Meet Kareemah Hanifa

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kareemah Hanifa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kareemah, how does your business help the community?
The Chillon Project promotes restorative justice by addressing barriers that often prevent formerly incarcerated individuals from accessing education, employment, and community support. By equipping participants with academic tools, leadership development, and emotional support, the program empowers individuals to become productive citizens, advocates, and changemakers in their communities.

Beyond individual transformation, the project contributes to safer and stronger communities by interrupting cycles of poverty, trauma, and incarceration. Its work also raises public awareness about the importance of second chances, educational equity, and criminal justice reform. Through compassion, education, and advocacy, The Chillon Project demonstrates how investing in people can create lasting social change locally and globally.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart is that my work is not just professional, it is actually deeply personal. I lead with both education and lived experience. After being directly impacted by the criminal justice system, I made a decision to transform pain into purpose. Today, I serve as an advocate, educator, speaker, and nonprofit leader committed to helping others break cycles of incarceration, trauma, and hopelessness.

I am most proud of using my journey to create opportunities for others through advocacy, higher education, mentorship, and community outreach. From speaking at TEDxDecatur to serving as Director of The Chillon Project HEP at Life University, every step of my journey has been rooted in service and restoration.

My path was not easy. I faced barriers, rejection, stigma, and moments where it felt impossible to move forward. What helped me overcome those challenges was my faith, resilience, education, and refusing to let my past define my future. I learned that healing and transformation are possible when people are given support, opportunity, and compassion.

I want the world to know that my story is proof that people can rebuild their lives. My brand represents hope, second chances, leadership, and the belief that our greatest struggles can become the foundation for our greatest impact.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Atlanta history of the city tour 7 day itenerary
Monday lunch at Gosha’s Breakfast Bar followed up with visit to Atlanta City Hall and Georgia Capital to show her that our civic leaders ARE accessible
Tuesday brunch at Grits and Eggs Restaurant because the waitresses, chef and owner are system impacted, followed by a trip to Ponce City Market
Wednesday walk through Centennial Park National followed by a tour of Center for Civil and Human Rights
Thursday night dinner at Turkeyontheloose Restaurant because the owner is system impacted followed by a trip to Atlantic Station to Bowl
Friday tour of Life University Campus in Marietta, Ga followed by Jummah at Atlanta Masjid, then a late night trip to Andretti’s Indoor Karting
Saturday a trip to Botanical Gardens followed by a night of skating at Cascades Skating Ring
Sunday lunch at my favorite vegan spot Life Bistro and a ride back to Hartsfield Airport

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shoutout Dr. Thomas Fabisiak the Assistant Dean of Academic Administrations, CGUS. Dr. Fabisiak was my professor and Dean when I was a student in The Chillon Project Cohort 1. It was while I was incarcerated that I aspired to one day be the Director of the Chillon Project. When I made this announcement in 2015 to my classmates they all laughed. However, Dr. Fabisiak believed in me from the beginning and continued to support me on my academic journey during and post incarceration. He encouraged me to continue and complete my AA in Positive Human Development and Social Change, Bachelors in Psychology, and Masters in Positive Psychology.
I would like to shout out my parents, siblings…. and my husband Tariq Baiyina, who has supported me on this journey.

If I had to shoutout a book it would be, “The Secret” By Rhonda Byrne, it helped me to comprehend the power of positive affirmations and my ability to speak into manifestation the life I truly desired.

Website: http://www.compassion.life.edu/chillon-project/

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