Testimonials

---

"Ernst has been a superb Senior Program Coordinator for the Prison Education Project.  He is the consummate leader and team player. He is charismatic and radiant but yet humble. He is an excellent storyteller who has the capacity to empower and inspire others with his own dynamic story. In the 15 years that I have known Ernst, he has impressed me with his professionalism, work ethic, and his ability to empathize with the struggles and challenges of others."

It has been my pleasure to witness Ernst continue to evolve into an exceptional communicator, businessman, leader, and family man over the years. To watch his life work sprout from his personal testimony is so powerful to me. I think it's wonderful that he has found his niche in being a moderator for issues of social change because of his willingness to dive deep, and passionately share and teach from that place of growth. From his lemons, he has gone beyond making lemonade. He is taking his own seeds, planting them in the fertile ground of others, and now a newness grows in them because of it. I am truly proud of his efforts to follow through on his capability to empower others, and leave a lasting impact. Because of his relentless drive and pursuit of a greater ideal, I think we all get to walk away more enriched. Kudos and God-speed with the much needed service you provide, Ernst! 

 I met Ernst Fenelon Jr. in February 2015 when he moderated our first "Talking the Talk" event titled "Getting to Racial Justice, A safe space for the community to converse about racial profiling and interactions with the police."  After this successful event, Mr. Fenelon Jr. volunteered several more times as the moderator for our other Talking the Talk events.  Within these two years, we have become good friends and I am constantly impressed by his ability to hold the room, create the environment and facilitate a productive discussion.  He has a presence that creates a sense of calmness, where people feel safe to speak their feelings.  Not only is he incredibly knowledgeable about many different issues, but he is also able to share his unique perspective based on his own personal experiences.  I feel that he has lived many lives and I am very grateful to have him in ours. I hope Ernst will have the opportunity to facilitate or moderate other organizations to discuss difficult, but important topics, so that others can experience his talents as we do.  

I contacted Ernst to be a Facilitator and Inspirational Speaker at the monthly PACT (Pasadena Altadena Community Team) resource fair held in August 2015, conducted by The Flintridge Center in Pasadena. The PACT Resource Fair provides resources, inspiration, and guidance for those returning to society from prison/jail. Based on his participation at the PACT Resource Fair, I’d say Ernst has a fervent heart and a passion to communicate with others, not as an expert to an audience, but as a peer seeking a mutuality with other peers. I think that’s important in building trust with people who have been socially marginalized. His desire for both personal and community transformation is evident. I think he displays professionalism and accessibility that is valuable and should be leveraged to further community conversations and solutions for building a trust-filled safety net for everyone."