Unlocking Untapped Potential: Why Forward-Thinking Employers Are Embracing Second Chance Hiring

 

As workforce systems around the world grapple with persistent labor shortages and the need for more inclusive talent pipelines, second chance hiring is emerging as a critical strategy. This session will explore how forward-thinking employers are partnering with workforce development organizations to tap into the often-overlooked talent pool of justice impacted individuals.

Attendees will examine how aligning education and training with industry-recognized credentials can strengthen reintegration pathways and improve employment outcomes. The session will also highlight the role of workforce intermediaries in bridging gaps between employers and jobseekers, as well as the growing importance of digital tools and networks that connect individuals to training and employment opportunities pre- and post-release.

On Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 17:00 - 18:00 CET / 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET / 8:00 - 9:00 AM PT, join Moderator Miguel Peromingo, Consultant for Employment & Wellbeing, along with guest panelists:

  • Ruby Hamilton, Services Account Executive and Chair, Digital Unlock Programme, Microsoft, United Kingdom 
  • Augie Ghilarducci, President, 2nd Opportunity, United States
  • Torrey Leach, Workforce Development Manager, North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, United States 

Register today! Join this discussion to gain practical insights on building employer engagement strategies, strengthening talent pipelines, and advancing equitable workforce development solutions that drive both business success and economic mobility.

Expert Panelists

2-Apr-08-2026-05-56-20-8604-PM

 
 

 

 

Ruby Hamilton
Services Account Executive and Chair, Digital Unlock Programme, Microsoft, United Kingdom 
Ruby Hamilton is a Consulting Account Executive at Microsoft and Chair for the Digital Unlock programme — a social impact initiative working with 32 prisons across England and Scotland to deliver digital skills training and mentoring for individuals preparing for release. Through Digital Unlock, Ruby partners with HM Prison & Probation Service, charity organisations, and Microsoft volunteers to deliver digital readiness workshops focused on technology and AI, helping equip participants with the skills needed to access employment opportunities in an increasingly digital workforce. With over five years’ experience supporting individuals through this transition, Ruby is passionate about using technology to enable social mobility and create pathways into sustainable employment. As the current CRN Women of the Year, she is committed to expanding access to digital education and mentoring opportunities, helping individuals build the confidence and skills required to successfully reintegrate into society and thrive in a modern, technology driven economy.

4-Apr-08-2026-05-56-21-1855-PM

  

 

 

 

Torrey Leach
Workforce Development Manager, North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, United States
Torry Leach  has been with the state government since February 2017.  He started as a Food Service Officer at Franklin Correctional, where he remained until June of 2017, when he got the opportunity to join Correction Enterprises.  He came in as an Assistant Plant Manager at the Meat Processing Facility at Harnett Correctional and worked that position until promoted to Plant Manager in January of 2020.  He was promoted to Workforce Development Manager for Correction Enterprises in November 2022.  He completed the Peak Performance course through OSDT in September 2022 and completed the Correctional Leadership Development Program (CLDP) in September 2024.  

Augie Ghilarducci Headshot

 

 

Augie Ghilarducci
President, 2nd Opportunity, United States
Augie Ghilarducci owned and operated a financial planning firm for 14 years, which led him to make a series of bad decisions, and ultimately, being convicted of white-collar crimes. He served 13 years in federal prison before returning to Chicago in 2017. When he was released, he turned his passion into a second career empowering those dealing with incarceration, addiction, trauma, loss, and other life-changing events to break the chains of the past and create a positive new future. He has written essays: A Parallel Path, Collaboration for Social Benefit, It Takes More than a Job, and It Begins in Jail™. He has achieved a master’s Certificate in Business Ethics and an MBA since being released in 2017. Augie now shares the 2nd Opportunity Program in jails, prisons, and post-release agencies.

2026 February Pathways Speakers (4)

 
 

 

 

Miguel Peromingo
German based Consultant, Researcher and Speaker on the Future of Public Employment Services 
He has worked for and with organizations such as UK’s Department of Works and Pensions.
 

 

Supporting Organizations

Employment Related Services Association ERSA

https://ersa.org.uk/

Microsoft Logo

http://www.microsoft.com