Jody Lewen, president of Mount Tamalpais College at San Quentin Prison, highlights the vital role of trust in her work as a social entrepreneur. Initially assuming students would trust her, she encountered skepticism, owing to the prison environment and each individual’s experience within the system. 

She emphasizes that trust cannot be taken for granted and must be earned through genuine openness, active listening, and learning. Jody learned that students often carried shame and were hesitant to seek help, necessitating proactive outreach. Jody extends her insights beyond the prison context, noting that trust is pivotal for all social entrepreneurs. 

It's essential to allow people time to understand one's intentions and motivations, fostering vulnerability and engagement. Without trust, efforts would be futile, and trust's role in vulnerability and learning is paramount. Jody's experiences illuminate the resilience of the human spirit when trust is established, highlighting the transformative power of trust in creating meaningful change.