Former Customs Officer Carolyn Willis graduates with Ph.D. in Public Affairs after overcoming adversity in the US.

Former Customs Officer, Carolyn Willis, will be graduating later today as a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Affairs from the School of Public Policy and Leadership University of Las Vegas, Nevada. The 47-year-old Belizean woman migrated to the United States with her two young children to further her studies. As years progress, her plans went awry when she encountered circumstances, not of her own doing, that landed her in prison. She was released after two years and landed a job at the Hope for Prisoners organization where she was recently promoted as a Director. In this capacity, Dr Willis works with prisoners with an aim to get them reintegrated into society once they have served their time. Her thesis for her doctorate focused on Offender Reintegration in Nevada: A Longitudinal Study Focusing on Transitional Challenges, Reentry Capital, and Recidivism. Her dissertation was on the challenges justice-impacted individuals face once they return to their communities and the importance of providing support and reentry capital. Dr Willis told Love News that she does have plans to return to Belize where she can contribute to her country. In her comment, she noted, quote, “Those that know me and know my story can understand/appreciate what has been accomplished this day.” End of quote.