Defy Colorado Tackles Recidivism With Business Skills
In an article by Law Week Colorado, Partner Stephen Dietrich commented on his work with Defy Colorado, an organization that teaches business and employment skills to people in prison.
"While volunteering and pro bono work are rewarding in general, working with Defy Colorado has been especially fulfilling," said Mr. Dietrich, who has been working with the nonprofit since 2017. "Your whole purpose is: let’s figure out how to build connections, help people build self-esteem, build self-respect. Both sides of that conversation are going to benefit."
Mr. Dietrich and several other Holland & Knight attorneys worked with Bob Omer, executive director of the organization, to establish Defy Colorado as an independent nonprofit after breaking from parent organization, Defy Ventures. The firm's team is also working with a graduate of the Defy program to set up his own company called Prison Art, a website that will sell art made by inmates, which won the program's pitch competition.