Rayne knows that reentering society after serving time in prison isn’t easy, but programs like Defy can help individuals stay prepared for the challenges ahead. While serving time at the California Institution for Women (CIW), Rayne made a conscious decision to face her fear of the unknown and enrolled in Defy’s CEO of Your New Life program in 2023. Through the program, she began to believe in her full potential, both personally and professionally. She created a plan for her new life after prison, learning that “you can pick, you’re in control. You write the script, you are in control of your life.” That sense of control–the idea that she had options and a future–was something Defy helped her fully embrace. 

Rayne’s Growth Inside

When she first heard about Defy during a recruitment round at CIW, she wasn’t sure what to expect. Entrepreneurship was “unfamiliar territory,” but she felt a strong pull to explore it. She had participated in other programs during her incarceration, but Defy felt different; it was much more than just a course in entrepreneurship. “Defy takes the time. They start from the beginning with you, you’re able to peel back those layers of yourself, and they teach you how to put those layers back together.” As part of the career readiness coursework and with coaching from Defy volunteers, Rayne created her resume. “Prior to Defy, I didn’t believe in myself. My resume was a blank piece of paper.” 

As she went through the program, Rayne grew more confident in her ability to turn her dreams into a plan. She had big ideas for her business concept, but the program challenged her to simplify and refine her business plan. “That’s what I love about Defy. They will challenge your ideas and give you the tools” to reflect and come up with your answers. She eventually developed Tipsy, Inc., inspired by her struggles with alcohol and her experience as a counselor during her incarceration. Spending long hours at the library researching her product idea, Rayne absorbed all she could to strengthen her business concept. All her hard work paid off: she won first place in Defy’s business pitch competition. 

But Rayne discovered that the most rewarding part wasn’t winning; it was the shift in belief that happened when she found  a place of belonging in Defy’s community. The following year in 2024, Rayne returned as a peer facilitator, helping the new cohort of EITs navigate the rigorous curriculum. “It was so rewarding for me as a student and I wanted that for others. I love watching another person evolve and grow. It meant everything to me to be able to come back as a peer facilitator. ” 

Rayne’s journey of transformation continued beyond entrepreneurship, extending into her passion for firefighting. Back in 2001, she had joined the Puerta La Cruz Fire Camp as an incarcerated person. “I let this opportunity get away from me 23 years ago. This is my redemption.” In 2024, she returned to this passion and joined CIW’s fire department, where her commitment and performance earned her a referral into the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program (FFRP), a wild land firefighting pipe land for formerly incarcerated individuals.

The Challenges of Reentry

Six months after Rayne completed the Defy program, her sentence was reduced by a San Bernardino County judge and Rayne walked free in February 2025. Soon after her release, she reconnected with Defy and her Reentry Case Manager, who helped her access key resources during her first few months home, including a Chromebook. “It’s a lot all at once, but Defy helps so much with that overwhelming feeling. It was such a smooth transfer.” In her current sober living program, Rayne sees firsthand how the absence of support can weigh heavily on others. “I live with four other girls and they don’t have the connections that I was  able to build inside. It’s a make or break for recidivism because when things get overwhelming, when there are roadblocks or hardships, you’re making nine wrong choices.” Despite the challenges of reentry, all the preparation that she had done during incarceration paid off. “My resume today - the one that was blank before Defy - landed me the job that I wanted as a certified alcohol and drug counselor. I literally landed the job within 17 minutes of the interview.” 

A Life of Service

Rayne’s excitement for the future continues to grow with each step. “My two passions,” she says, “are to serve, and to help.” Looking further ahead, Rayne hasn’t forgotten about her entrepreneurial dreams, and is looking forward to enrolling in Defy’s Entrepreneurship Bootcamp program to bring her ideas to life and continue building a community of support through Defy. “I hope to be a part of Defy Ventures in many ways in many years to come.”