THOMAS C. COTTON, III

Thomas Cotton is a pioneering leader committed to disrupting the cycles of incarceration and poverty. With over 25 years of experience, he has dedicated his life to empowering people to overcome challenges and achieve personal success. As the founder of Redemption & Advancement Alliance, Inc., and Next Level Freedom, LLC, Mr. Cotton's work has made a profound impact on the lives of justice-impacted individuals, transforming their futures and the field of reentry.

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Mr. Cotton's unique approach to personal development is exemplified in his transformative curriculum, "Rethink Lyfe." For nearly 15 years, this curriculum has been a cornerstone in the personal growth and development of those seeking change. Grounded in the principle of Romans 12:2—“Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind”—he emphasizes that true and lasting change begins with renewing the mind. His approach fosters critical thought for the reshaping of futures, the embracing of true values, and the development of strengths centered around progressive growth.

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In addition to his organizational work, Mr. Cotton authored "The New G Mentality," a powerful call to recognize the value of the strength of street knowledge within gangs and to promote investment in personal development over destruction. As a respected expert, he has shared his insights with a wide range of organizations, institutions, universities, churches, and boards, continually inspiring and driving change in various arenas. He holds a master’s degree in justice-involved care from Morehouse School of Medicine.

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Moreover, Thomas is a successful church planter and co-founder of Refuge Church Atlanta, which thrives in an underserved community and focuses on spreading the gospel through deep community engagement. His unwavering dedication to unlocking human potential and fostering community connections continues to inspire and create lasting change.