“AND SUDDENLY, PRISON DOORS FLEW OPEN AND CHAINS WERE BROKEN” - CHRISTIE LUTHER

Christie is the Founder and Executive Director of the R.I.S.E. Program, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization creating Oklahoma’s first and only Barber / Cosmetology Schools at two women’s correctional centers. She is a licensed Master Cosmetology and Barber Instructor. She loves teaching incarcerated individuals vocational skills, helping them obtain vital tools for re-entering society such as state licensing, immediate job placement, housing, career tools, clothing, and recovery support, ensuring graduates a successful journey upon release from prison.

RISE was establised in 2015 and, during that time, only one graduate out of 280 participants has returned to prison. Christie has been part of NABBA for five years and is currently a Board Member for Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering Board. She has received numerous awards for her ground-breaking program, including Programs Making a Difference in Oklahoma and the prestigious Rodney Bivens Innovation Award.