George Chochos

From Jail to Yale: A Story of Redemption, Leadership & Justice Reform

Executive Director, Bethesda Mission | Public Theologian | Justice Reform Advocate | Transformational Speaker

Rev. George Chochos has defied the odds—going from incarceration to earning multiple Ivy League degrees and becoming a national leader in justice reform. A sought-after speaker, public theologian, and policy advocate, George’s journey is a testament to the power of education, resilience, and faith. With over a decade of experience in higher education, nonprofit leadership, and policy reform—including roles as Senior Program Associate for Vera’s Unlocking Potential Initiative and Founding Pivot Program Manager at Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business—he speaks with unmatched authenticity on leadership, second chances, and systemic change. Through compelling storytelling and data-driven insights, George challenges audiences to rethink justice, leadership, and the future of opportunity. His work has impacted thousands—from incarcerated students seeking education to Fortune 500 executives shaping workplace policies.

Why Book George?

• • Nationally Recognized & In-Demand Speaker — Featured at major conferences on criminal justice reform and education
  • Sought-After Thought Leader — Keynote speaker for Fortune 500 companies, universities, and leadership summits
  • Real-Life Story, Real Impact — George’s journey from prison to Ivy League scholar inspires audiences from students to CEOs
  • Authentic, Data-Driven & Actionable — Combines lived experience, research, and policy expertise to create meaningful dialogue and change

Discussion Topics:

• • From Jail to Yale: Unlocking Potential Against the Odds — A powerful journey of resilience, education, and transformation, proving that second chances can lead to remarkable success
  • The Business Case for Criminal Justice Reform — Why reducing barriers for returning citizens isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s also smart economics for businesses, communities, and society
  • Higher Education in Prison: Pathways to Economic & Social Mobility — How education behind bars can be a game-changer, breaking cycles of incarceration and opening doors to opportunity
  • Leadership & Overcoming Adversity — The mindset, skills, and strategies needed to lead after facing life’s biggest challenges
  • Telling Your Story for Maximum Impact — How personal narratives can inspire change, influence policy, and create lasting social impact
  • Faith, Justice & Healing — The role of faith in overcoming trauma, building community, and leading with purpose in social justice work
  • Coalition Building & Movement Ecology — How diverse groups can unite to drive meaningful, lasting reform in criminal justice and beyond

Recent Speaking Engagements:

• • Guest Lecturer: Wharton School, Harvard, Howard Divinity School
  • Keynotes: JPMorgan Chase, Morehead-Cain Foundation, Virginia Tech
  • Featured Panelist: National conferences on higher education in prison, reentry, and justice reform

Education:

• • PhD Student — Georgetown University
  • MA in Theological & Religious Studies — Georgetown University
  • MDiv & STM in Theology — Yale Divinity School
  • MPS in Urban Ministry — New York Theological Seminary
  • BA in Social Studies — Bard College (Bard Prison Initiative)
  • Maxwell Leadership Team Member

Notable Achievements & Awards:

• • Testified before Congress on the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act (2015)
  • Advised policymakers on criminal justice reform, including the First Step Act (2020)
  • Expanded access to education for incarcerated students through policy work at Vera and Georgetown
  • Wolcott Calkins Prize for Excellence in Public Speaking (Yale Divinity School)
  • Charles S. Mersick Prize for Effective Public Address Especially in Preaching (Yale Divinity School)
  • Patrick Healy Fellow for Theological and Religious Studies (Georgetown University)

Published Work:

• • Turn on the TAP for Incarcerated New Yorkers | January 28, 2020

Travels From Pennsylvania

Downloadable Documents:

• • George Chochos Profile PDF

Follow George:

Book a Speaker