Justice Champion Spotlight: Lynne Oldham (Stash) and Samson Adeyemi (Dropbox)

A Chief People Officer and a justice-impacted software engineer share how the Next Chapter program is changing lives and enhancing the tech workforce. 

The technology sector is uniquely positioned to lead in Fair Chance Hiring. With its focus on practical skills over formal credentials, a fast-paced environment that's always in need of fresh talent, and a wealth of training and upskilling opportunities, tech has the potential and incentive to integrate more justice-impacted talent — and to benefit greatly from doing so. 

This month, we’re excited to spotlight Next Chapter, a purpose-built program that harnesses tech’s needs and strengths to create meaningful employment opportunities for people impacted by the justice system. By upskilling justice-impacted people and connecting them with a network of employers in software engineering, Next Chapter not only helps break the cycle of incarceration but also enhances the tech workforce with skilled, motivated talent. 

We spoke with two key affiliates of Next Chapter to learn more about their experiences with the program: Lynne Oldham, Chief People Officer at Stash, and Samson Adeyemi, a Next Chapter alum now thriving at Dropbox. Read on to discover their insights into the program’s transformative impact on Fair Chance Hiring. 

Q&A with Lynne Oldham: “These applicants will give you their all.”  

Lynne is the current Chief People Officer (CPO) at Stash and the former CPO at Zoom. Both companies partner with Next Chapter to source justice-impacted talent. 

How did you first hear about Next Chapter? What inspired you to get involved with the program?  

LO: When I was at Zoom, I heard about Next Chapter from Deepthi Rohatgi at Slack for Good. I had been working for a company called Televerde in Arizona where we employed several hundred women inside a women’s correctional facility. It was one of the most rewarding jobs I ever did.  

How has partnering with Next Chapter and hiring their graduates impacted your organization, both culturally and operationally?  

Both at Zoom and at Stash, hiring Next Chapter graduates has had a very positive impact on culture. People were excited and proud to have the company be part of the program. I also know that it really opened people’s eyes to the reality that a fair chance is all anyone needs to succeed.   

Why do you believe tech jobs are particularly suited for individuals returning from incarceration?  

I love the idea that for many tech jobs, no college degree is required. The skills are very learnable. Also, the camaraderie on teams lends itself to continued, on-the-job learning. 

Can you share a success story from one of your Next Chapter apprentices that particularly stands out to you?  

I recall, when the apprenticeship was ending at Zoom, we made permanent offers to our interns who had really done well during their time in role. The tears flowed — from the apprentices and me.   

What advice would you give to other tech companies considering hiring non-traditional applicants, particularly people who are justice-impacted?  

The advice I suggest is to ensure that you are creating a learning environment around your non-traditional applicants. These applicants will give you their all, but they are still in learning mode. Next Chapter provides good support in this area, but you should also have a supportive environment.   

Q&A with Samson Adeyemi: “I do believe there’s a place for me in this industry.” 

Samson Adeyemi is an alumnus of the Next Chapter program and currently works as a software engineer at Dropbox. 

How did you first hear about Next Chapter? Were you immediately interested in joining the program? 

I first learned about Next Chapter while enrolling in a program called JTC (Justice Through Code) through Columbia University. During guest speaker sessions with my cohort, I felt a strong initial interest in the program. However, I honestly doubted my ability to complete it. 

What excites you about a career in tech? 

What excites me about a career in tech is the potential to break through the glass ceiling that often exists in other fields. People from diverse backgrounds have the opportunity to succeed here, and there’s a sense of belonging. Despite my background making me feel uncomfortable at times, I do believe there’s a place for me in this industry. 

Describe your experience in the Next Chapter program. What was the training like, and how did the support you received help you along the way? 

The Next Chapter program has been incredibly supportive in my journey to becoming a software engineer. I faced significant test anxiety, especially given the stakes involved. Once during a coding bootcamp, when I didn’t perform well on an exam, I communicated my struggles to their staff, who threatened to remove me from their program without considering my situation. However, Next Chapter stood by me and advocated for my case, even threatening to withdraw their partnership. Their commitment to supporting individuals deemed less valuable speaks volumes about the integrity of the organization. 

How has your participation in the Next Chapter program impacted your life, both professionally and personally? 

Participating in Next Chapter has opened doors for me in a field I might never have accessed otherwise. I've entered environments I once thought were beyond my reach. Personally, it has enabled me to provide for my family and connect with individuals I wouldn’t have had the chance to meet otherwise. 

What do you want employers — in the tech industry and beyond — to know about hiring justice-impacted talent? 

I want employers to recognize that we are among the hardest-working individuals you can hire. While skills can be taught, grit and determination are innate qualities that can't be instilled. 

Next Chapter’s Impact 

Stable employment is crucial in reducing recidivism among formerly incarcerated individuals. Without it, the likelihood of returning to prison is high. Next Chapter’s model shows how meaningful work disrupts the revolving door of justice involvement: while the national recidivism rate exceeds 70%, not a single Next Chapter graduate has returned to prison.  

More than 84% of program participants have received full-time offers after completing their apprenticeships, with an average annual salary of $102,500. Since transitioning to full-time roles, 60% of alumni have been promoted. This achievement not only underscores the value of this untapped talent pool and reducing recidivism but also its profound, positive impact on families and communities — helping also break cycles of intergenerational incarceration. 

Next Chapter is breaking down employment barriers for people with criminal records — for the benefit of these individuals and the tech industry as a whole. If you’re a tech employer, discover how you can get involved with their transformative program today at nextchapterproject.org or by contacting Britannia Bloom, Next Chapter’s Partnership Director, at brit@nextchapterproject.org.