By Amethyst K. Oliver
My name is Amethyst Oliver, and I am from Detroit, Michigan. I was raised on the Eastside of Detroit. I am a dedicated mother to my 3-year-old son, Josiah, and a recent college graduate student at Davenport University. In 2022 I made the bold decision to return to college, determined to start securing a brighter future for both me and my son. In 2023, my hard work paid off, and I proudly earned my college degree.
My journey began at the age of 23 when I found myself involved in a tragic car accident while trying to help a former friend. The incident resulted in serious injury, and I was subsequently convicted of a felony. But instead of succumbing to despair, I decided to use my past as a steppingstone for a brighter future. Josiah, my 3-year-old son, has been my biggest source of inspiration and motivation. The desire to provide him with a better life, to show him the value of education and hard work, drove me to excel academically and pursue my dreams relentlessly, launching a business called Pathway Recruitment Solutions.
Although we are still in the early stages of the business and are looking for clients to help, Pathway Recruitment Solutions was born out of a deep-seated commitment to making a difference. My vision for my agency is rooted in my unique journey. I wanted to give back to my community and create opportunities for individuals seeking meaningful employment. My experiences and journey have led me to tailor and detail every aspect of this agency. I am committed to helping those with a criminal past reintegrate into society by providing tailored solutions for their employment needs.
After leaving jail or prison, formerly incarcerated individuals, especially women, encounter numerous obstacles that hinder their successful reintegration into society. According to the National Institute of Justice, roughly two-thirds of released individuals are rearrested within three years of their release. This cycle of recidivism is often perpetuated by difficulties in finding stable employment, as a study by the Vera Institute of Justice found that nearly 27% of formerly incarcerated women were unemployed or underemployed post-release.
The stigma and discrimination associated with a criminal record can result in limited access to housing, education, and employment opportunities, making the transition to a law-abiding life immensely challenging.
During my time of incarceration, I made crucial decisions that marked the turning point in my life. I sought rehabilitation and educational opportunities, seizing every chance to grow and learn. These pivotal moments in my journey became the building blocks of my remarkable transformation. Becoming a mother while still navigating the challenges of a criminal record added another layer to my journey. Motherhood became both a blessing and a test of my determination. It was in the eyes of my son, Josiah, that I found the unwavering motivation to build a better future, not just for myself but also for my child.
The birth of Pathway Recruitment Solutions is not just a business venture; it’s a testament to my personal experiences and the empathy I hold for others who have faced similar challenges. Through my own journey of redemption, I found my calling: to create a platform dedicated to helping individuals with criminal backgrounds, recent graduates, career changers, retirees, those with disabilities, remote workers, freelancers, veterans, and stay-at-home moms find employment, regain their self-esteem, and lead fulfilling lives. By doing so, I aim to empower individuals to regain their independence and self-worth.
My vision for Pathway Recruitment Solutions is set to become a reality on October 27, 2023, when the agency’s website will officially launch. Alongside the website launch, we plan to post regular featured work-from-home (WAH) job opportunities, valuable tips for crafting compelling resumes, and key insights for job seekers.
Moreover, I will be introducing a resume service to aid those in need of expert guidance in shaping their professional profiles.
My commitment to providing comprehensive support to job seekers is unwavering, and I am excited to extend my services to those who require resume help and career guidance. My commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and equal opportunity is at the heart of Pathway Recruitment Solutions, and I aim to make a lasting impact in the lives of job seekers.
My goal is to transition from my current 9-to-5 job to devote myself fully to Pathway Recruitment Solutions. I believe that my journey, from being a felon to a mom and recent college graduate, to an aspiring entrepreneur, can inspire readers and demonstrate that with determination, resilience, and support, anyone can overcome adversity and achieve their dreams.
My dedication to helping others and providing tailored solutions through Pathway Recruitment Solutions serves as a beacon of hope for those who have faced adversity and are seeking a fresh start. Through my story, I aim to inspire others to believe in the power of second chances and the possibility of a brighter future.
Amethyst Oliver from Detroit, Michigan is a visionary entrepreneur on a mission to transform lives. Her remarkable journey, from adversity to empowerment, led her to found Pathway Recruitment Solutions, a recruitment agency dedicated to helping individuals with diverse backgrounds find meaningful employment opportunities. A recent college graduate and devoted mother, Amethyst’s commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and equal opportunity shines through in her work. She inspires with her story and empowers others to believe in the power of second chances and the possibility of a brighter future. You can follow Pathway Recruitment Solutions on Facebook and Instagram.
