Episode 5: A Cause for Celebration
The work of prison chaplaincy, transition and reentry is a collaborative effort. It is only through the support of the community that we have reached this momentous 40th anniversary occasion. Many hands and hearts have contributed to four decades of work with women. This final evening of our celebration will feature the inaugural Hope Awards, honoring three area leaders whose tireless work has made the way smoother for justice-involved women. We also will honor the contributions of First Presbyterian Church of Raleigh on the life of this organization. In addition to special guest artists, join MCs Debra Morgan and Ken Smith from WRAL, IPMW Board President Marci White and Executive Director Jennifer C. Jackson as they present the Angel of Hope, Beacon of Hope and Champion of Hope awards to these inspirational women.
Angel of Hope: The Anonymous Trust and Kimberly Breeden, Director of the Simply East Fund
Beacon of Hope: Dr. Alice Noell, Wake Technical Community College and JobStart Instructor
Champion of Hope: Commissioner Jessica Holmes, Chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners
Soteria Shepperson is a poet, educator, performer and artivist (artist + activist). Through her work in prisons, shelters, local communities and community colleges, she helps marginalized individuals find their voice through words and self-expression. As a reentry specialist, she’s assisted former incarcerated individuals adjust to society, connecting them with resources such as housing and job support and using creative expression to help them redefine their story.
Soteria has performed at venues including the International Civil Rights Museum, the Carolina Theatre, Red Hat Amphitheater and the Raleigh Convention Center. She was a featured performer at the 2019 and 2020 Women’s March in Raleigh, NC.
In January of 2019, Soteria launched I AM SOTERIA & Friends, which seeks to elevate suppressed creative voices of the world and contribute to the movement of equity, hope, and justice for all. Since its launch, the series has featured five events focused on the themes of Unity & Justice, Juneteenth, and Hip Hop and how they relate to the world as a whole.
In addition to her artivism, she was recently hired by the Inter-Faith Council for Social Service in Chapel Hill, NC. She works as their REAL Coordinator. Her role centers RACE, EQUITY, ACTION & LEADERSHIP at the forefront of the organization as IFC works to transform from a charity model to one of social justice.
Soteria is also the co-owner of Johnny’s Gone Fishing, a coffee shop in Carrboro, NC. With the support of her partner and staff, she has used her skills as an artivist to transform the culture and the community of the shop, truly making it a space for everyone.
You can find out more about her work at www.iamsoteria.com & www.linkedin.com/in/soteriashep
MCs: Debra Morgan and Ken Smith, WRAL Anchors/Reporters
