Louisiana Parole Project Community Engagement Manager Matthew Pineda brings a special kind of enthusiasm to work with him each day, harboring high hopes and great expectations for the clients he assists with their transition from prison to modern society.
It is a journey he knows well, having served 35 years on a life sentence that he received at age 16. While in prison Matthew earned over 80 credit hours in a specialized business degree program through Ohio University and International Correspondence Schools. He also completed vocational certifications in welding and residential carpentry.
Matthew earned a Distinguished Toastmaster designation from Toastmasters International and spent 12 years as a member of Jaycees receiving its highest honor given to a member – a Junior Chamber International Senatorship granting him a lifetime membership. He served as a 12-step study group facilitator, is a certified substance abuse peer counselor for Celebrate Recovery, and is an RCIA Catholic Catechism facilitator.
He attributes his growth, maturity, and his freedom to his faith in God. With a strong religious upbringing and lots of support from his family during his incarceration, Matthew believes that none of his accomplishments and achievements would be possible had it not been for his God-given talents and experiences inside the Department of Corrections.