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.
Additional program details, media, and downloadable materials coming soon.
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