FOUNDER Overview

MICHAEL SANTOS

While serving 26 years in prison, I drew inspiration from Frederick Douglass, Socrates, Mahatma Gandhi, and others. Their teachings equipped me with the tools to overcome adversity and succeed after release.

The entries below offer insight from leaders who taught me, and that our nonprofit strives to pass along to others.

Goals for 2025: 25 in 2025

I transitioned my career so that my wife and I could devote our time and energy to making a bigger impact with our nonprofit. I set clear goals to achieve during 2025. Some categories for those goals include Fitness, Finance, Contributions.

I continue using the type of daily accountability logs that guided me through 9,500 days in prison. Review the daily blogs to follow along, and get lessons on how you can work toward a higher potential.

The links below show the advisors and mentors who influenced my adjustment through muliple decades in prison, positioning me to work toward making a bigger impact now.

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Historical influences on the journey

era 1987

Bible

Inside a solitary cell, I read the Bible. By reading the Book of Genesis through the Book of Revelation, I changed.

era 1987

family members

When we change the way we think, we open new opportunities. My family inspired me to change. I wanted to prove worthy of their love.

era 1987

officer Wilson

While I was locked in a solitary cell, Officer Wilson brought books that would change the way I think. In that way, he changed my life.

era 1987

socrates

Socratic thinking helps us learn from asking questions. It’s an art that empowers us to find solutions to move through crises.

era 1987

frederick douglass

Frederick Douglass taught me the importance of personal development. By developing skills, we can contribute to society.

era 1987

marcus aurelius

By reading Meditations, I learned that I should focus on the future I wanted to create rather than dwell on the crisis my actions created.

Daily blog

Every day, we publish blog articles to show our commitment to daily learning. Download and share to help others learn how to become the change they want to see.