The Inner
Circle
A peer-led mastermind and book club for formerly incarcerated and justice-impacted professionals building leadership, financial stability, and collective power.
The Inner Circle is where lived experience meets leadership strategy. Luminaries gather to read, reflect, guide conversations, build skills, and support one another through career, financial, and leadership transitions.
A Mastermind Rooted in Lived Experience
The Inner Circle is a mastermind and book club created by Unapologetically HERS in partnership with the Transformative Investing Institute, a project of Proximate Strategies Consulting.
It is not a traditional class or lecture series. Sessions are guided, peer-led, and rooted in the wisdom that already exists in the room.
Luminaries read leadership and financial development books, discuss real-life professional experiences, and support one another in building confidence, strategy, and stability.
Leadership That Illuminates
We call participants Luminaries because each person brings wisdom, insight, and leadership that helps illuminate the path forward for others. Luminaries are women, trans, and gender-nonconforming people with lived experience of incarceration who are building lives, careers, and communities on their own terms.
Pursuing Education
Earning degrees, certifications, and credentials that open new doors
Advancing Careers
Entering the workforce, navigating professional spaces, and rising in leadership
Building Businesses
Launching consulting work, entrepreneurial ventures, and community enterprises
Rebuilding Financially
Building systems, stability, and long-term financial security
Supporting Communities
Caring for families, mentoring others, and building collective power
Leading Beyond Survival
Claiming space, voice, and vision in every arena of life
Luminaries are not defined by incarceration.
They are leaders, learners, builders, and sources of light.
Peer-Led. Practice-Based. Care-Centered.
Luminaries gather regularly in a guided, intentional space to strengthen leadership, build community, and grow together.
Current & Recent Reads
The Memo
Get Good with Money
Care-Centered Leadership Development
The Inner Circle is not just about reading books. It is about creating a space where people can practice leadership, build social capital, ask real questions, and move through growth with community holding them.
Wisdom from the Room
Every session draws on the expertise and lived experience of participants
Rotating Leadership
Luminaries take turns guiding sessions, building real facilitation skills
Care as Structure
Care and rest are built into how the space is designed and held
Intentional Resources
Books, materials, and care packages chosen with purpose and love
Seen as Whole People
Participants are not program outputs — they are full human beings
Not Lecture-Based
Sessions are guided conversations, not courses or curriculum delivery
Care, attention, and listening are part of leadership too.
Self-Investment Is a Leadership Practice
Explores self-investment as a leadership practice — with free and low-cost learning pathways, professional development resources, coaching, and peer learning spaces.
Read Issue #1
Money Is Not Just Personal
Connects personal finance to the broader economy — helping readers understand inflation, banking, debt, and financial systems without shame or judgment.
Read Issue #2Growth That Compounds
Through The Inner Circle, Luminaries build the skills, confidence, networks, and clarity to lead in every area of their lives.
Confidence
Showing up fully, without apology, in every space
Communication
Articulating ideas, needs, and vision with clarity and power
Financial Clarity
Understanding money systems and building lasting financial stability
Professional Presence
Navigating workplaces and professional environments with strategy
Networks & Social Capital
Building relationships that open doors and create opportunity
Leadership Capacity
Developing the skills to lead, guide, and facilitate with intention
Career Readiness
Resume, interview, and professional skills for every stage
Peer Accountability
A community that holds goals, celebrates wins, and supports growth
Facilitation Skills
Designing, leading, and coordinating meaningful sessions and spaces
Support the Circle
Every contribution helps create the conditions for Luminaries to feel seen, supported, connected, and equipped to lead.
Make a Gift Today
Your contribution directly supports Luminaries in building the leadership, skills, and stability they deserve. No gift is too small.
Partner With Us
Community partners play a vital role in helping Luminaries access the resources, opportunities, and connections they need to thrive professionally and financially.
Rooms Like This Do Not Just Happen. They Are Built.
The Inner Circle is building a leadership ecosystem rooted in lived experience, strategy, care, and collective growth. Whether you want to join, partner, mentor, fund, or support — there is a role for you in helping Luminaries thrive.