Read More From classrooms and correctional facilities to employer pipelines and credentialed career and higher education pathways, Success Map Initiative equips diverse talent with the skills, credentials, and support needed to succeed in today’s workforce. We design and deliver career, technical, educational and entrepreneurship pathways that connect talent to opportunity—strengthening individuals, employers, and communities. OUR STORY Trent Griffin-Braaf’s leadership is shaped by experience at every level of the workforce. He began his career in the hospitality industry as a janitor and worked his way up to General Manager—gaining firsthand insight into entry-level labor, talent development, and business operations. After launching his own company, Trent’s work gained national recognition, including features in Forbes and Bloomberg, and he was named the 2023 New York State Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. This journey—spanning frontline work, executive leadership, and entrepreneurship—drives Success Map Initiative’s ability to build pathways that work for individuals and employers. OUR SERVICES Youth Services Success Map connects with youth because we’ve walked the paths they’re navigating. Grounded in shared lived experience, our programs combine CTE-aligned education, workforce readiness, and entrepreneurship with mentorship circles that create trust, accountability, and belonging. This approach allows us to meet young people where they are—while preparing them for where they’re going. Justice-Impacted Services Success Map supports justice-impacted individuals through reentry, workforce training, entrepreneurship, and policy-informed practice—grounded in lived experience. Having navigated incarceration and reentry firsthand, our team builds trust quickly while delivering structured pathways to credentials, employment, and business ownership. We work inside facilities and alongside employers to ensure transitions from incarceration lead to real opportunity and long-term stability. Employer Services Success Map helps employers do the right thing—and do it well. We partner with organizations to build inclusive, high-performing teams by connecting them to reliable talent pipelines, available workforce incentives, and leadership training that strengthens culture, retention, and results. Our approach proves that values-driven hiring can also be smart business. KEY OFFERINGS Job Placements Job Placement Services connect businesses with skilled, motivated talent from historically underutilized populations. We streamline the hiring process, provide workforce readiness training, and offer ongoing support to ensure successful placements that benefit both employers and employees. Second Chance Academy™ Second Chance Academy™ features Roadmap to Success™ trainings that empower youth, justice-impacted individuals, and frontline managers with the skills and strategies to achieve their full potential together. From leadership development to workforce readiness and entrepreneurship, our tailored programs are designed to inspire growth, foster resilience, and create lasting impact. Ideal for schools, correctional facilities, employers, and community organizations seeking to make a difference. Reentry Simulator Experience the challenges faced by justice-impacted individuals as they transition back into society. Designed for employers, community leaders, educators, youth, first time offenders and policymakers, this immersive simulation places participants in real-world scenarios, fostering empathy, understanding, and actionable insights for building more inclusive and supportive environments.

Employer Services Helping employers create thriving teams through tailored training, leadership development, and innovative workforce solutions. Our programs equip organizations with tools to attract, retain, and support historically underemployed populations, fostering inclusive and high-performing workplaces. Second Chance Academy A groundbreaking program designed for employers, equipping them with the tools, strategies, and training needed to successfully hire, support, and retain justice-impacted individuals. Through workshops, leadership development, and practical resources, the academy helps employers build inclusive teams while fostering lasting change and business growth. Job Placement Connecting skilled talent with meaningful opportunities, our Placement Services help employers fill critical roles while empowering individuals to thrive in the workforce. From identifying top candidates to supporting long-term retention, we provide tailored solutions that drive success for both employers and employees. Reentry Simulator An immersive experience designed to help employers understand the challenges justice-impacted individuals face when reentering the workforce. This powerful simulation fosters empathy, shifts perspectives, and equips leaders with actionable insights to create supportive, inclusive workplaces that drive retention and success.

Advancing Justice Through Policy and Partnership At the Success Map Initiative, we proudly lead policy advocacy efforts to create equitable opportunities for justice-impacted individuals. Partnering with organizations like Communities Not Cages and FWD.us , we played a critical role in mobilizing employers to champion transformative legislation, including the Clean Slate and Second Look bills. With Clean Slate now signed into law, we're thrilled to witness the start of a new era that reduces barriers to employment and fosters second chances. Together, we're building a more inclusive workforce and driving meaningful reform.

(H.O.P.E.) Helping Our Potential Emerge Empowering Future Leaders Leadership Development We cultivate essential leadership skills in youth, focusing on ethical decision-making, communication, and teamwork to prepare them for leadership roles in their communities, careers, and life. Career Exploration and Development Help discover career interests, build professional skills, and create pathways to success in the workforce. Hope and Motivation Program Designed to inspire and uplift, this program fosters resilience, self-confidence, and a growth mindset to help overcome systematic challenges and reach their full potential. "Hustle For Freedom" Business bootcamps introduce foundational business concepts, entrepreneurship, and business best practices, empowering youth to turn their ideas into actionable plans. Inspiring the next generation through education, mentorship, and skill-building. From business bootcamps to workforce readiness programs, we equip youth with the tools they need to succeed in life, school, and work. 2024 Impact Report Click Above

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Justice-Impacted Services Providing pathways to success for formerly incarcerated individuals. Through reentry programs, entrepreneurial training, and workforce development, we help people rebuild their lives and contribute to their communities. Business Bootcamp An 8-week dynamic program designed to ignite entrepreneurial spirit and equip justice-impacted individuals with the tools to start and sustain their own businesses. From building a solid business foundation to overcoming barriers and securing funding, this bootcamp empowers participants to turn their hustle into lasting success in business. Workforce Redemption Program A transformative 12-week workforce development course designed to equip justice-impacted individuals with the skills, tools, and confidence needed to reenter the workforce and thrive. Combining career exploration, soft skills training, and practical resources, this program paves the way for sustainable employment and personal growth. Helping go from entry level roles to C-suite leaders. Transportation Apprenticeship A comprehensive program preparing individuals for rewarding careers in the transportation industry. From warehouse opportunities to taxi and bus drivers, to CDL truck drivers, forklift operators, and dispatchers. Through hands-on training, certifications, and mentorship, participants gain the skills and experience needed to secure high-demand jobs and build a pathway to long-term success. 2024 Impact Report Click Above

Prison Bosses Podcast The Prison Bosses podcast is a transformative series that showcases the journeys of formerly incarcerated individuals who have risen to leadership and success in business and life. Hosted by Trent Griffin-Braaf , the podcast shares stories of resilience, personal transformation, and entrepreneurial triumph, providing hope and practical guidance to listeners. Featured nationally in over 1,300 correctional facilities through partnerships with Edovo and CoreCivic, Prison Bosses reaches over 1.4 million incarcerated individuals . The podcast delivers powerful insights, inspiring listeners to envision a brighter future and empowering them with the tools to achieve it. Check it out! On your favorite podcast platform including YouTube .