Contact me at (615) 582-7796
About Me
My background
Hi, I’m Stacey Books. I’m from small-town Louisiana, but my story has taken me far beyond state lines. Today, I serve as a nonprofit leader, speaker, and advocate for second chances. My journey hasn’t been easy—it’s been built on resilience, redemption, and a deep belief that no one is beyond hope. I work across the country to create pathways for justice-impacted individuals to thrive through education, employment, and community support.
Who I am
I’ve lived a life that hasn’t been easy or perfect—but it’s been real. I’m someone who’s made mistakes, found grace, and chose to turn pain into purpose. I don’t pretend to have it all together, but I show up with faith, grit, and a whole lot of heart. I’m a justice-impacted woman, a mama, a wife, a writer, and someone who believes second chances aren’t just possible—they’re necessary.
“God didn’t save me so I could stay silent.”
Things I love
- My grandsons – my tiny best friends and biggest joy
- My kids – grown, grounded, and still my favorite people
- My husband – I love him deeply… and like him most days
- Writing – especially poetry and soul-level reflections (attempting at writing a few books)
- The beach – because saltwater truly heals
- True crime and psychological thrillers – I need the suspense
- Empowering women to find their voice and stand in it
- Coke. Not coffee. Just Coke.
- Being a voice for those who feel unheard
- Advocating for justice-involved individuals – because redemption deserves a platform
- My furbabies - Ruben, Paisley, Eevee, Zoey, Archie, Ellie and Gracie
Featured In
Bluff City Magazine
Stacey Books shares her powerful journey from incarceration to impact in the April edition of Bluff City Magazine, highlighting her role as Senior Director of Programs at Persevere.
From personal pain to statewide change, this article captures how Stacey uses lived experience to break cycles, build futures, and bring second chances home to Memphis.
News Channel 5
In a NewsChannel 5 OpenLine segment, Stacey Books, Tennessee Director for Persevere Now, discusses how the nonprofit equips incarcerated individuals with coding skills to reduce recidivism. The program offers comprehensive training in software development, providing participants with valuable skills for the tech industry upon release.News Channel 5 Nashville (WTVF)CoreCivic: Better the Public Good
Persevere Now's initiative addresses the challenges faced by formerly incarcerated individuals, such as employment barriers and societal reintegration. By focusing on education and skill development, the program aims to transform lives and foster sustainable career paths in technology.Persevere Now+2TriplePundit+2LinkedIn+2
Cracking the Code
The Denver7 feature "Cracking the Code to Success" spotlights Persevere, a nonprofit transforming incarceration by equipping inmates with coding skills. Through intensive training programs, participants gain valuable tech expertise, preparing them for meaningful employment upon release. This initiative not only offers a pathway to personal redemption but also addresses the broader issue of recidivism by providing tangible opportunities for reintegration into society.
Persevere's approach extends beyond technical education; it fosters a supportive community that includes transitional housing and family reunification efforts. By focusing on both individual growth and systemic change, the program aims to break the cycle of generational incarceration. The success stories featured in the article underscore the potential for rehabilitation and the importance of second chances in building safer, more inclusive communities.sanquentinnews.comDenver 7 Colorado News (KMGH)
Coding Class
Computer coding training is being offered to incarcerated individuals, opening doors to high-demand tech careers upon release. Stacey Books played a key role in launching this class, helping design a program that supports rehabilitation through education and promotes long-term success beyond prison walls.
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Building Bridges
The "Building Bridges: Connecting Employers & Skilled Talent" event, hosted by Persevere on October 24, 2024, at Nashville's Maxwell House Hotel, brought together local employers, community partners, and justice-impacted individuals to discuss fair chance hiring and workforce development. Stacey Books, Chief Program Officer at Persevere, played a pivotal role in organizing the event, which featured panelists like Andre Peart from Untapped Solutions.
The event included breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and powerful discussions aimed at fostering inclusive hiring practices and connecting skilled talent with employers committed to second chances. By facilitating these conversations, the event helped bridge gaps between employers and justice-impacted individuals, promoting equitable opportunities in Middle Tennessee’s workforce.https://www.instagram.com/reel/DB9VN5GS8jj/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==