Gwendolyn “Gwen” Bright started her career of public service in the 1970s with South Carolina’s Department of Disabilities and Special Needs. From the 1980s onward, she worked in both the Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services and the Department of Corrections where she oversaw inmate programs until her retirement in 2020.
She was also appointed by former Governor Nikki Haley to serve as a board member for South Carolina’s Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education, a post she held for twelve years. Her introduction to JUMPSTART happened while serving on the Parole Board, and she joined our board out of her strong belief in second chances.
“The most rewarding aspect of volunteering with JUMPSTART is watching people putting in the work and making positive changes happen in their lives … When we pave the way for inmate transitional success, we are investing in our families and our communities.”
On top of her distinguished career, Gwen holds a master’s degree in criminal justice from the University of South Carolina, spent twenty years as a volunteer Guardian ad Litem for CASA, and has been an adjunct professor for South Carolina State. She lives in Columbia, working part-time as a substitute elementary teacher and spending time with her grown daughter, Jessica.
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