My name is Candice Baughman, MBA, CPSS. I am a formerly incarcerated mother, advocate, educator, the founder of Ed 4 Empowerment, and the founder of Hope on the Horizon, a reentry-focused program created to support individuals and families rebuilding their lives after incarceration.

My journey through the criminal justice system and the challenges of reentry shaped my passion for second-chance education, restorative justice, peer support, advocacy, and systemic change.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Community Services from Saint Martin’s University and have completed my MBA at Adams State University. With over 300 individuals supported through reentry, I’ve dedicated my life to walking alongside people as they rebuild their futures — because I know firsthand what it means to start over.

Through Hope on the Horizon and Ed 4 Empowerment, I aim to provide access, healing, advocacy, and hope to individuals and families navigating reentry and educational barriers. I also serve in reentry leadership, peer mentorship, parish mobilization, curriculum design, and advocacy work.

I believe no one is the worst thing they have ever done. We are all worthy of dignity, opportunity, restoration, and a chance to thrive.