Please join us in welcoming Laurie Pherigo as the newest Reentry Advocacy Fellow!
Laurie brings a wide variety of experiences to this position, both from her past employment and from her life itself. Laurie has worked in the administrative/customer service field most of her adult life in environments ranging from law firms to automotive shops. As a woman with “lived experience” consisting of 6 years in TDCJ and 3 years on parole, she strives to turn the difficult and negative circumstances she endured while incarcerated into positive change for those being released as well as those still in prison.
Laurie’s goals for her fellowship include working with TDCJ to connect soon-to-be released men and women with obtainable, useful resources that will help them establish a stable and productive new life. For those still incarcerated, Laurie will support efforts to have the “nature of the crime” removed as a rationale for denying parole by the Texas Board of Pardons and Parole.
In her spare time, Laurie enjoys watching football, reading Stephen King novels, drinking caramel frappes, and spending time with family and friends. She and her spouse have 4 grown children, 10 grandchildren, and two dogs. Most importantly, Laurie is thrilled and humbled to be given this opportunity to help make a change in the world and pass along the many blessings she received on her journey to successful re-entry.
To contact Laurie, please email austinreentryroundtable@gmail.com.