Richard Mireles, Director of Personal Development and Outreach
Richard Mireles is a transformational leader, speaker, and advocate committed to empowering justice-impacted individuals to rebuild their lives with dignity, purpose, and success. As the Director of Personal Development and Engagement at CROP Organization, Richard leads initiatives that equip individuals with the mindset, skills, and confidence needed to thrive after incarceration.
Richard’s passion for personal development and leadership training has made him a driving force in the reentry space. He has led and facilitated over 80 transformational seminars for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals, providing them with the tools to break free from limiting beliefs and create a new vision for their future. As the Leadership4Life and Ready4Life lead trainer, he coaches and mentors coaches and participants in developing the resilience, emotional intelligence, and leadership skills necessary for long-term success.
A formerly incarcerated leader, Richard’s journey is a testament to the power of transformation. While serving 21 years, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Management, became an ordained minister, and dedicated himself to mentoring and coaching others. Since his release, he has spoken at high schools, colleges, recovery circles, and churches, bringing a message of hope, healing, and redemption. His voice has reached legislative chambers, where he has passionately advocated for fair chance hiring, housing, and workforce development policies that uplift returning citizens.
In addition to his work in personal development, Richard plays a crucial role in engagement and alumni support at CROP. He spearheads CROP’s Monthly Alumni Support Network, a dedicated space where program graduates continue their journey of growth, connection, and professional development. His goal is to ensure that CROP’s impact extends beyond graduation, providing alumni with ongoing mentorship, career opportunities, and a strong community of support. He is also the host of CROP’s Prison Post Podcast, where he shares powerful stories of transformation, resilience, and justice reform, amplifying the voices of those impacted by incarceration.
Beyond his work at CROP, Richard is a sought-after public speaker, leadership coach, and consultant who has dedicated his life to creating pathways of opportunity for the formerly incarcerated. His mission is simple: to invest in people, challenge broken systems, and champion a world where justice-impacted individuals are defined by their future, not their past.
Richard’s story is proof that transformation is possible for anyone willing to do the work. His leadership at CROP Organization is paving the way for a new era of reentry—one built on dignity, self-determination, and limitless potential.