Lester Young, Jr is a native of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. At the age of 19, Mr. Young was given a life sentence (with the possibility of parole after serving 20 years). During his time in prison, Lester struggled with finding redemption and often wondered what his purpose was. While journaling he asked himself this question, “What is the footprint you want to leave in this world?” It was then that he realized his purpose was to be “that” voice to help at-risk youth. With approval from the warden, Lester along with the prison chaplain began meeting to create outlines, programs, and classes to instruct and mentor fellow incarcerated individuals. This is where the idea of him establishing his non-profit organization “Path2Redemption” started. On May 15, 2014 (22 years and 5 months later), Lester was released on parole. Even after his release, the outlines of his programs are still being taught in prison. He also received a pardon from South Carolina Probation and Parole Board in 2020.
Lester has hosted numerous workshops for at-risk youth as well as incarcerated individuals. He is the author of the following self-help books:
• “The 5 Stages of Incarceration”
• “The 5 Stages of Growth”
The books are Lester’s personal stories on how he was able to acknowledge and address triggers during his incarceration that were affecting his personal growth. For more information on his journey, visit http://path2redemption.org/.
Accomplishments/Certifications:
•Honored as Advocate of the Year by the Commission of Minority of Affairs of SC
•Certified Transformational Life Coach
•Ban the Box Ordinance passed by the City of Columbia, SC, and Eight other City councils passed similar ordinance passed in SC
•Advisory Board for Housing in Columbia, SC
•Leadership of Columbia Class of 2022
•Community Leadership Award
•Emerging Leaders Fellow for Social Justice with Cuny College Department of Labor
Certified DISC Assessment Trainer
