LaDonna Thompson Bio

LaDonna H. Thompson, began her career with the Kentucky Department of Corrections in 1989, made history when Governor Steve Beshear named her Commissioner, marking the first time a woman has been chosen for the top Kentucky Department of Corrections’ post.

As one of the original correctional officers at the Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex, Thompson moved on to hold a position at Kentucky State Reformatory and Luther Luckett Correctional Complex in LaGrange.  She made her way up through the ranks, working with the VINE program (Victim Information and Notification Everyday), inmate classification and population management divisions.  Thompson spent two and a half years as Deputy Commissioner of the agency.

During her career in Corrections, Thompson received numerous awards, including three honors for distinguished service to the department. A graduate of the Leadership Kentucky class of 2007, her awards also include two for recommendations that resulted in fiscal savings for the Commonwealth. Thompson was a 2007 recipient of the “Breaking the Glass Ceiling” Award presented by the National Center for Women and Policing, and was selected as a participant in the 2006 NIC Executive Leadership for Women class.  Thompson is currently the Program & Training Committee Chair for the Midwest Division of the Association of State Correctional Administrators.

A graduate of Morehead State University, Thompson received her degree in psychology and sociology.

Larry Lucas Bio

Larry Lucas was incarcerated for twenty-seven years with the Kentucky Department of Corrections. During his years of confinement, Larry stayed active in his faith and took advantage of completing numerous education programs, including his certification as a legal aide. These educational programs were instrumental in helping Larry gain his release from prison and assist him in the process of becoming reacclimatized to society.

Larry was a member of Shakespeare Behind Bars at the Luther Luckett Correctional complex from March 2000 to the time of his release in 2010.

Following his release from prison, Larry found it difficult to find employment due to his criminal record. After completing a variety of job programs without being hired and filling out numerous job applications without getting a call back, Larry decided it was his “sink” or “swim” moment. Rather than “sink,” Larry started his own business. He borrowed money from his mother and sister, bought a lawnmower, and began to build LSL Enterprise. Today, Larry employs two part-time employees in LSL Enterprise that has grown to include a complete lawn care and landscaping service, as well as a janitorial and floor care service. Additionally, Larry is a sales representative for Health Daddy Wow.

Larry is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. He is a full-time student at Jefferson Community and Technical College pursuing an Associates of Arts and an Associates of Applied Sciences Degree in Human Services.
Future plans include continuing to grow LSL Enterprise, helping others released from prison to find gainful employment, and earning his Bachelor’s degree. Larry’s ultimate goal is to move from success to significance.

Michelle Bombe Bio

Michelle Bombe (costume designer for Shakespeare Behind Bars, 1998-2008) is  Professor of Theatre, Director of Theatre, and Resident Costume Designer at Hope College in Holland, MI.  Michelle received her MFA in Design from University of Texas-Austin and has designed the costumes for over 100 productions for professional and academic theatre.   Michelle is Chair of Region III of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.  Her professional credits include 10 seasons at the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival, The Theatre of Monmouth, and Hope Summer Repertory Theatre. 

Steve Berry Bio

Steve Berry graduated from the University of Kentucky with a BS in1973 and received a MS in Criminal Justice from the University of Louisville in 1982.  He worked at the Kentucky State Reformatory as a Classification and Treatment Officer in 1974 and later worked as a Unit Director and Deputy Warden at that facility.  He also worked as Deputy Warden at Roederer Correctional Complex and Warden at Luckett Correctional Facility from 1994 -1998.

Tahir Hemphill Bio

Tahir Hemphill is an award-winning creative director and multimedia artist working in the areas of interdisciplinary thought, collaboration and research.  As a creative director, Hemphill has planned strategy for businesses in the entertainment, advertising and nonprofit industries. Hemphill has been a consultant for Y&R, Publicis, Grey, Saatchi & Saatchi and Burrell Communications. His work has been exhibited at MoMA (2011); Siggraph 2002; Queens Museum of Art (2002); and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (1999). Hemphill holds a BA in Spanish language from Morehouse College, a Strategic Planning Certificate from Miami Ad School and a MS in communications design from Pratt Institute. Hemphill manages the media arts education program for Red Clay Arts, a nonprofit incubator for contemporary artists that he co-founded in 2000. He is a researcher at the Hip Hop Education Center in the Metropolitan Center for Urban Education at NYU’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development.