About Us

About Transforming Lives

Why We Exist

Incarceration should not be the end of the road; it should be a transformative experience leading to a brighter, more sustainable future. We recognize the potential within every individual, and we are driven by the belief that everyone deserves a second chance. By offering training and support, we strive to redefine the narratives surrounding re-entry life and provide tangible opportunities for positive change and a new beginning.

"Helping one person might not change the whole world, but it could change the world for one person."

Paul Shane Spear, Actor

Our Mission

The mission of the Transforming Lives Foundation is clear: to empower returning citizens to acquire valuable skills, foster personal growth, and develop income-generating capabilities during their time behind bars. By doing so, we aim to create pathways for successful reintegration into society and build a future free from the constraints of past mistakes.

Impact Beyond Bars

Our success is measured by the transformative journeys of those we serve. From acquiring new skills to gaining confidence and financial independence, our participants emerge from our programs equipped to reintegrate successfully into society. Together with our dedicated team, partners, and supporters, we are making a lasting impact on individuals, families, and communities.

Our Goal

1 M+

Changing lives.
One life at a time.

Our Team

Meet Our Team

Wynnie Testamark is the Director of the Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections and is a longtime corrections expert. During her distinguished career, Testamark has held key positions throughout the justice system.

Wynnie Testamark

Executive Director

Alisa Malone brings a wealth of experience across public, private, and non-profit sectors in corrections, labor, healthcare, and social services. She believes in empowering lives through technology education, life skills, and employment services transforming lives and creating job opportunities.

Alisa Malone

President

Dr. Anita Davis–DeFoe, Ph.D., is the current CEO of Upshift Global and a Founder of Circle of 99 Global Foundation. With 20+ years of experience, she crafts strategies globally and serves as the President of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry – US Virgin Islands-India Council.

Dr. Anita Davis-Defoe

Vice-President

Charles Locket

Treasurer

Peter Abrahams has over 30 years of expertise in leading and overseeing business and facility operations in diverse sectors, including higher learning, healthcare, and correctional organizations. He has consistently prioritized energy conservation initiatives and successfully secured grants to support such endeavors.

Peter Abrahams

Bureau of Corrections Liaison

John Caraway has dedicated over 27 years to public service. His impactful leadership extended to overseeing 3400 employees in 127 Federal Correctional Facilities, making him a key figure in the nation's largest correctional agency. In addition to his government service, John Caraway is a Certified Minister affiliated with the Assemblies of God.

John Caraway

Board Member

Dave Clark is a visionary real estate entrepreneur who co-founded Promising People. He thrives on turning challenges into opportunities and is dedicated to helping others find new perspectives. Outside of his pursuits, you'll find him enjoying a day of fishing.

Dave Clark

Board Member

Rev. Reginal Perry

Board Member

Remero Green has led Inmate Programs & Training at PRIDE, Florida’s correctional industries program, for 10 years. Under his leadership, PRIDE has increased certifications by 400%, launched the state's first Braille Program, and established GED collaborations, helping inmates gain skills, secure employment, and reduce recidivism.

Remero Green

Board Member

Carlyle, a strategic leader with 37 years in Criminal Justice, served over 27 distinguished years at the Federal Bureau of Prisons. As Warden for 12 years, he managed facilities at all security levels, showcasing a proven track record of innovation and leadership.

Carlyle Holder

Consultant

Marcia Holder is a result-oriented individual who pays careful attention to detail. She brings with her a wealth of accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, management, and business knowledge and over 25 years of experience handling diverse responsibilities and communicating effectively with people at all levels.

Marcia Holder

Consultant

Mohamed Ahmed, founder of Hapi Homes, combines two decades of real estate and telecom expertise. A humanitarian at heart, he's led successful ventures, including STI PREPAID. Now, with Hapi Homes, Mohamed focuses on sustainable partnerships, specializing in transformative modular and tiny homes.

Mohamed Ahmed

Partner