Today we’d like to introduce you to Roeshaun Murry
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Roeshaun Murry and I am the Founder of United Women Reentry Foundation 501(c)(3) in Atlanta, GA.
I’ve spent majority of my career in my hometown Memphis, TN working in higher education with Remington College and as Talent Acquisition Advisor with Enlyte, Johns Hopkins and Kaiser Permanente. I’ve always had genuine passion for guiding others toward meaningful career paths, I’ve dedicated myself to helping individuals navigate the job market and find opportunities that align with their goals and strengths. This commitment to career support comes naturally to me, driven by a deep belief in the power of meaningful work to transform lives.
In April 2021, I relocated to Atlanta, GA in search of better career opportunities. On December 8,2022 after losing my Driver License I became a victim of identity theft and I was arrested after a woman committed fraud inside of a commercial roofing supply company using my identity. Due to the incident, I spent 2 days in Dekalb County jail. During my time in the jail, I found myself processing the situation and searching for any source of positivity amidst the darkness. I began speaking with some of the women in my pod, sharing stories, offering encouragement, and listening to their experiences. This interaction helped me find purpose and a source of strength and I quickly realized that fostering connections and bringing light to others, even in difficult circumstances, was a powerful way to bring hope. Those conversations not only helped me but, also sparked a desire to support and uplift others facing similar challenges.
The day I walked out of DeKalb County jail, my heart was in pieces, shattered by the stories I’d heard and the struggles I’d witnessed. I knew deep down that I had to do something impactful for my community, especially for women in Georgia navigating reentry. Later, I reached out to my good friend and colleague, Ashley Moore VP-United Women Reentry Foundation. Ashley is a former Employment Specialist with Dismas Charities state and federal reentry centers in Memphis,TN and Atlanta,GA.We spent hours discussing ways to make a difference. Ashley said to me, “Roeshaun, we’ve got to do something to help the women who are justice-impacted—they need more resources!” Her words resonated with me, strengthening my resolve to support these women by working to find solutions and opportunities that could change lives and open doors.
On August 1,2024 United Women Reentry Foundation 501(c)(3) was founded. Our mission is to assist women who are justice impacted with employment assistance, legal support, housing solutions, career opportunities, mental health counseling, and mentorship programs.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting a nonprofit organization for justice-impacted women has certainly been rewarding, but it hasn’t been a smooth road. Some of the biggest challenges have included securing consistent funding, building trust within the community, and navigating complex bureaucratic systems.
Financial stability is often a struggle, as grants and donations are competitive, and many funders want proven impact before investing and we are a new non-profit. Establishing credibility and forming partnerships takes time and persistence, especially in a field where stigma surrounding incarceration can create barriers. We’ve also had to work around limitations within the justice system itself, which can restrict access to some resources and delay program implementation.
But each of these challenges has strengthened our resolve. The stories of the women we serve remind us why this work is essential and overcoming these obstacles has allowed us to create an organization capable of making a meaningful impact. Through persistence, collaboration and a shared vision, we continue to push forward knowing that the road may be challenging but, the purpose is transformative.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I hold an MBA in Human Resources Management and I have over 7 years of experience in corporate America which has transitioned well into the advocacy work we do at United Women Reentry Foundation.
What sets me apart from others starting a nonprofit for justice-impacted individuals is my personal connection to the cause, my comprehensive understanding of the challenges the women face and my commitment to building strong community partnerships. I’ve taken courses with the GMEN Rites program and I serve on the Criminal Justice Committee with NAACP Dekalb both organizations provided me with valuable insights into skills building, advocacy and resource mobilization.
United Women Reentry Foundation just participated in its first hiring event with Goodwill Smyrna in October and we were able to provide a list of second chance employment opportunities, transitional housing support and establish a contact list for participants interested in our RISE and HOPE programs starting the summer of June 2025.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is building trust is fundamental to fostering meaningful relationships within the community. Transparency, authenticity, and consistent engagement are key to creating a supportive environment where women feel safe to share their experiences and seek help. This trust not only enhances program effectiveness but, also empowers the women we serve to take ownership of their journeys.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.uwref.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/united_women_reentryfoundation
- Facebook: unitedwomenreentryfoundation
