Breaking Barriers. Transforming Lives. Leading Change.
Legislator | Justice Reform Advocate | Public Speaker | TEDx Editor’s Choice Speaker
Divine Lipscomb transforms audiences through his extraordinary journey from incarceration to becoming a nationally recognized advocate, speaker, and mental health professional. His story exemplifies the transformative power of resilience, education, and second chances while establishing him as an authoritative voice in restorative justice, reentry, and trauma-informed care.
At 16, Divine faced four years in state prison—including 15 months in solitary confinement—after two felony armed robbery arrests. Rather than surrendering to statistics, he leveraged this experience as a catalyst for profound personal transformation, committing himself to education and self-development.
Post-release, Divine emerged as a visionary entrepreneur, founding Corrective Gentlemen, Inc., a nonprofit that delivers comprehensive mentorship and support for returning citizens. Rejecting limiting labels, he has redefined his identity as a leader, change-maker, and solution architect.
His influence resonates throughout higher education and policy reform. As a key architect of Penn State’s Restorative Justice Initiative, Divine expanded educational access for justice-impacted and incarcerated individuals. He further pioneered Penn State’s Justice-Impacted Student Organization and secured critical funding for prison education programs—contributions recognized with Penn State’s “Outstanding Adult Learners Award” and the prestigious Rock Ethics Institute “Stand Up Award.”
In a landmark 2021 election, Divine made history as the first African American and first formerly incarcerated person elected to the State College Borough Council—a position from which he advances social justice, equity, and policy reform while demonstrating that justice-impacted individuals belong in positions of influence and decision-making.
As a TEDx Editor’s Choice speaker, award-winning advocate, and Ph.D. candidate in Counseling Education and Supervision, Divine addresses audiences nationwide on restorative justice, reentry strategies, ethical leadership, and mental health. His compelling presentations leave audiences with actionable insights, renewed commitment to second-chance opportunities, and a clear vision for meaningful systemic change.
Why Book Divine Lipscomb?
-
- A Transformative Journey – From incarceration to becoming a Penn State graduate, therapist, and elected leader, Divine’s story proves the power of second chances while challenging perceptions about justice-impacted individuals.
- Champion for Educational Access – A pioneer in expanding opportunities for justice-impacted students through mentorship, advocacy, and systemic change at institutional levels.
- Trauma-Informed Leadership Expert – As a licensed therapist specializing in trauma recovery, Divine offers unique insights on resilience, healing, and mental health in the reentry process.
- Groundbreaking Public Servant – The first African American and first formerly incarcerated person elected to State College Borough Council, bringing authentic representation and equity-focused leadership to governance.
- Nationally Recognized Speaker – His TEDx talk on dismantling the poverty-to-prison pipeline was selected as an Editor’s Choice, establishing him as an authoritative voice in criminal justice reform.
- Founder & Executive Director – Through Corrective Gentlemen, Inc., Divine provides evidence-based mentorship and support systems for returning citizens, demonstrating sustainable models for reintegration.
- Compelling Storyteller – With a captivating presentation style, Divine connects with diverse audiences from universities and corporations to government agencies, converting complex issues into actionable insights.
Discussion Topics:
-
- Restorative Justice in Practice – Evidence-based approaches to repair harm and rebuild communities beyond traditional punishment models.
- The Reentry Blueprint – Practical strategies for addressing housing, employment, and community reintegration for justice-impacted individuals.
- Higher Education as Intervention – How educational access transforms outcomes for justice-impacted students and breaks intergenerational cycles.
- Trauma-Informed Leadership – Implementing trauma-responsive approaches in organizations, education systems, and community programs.
- Justice-Impacted Voices in Leadership – Creating pathways for formerly incarcerated individuals to participate in civic engagement and policy development.
- Transforming Adversity into Advocacy – Frameworks for converting lived experience into effective leadership and systemic change.
- Breaking the Poverty-Prison Pipeline (TEDx) – Addressing root causes and implementing solutions to dismantle cycles of poverty and incarceration.
Recent Speaking Engagements
-
- Featured Speaker: Rutgers University, Chi Sigma Iota Statewide Conference, Susquehanna Conference, North Albany Middle School, SCI Rockview
- Featured Panelist: National Conference Higher Education in Prison, Hampton Roads Social Justice Conference, Pennsylvania Counseling Association Conference
Notable Achievements
-
- Academic Excellence – Penn State graduate (B.A. in Rehabilitation and Human Services, M.Ed. in Counseling Education) and current Ph.D. candidate in Counseling Education and Supervision.
- Historic Leadership – First African American and first justice-impacted individual elected to State College Borough Council, bringing essential perspective to local governance.
- Organizational Innovation – Founded Penn State’s Justice-Impacted Student Organization and Corrective Gentlemen, Inc., creating sustainable support systems for returning citizens.
- Educational Access Champion – Key architect in expanding Penn State’s Restorative Justice Initiative and securing funding for prison education programs.
- Thought Leadership – TEDx Editor’s Choice speaker for “Why Can’t We Fix the Poverty to Prison Pipeline,” reaching global audiences with actionable reform concepts.
- Statewide Influence – Active leader in the Pennsylvania Higher Education in Prison Consortium, shaping policy and expanding educational access across the state.
- Recognition of Excellence – Recipient of Penn State’s Outstanding Adult Learners Award, Student Leadership Award, and the Rock Ethics Institute’s Stand Up Award for commitment to social justice and educational equity.
Published Work:
Link to TEDx
Travels From Pennsylvania
Downloadable Documents:
Follow Divine:
Book a Speaker
Meet More Team Members
Rodney Spivey-Jones
Author | Social Justice Reform Advocate
Stacy Lyn Burnett
The Prison Economist | Keynote Speaker | Justice Reform Advocate | Economic Equity Expert | TEDx Speaker | Author
Giovannie Hernandez
Social Justice Reform Advocate | Website Designer | Consultant
Yosef Medina
Educator | Reentry Advocate | Cultural Strategist