Meet Dr. Clover Perez | Founder and Executive Director of A Beautiful HEART Ministries

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Clover Perez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Clover, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The thought process behind me starting my nonprofit organization, A Beautiful HEART Ministries (ABHM) was drawn from my lived experience as a formerly incarcerated woman. In April 2012, I was sentenced to 121 months, ten years, and one month in federal prison for white-collar crime. During my trial and incarceration, I got a bird’s eye view of the U.S. criminal legal system and its complexity. Like many people living in the United States, I was unaware that the U.S. criminal justice system is one of the most complex institutions in the world. It is the clearest manifestation of structural racism with particularly damaging effects for African Americans. In no other area of American society are the legacies of slavery and racism more evident than the criminal legal system. Today, almost 2 million individuals, disproportionately African Americans, are incarcerated in our nation’s prisons and jails. 

Prior to my incarceration, I knew nothing about the criminal justice system outside of what I read in the media.  As a taxpayer I never knew that we were flushing hundreds of billions of dollars a year on incarceration. My conviction and incarceration were truly an eye opener. I was able to witness not only the sentence disparities but also the racial disparities within the criminal legal system. Black women like myself are disproportionately impacted, especially women who are often the ones bearing the responsibility of taking care of family members on both inside and outside 

I started ABHM during the last two years of my incarceration, when I started seeing women that were previously released from prison returning due to homelessness, joblessness, and a lack of family connections. People exiting prison from long-term confinement need stronger support around them. Additionally, unemployment presents a significant barrier to many reentrants, as employment is essential to securing other major needs such as food, shelter, and clothing.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
A Beautiful HEART Ministries (ABHM) stands as a beacon of hope and transformation for formerly incarcerated women and girls, navigating the intricate journey of re-entering society.  Established in 2019 as a 501(c)(3) organization, ABHM is committed to dismantling the barriers that obstruct the path to a renewed life for those affected by the criminal legal system. Through our foundational pillars—alternatives to incarceration, education, empowerment, wellness, and food insecurity we can craft a holistic approach to reintegration that acknowledges the unique challenges faced by women and girls. Recognizing the distinct needs of this demographic, that we serve, coupled with a tailored support plan, we address the critical gaps in reentry support, education, job training, and the stigmas that often shadow their steps back into society. This focused and gender-specific methodology not only empowers these women and girls to redefine their futures but actively works against the cycle of recidivism by providing them with the tools for economic stability and personal well-being. 

The passion driving ABHM’s mission is mirrored in its remarkable achievements, having extended its support to over 5,000 justice-impacted women and girls, including more than 730 who were still incarcerated. ABHM exemplifies the power of dedicated advocacy and support, transforming lives and fostering a community of hope, resilience, and renewal.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
New York City, is often hailed as a melting pot. It offers an eclectic mix of experiences that embody the vibrant diversity of its inhabitants and visitors alike. When my friends from other states comes to visit our tradition is usually to explore the endless possibilities that New York has to offer. From the pulsating energy of Times Square to the serene beauty of the cherry blossoms in Long Island during spring. Each season unfurls its own unique charm. In the summer we love to visit the Indian Reservation in the Hamptons which offers a blend of cultural enrichment and natural beauty, adding depth to the quintessential New York experience. Let’s not forget shopping! I love to shop and so does my friends. Shopping for us is not only about buying things that we like, but also about creating memories together.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Dr. Clover A. Perez is redefining the narrative around women and girls emerging from the shadows of incarceration. Her journey from a federal prison to a Renowned Motivational Speaker, Activist, Entrepreneur, and advocate for criminal justice reform is nothing short of inspirational. Through her diverse initiatives, including A Beautiful HEART Ministries, Clover Me’She Designs, and Seven65 Ventures, Dr. Perez not only champions self-love and empowerment but also tirelessly works to shed light on the systemic issues plaguing the criminal legal system. Her advocacy extends to supporting women and girls who are often overlooked by society, giving them a voice, and striving for a world where their stories lead to meaningful change. By sharing her own story and other she has met along her journey of incarceration, who despite long-term incarceration has made significant contributions to criminal justice discussions. Her work serves as a pivotal call to action for criminal justice reform, aiming to transform how society views and supports those who have been incarcerated. Dr. Perez has been a featured speaker on CBS, NBC, and Radio Shows. She has testified in Congress on the need for criminal justice reform and received several awards for her work with women and girls returning home from prison. She also supports the growing momentum to bring about meaningful criminal justice reform and looks forward to working hard to change the criminal justice system.
Many individuals deserve credit and recognition, but one that Dr. Perez truly believes needs to be recognized is Phillip Alvin Jones, who has been incarcerated since the age of nineteen. Phillip has spent 33 years in prison thus far and has accomplished a myriad of things while incarcerated. Phillip is a Criminal Justice Consultant, a Motivational Speaker, and CEO of Phillip A. Jones Consulting, LLC. He also authored two books, Exit 2 Excellence and From Risk 2 Resilience. You can read Phillip’s story on his website or social media pages.

Website: www.cloveraperez, www.abeautifulheartministries

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Image Credits
A Beautiful HEART Ministries