Mission:
Pardon Me! uses its platform to humanize individuals who have been successful after incarceration-amplifying their stories of resilience, redemption, and triumph. Through powerful keynotes, moderated conversations, and the Pardon Me! Podcast, we challenge stereotypes, inspire change, and create pathways for personal and systemic transformation.
Vision:
We envision a world where justice-impacted individuals are defined by who they were-but who they can become. By humanizing stories of post-incarceration success, we aim to dismantle stigma, foster inclusive cultures, and build a society where every second chance is met with opportunity.
About:
At just 17 years old, Joshua Johnson’s life changed forever when he was incarcerated in 1995. Nearly a decade behind bars became the unlikely foundation for an extraordinary transformation. Upon his release in 2004, Joshua made a commitment not just to rebuild—but to lead. What followed was a life dedicated to resilience, redemption, and bold systems change.
Today, Joshua is a nationally recognized workforce executive, keynote speaker, and unapologetic champion for second chances. With lived experience and professional expertise in apprenticeship, workforce equity, and reentry strategy, he has become a trusted voice in some of the nation’s most important conversations on inclusion, talent, and justice.
His signature talks—“Today is Your Day,” “4 Keys to Success,” and “From Prison to Pardon”—have moved audiences across the country, inspiring everyone from incarcerated youth to corporate CEOs to see what’s possible when barriers are broken and stories are reclaimed.
🏛️ From Reentry to Leadership
Joshua’s professional ascent through Wisconsin’s workforce system is nothing short of remarkable. His resume includes roles such as:
- Construction Craft Laborer Apprentice & Journeyworker (LIUNA Local 113)
- Business Services Consultant, WI Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
- Apprenticeship Training Representative, WI Apprenticeship System
- Chief of Field Operations, WI Apprenticeship System
- State Director, Wisconsin Apprenticeship System
- Director, Jobs for the Future (JFF), leading a $13M national apprenticeship equity initiative
🌍 National Influence & Systems Impact
Joshua’s leadership extends well beyond state lines. He has served in high-level national roles that shape the future of workforce development and second-chance systems, including:
- President, National Association of State and Territorial Apprenticeship Directors (NASTAD)
- Former Member, President Biden’s Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship
- Board Member, Fathers Making Progress
- Former Board Member, Junior Achievement of Wisconsin
In 2022, after receiving a full and unconditional gubernatorial pardon, Joshua launched Pardon Me!—a movement, podcast, and platform designed to humanize justice-impacted individuals and spotlight their success stories. Through media, speaking, and consulting, he is reshaping how society sees potential, talent, and redemption.
🚀 More Than a Story—A Strategy for Change
Joshua’s journey isn’t just inspiring—it’s strategic. He helps states, employers, and systems build fair chance hiring pipelines, apprenticeship frameworks, and transformational workforce initiatives grounded in real-world experience.
From correctional facilities to boardrooms, Joshua is living proof that second chances aren’t just possible—they’re powerful. His mission is clear: to shift systems, rewrite narratives, and help others unlock their own version of success.
