership with the Clarke County Jail.

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About Billy Honor

Billy Honor is a Minister, Community Organizer, and Scholar who holds a graduate degree from Emory University. Some bad decisions led Billy into problems with the criminal justice system, including a felony charge for theft by taking while in a fiduciary capacity. While in prison, he has been determined to make amends, not through talk, but through daily, incremental action. During this time; he has completed several professional certifications and personal change courses. When Billy concludes the confinement portion of his sentence in the coming months. He is preparing to leave empowered and with the resources to build a thriving career, repay his debt owed to society, help others succeed after making a mess of life and most of all, take care of his wife and two children.

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• The Eye of the Tiger and why current & formerly incarcerated persons make great employees
• How employing people with felony records helps create healthier and thriving communities
• Changing the narrative. Making criminal conviction a source of social refinement not detriment. 

About Amelia Nickerson

Amelia Nickerson joined First Step Staffing in January 2018 and was appointed as CEO in May 2020. Amelia has two decades of experience as a fundraiser, volunteer, and board member for nonprofits across the Southeast. As CEO, Amelia has helped grow First Step into three new markets and continues to increase both the financial metrics and community impact the organization has each year. Under her leadership, First Step has become the largest alternative staffing agency in the U.S. and was recognized by the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness at a “Extra Mile” Award winner in 2020.

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Untapped Talent: Pathways to New Talent

• Looking at ways employers can expand their hiring practices
• Meeting their hiring needs
• Becoming a leader of tremendous impact on their local communities

Watch this video to learn more:

This unconventional staffing agency guarantees employment within 72 hours (youtube.com)

About Allyson Newbury

Allyson Newbury is the Market Manager for Staff Zone Athens, a nationwide, woman-owned, fair chance, on-demand staffing company. She has spent the past five years working closely with second chance employees, combining professional experience with personal insight—her husband is a successful example of the impact fair chance employment can have. A lifelong local, Allyson is passionate about helping people rebuild their lives, aligning closely with Staff Zone’s mission of Constructing Lives through meaningful job opportunities.

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• The Power of Fair Chance Hiring: At Staff Zone, we believe in second chances. Over the past five years, I’ve seen firsthand how providing opportunities to justice-involved individuals not only changes their lives—it strengthens our workforce and our community.
• Personal Insight, Professional Passion: This work is deeply personal for me. My husband is a proud, productive member of society today because a second chance company believed in him. That experience fuels my commitment to helping others rebuild.
• Why More Employers Should Become Fair Chance: Fair chance hiring isn’t just the right thing to do—it works. Our company model proves that with the right support and opportunity, people will show up, work hard, and contribute meaningfully. We need more employers willing to take that step.