Redemption Through Education: Anthony Gomez’s Journey from Incarceration to Inspiration
Anthony Gomez, Co-Founder, PATH Reentry
Anthony Gomez was in search of a fresh start when he relocated to Virginia from the Bronx at 17. But within three months, he found himself in the wrong crowd and was soon sentenced to life in prison.
Rather than let the system define him and his trajectory, Anthony transformed his circumstances through self-education and a deep commitment to personal growth. Today, Anthony proudly carries his story of resilience and purpose—using his journey to advocate for the transformative power of fair chances.
Resilience Behind Bars
In prison, Anthony found purpose in an unexpected place: the Bible. With limited access to formal education and a naturally curious spirit, he began teaching himself how to read by analyzing sentence structures and punctation throughout scripture. That spark eventually led him to earn a GED and later, a self-funded paralegal certification.
In 2004, he took up a position in the prison law library and held it for 15 years. There, Anthony honed his legal knowledge through research and planted the seeds of his advocacy work by helping fellow inmates understand and navigate their cases. Whether through drafting complaint forms or editing and proofing clemency positions, he used his expertise to empower others and build a sense of community inside the prison walls.
Throughout his sentence, Anthony also earned multiple vocational certifications including painting, drywall and custodial maintenance. His thirst for knowledge earned him the opportunity to co-facilitate rehabilitative courses for his fellow inmates alongside mental health professionals.
A Life Reimagined
Released in 2020 after 24 years—thanks to the passage of HB 35—Anthony stepped into a world vastly different from the one he left behind. Technology had advanced and daily life was remote. But through solitude, he found a sense of clarity and structure.
“Loneliness can be a trap when you first come home,” Anthony explained. “But it worked for me. I was able to focus on myself and my discipline.”
In that quiet, Anthony continued his habit of self-learning. Instead of letting the unfamiliar overwhelm him, he used it as an opportunity to keep evolving. Through experiments and research, he quickly began adapting to the digital world, setting him up for success in his first post-incarceration job as a remote paralegal.
Leading the Way for Others
Today, Anthony leads PATH Reentry, a Richmond-based nonprofit he co-founded with his former probation officer, Andrea Edmunds. Offering transitional support to returning individuals through volunteer opportunities, transitional housing and more, PATH Reentry serves as a lifeline for those seeking stability through the reintegration process.
Outside of his nonprofit, Anthony is vocal advocate for fair chance hiring practices that look beyond criminal records and instead focus on potential.
“Everyone brings something to the table,” he said. “There’s room for everyone’s perspectives and lived experiences.”
Co-Founders Anthony and Andrea pose and smile in front of a PATH Reentry transitional housing unit. Image Source: PATH Reentry Website
Redefining Fair Chance
For Anthony, the phrase “second chance” doesn’t quite sit right. He prefers “fair chance,” emphasizing that those who have paid their dues shouldn’t be seen as needing a handout.
“Second chance implies we’re doing you a favor,” Anthony explained his position. “Fair chance means you’ve paid your debt, and you deserve a shot like everyone else.”
Anthony challenges businesses to offer more than just entry-level or manual labor roles to justice-impacted individuals. He urges employers to think beyond stereotypes and reconsider what inclusion really means in the hiring process.
More Than One Story
Anthony acknowledges that his story isn’t unique.
“I’m not an exception,” he says. “If it wasn’t me, it would have been someone else.”
While there’s a common misconception that those serving long sentences have nothing to lose, in reality, he says, it’s often the opposite.
Anthony’s journey is not just a testament to personal resilience but a reflection of the untapped potential within prison walls. Anthony’s life reminds us that with access, opportunity and belief in human capacity, countless others can write their own stories of purpose and redemption.