CMC forum talk features former inmate’s turnaround

SALIDA – A history-making former Colorado prison inmate will talk about his journey as part of Colorado Mountain College’s Collegiate Peaks Forum series of informative and educational talks in Salida.

Sentenced to life without parole when he was 19, David R. Carrillo spent over 30 years inside the Colorado Department of Corrections until he was granted clemency in 2023 and released the following year.

While incarcerated, he pursued an education, beginning with his first college course through CMC. At various institutions, he then earned a paralegal certificate, an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree with honors and an MBA.

Carrillo made history as the first incarcerated person in the US hired as a college professor to teach business and economics courses to fellow incarcerated students through Adams State University.

The forum series’ mission is to help foster the intellectual enrichment of Upper Arkansas Valley residents and visitors by sponsoring free events featuring people well-versed in a variety of topics. The forum also hosts other community discussion activities.

Carrillo’s story from his recently published memoir, “Kiko: From Life Without Parole to Life with Purpose,” focuses on how he turned hard-earned lessons into tools for justice, education and reform. The book can be purchased through The Book Club Salida and at this free event.

Since his release from prison, Carrillo started a consulting business where his clients include attorneys, universities and organizations. He also speaks at colleges and universities, legal conferences, nonprofits and justice reform events nationwide.

Carrillo’s talks combine lived experience, academic achievement and professional expertise with insight into plea bargains, sentencing, prison culture, higher education in prison, reentry and the promise of second chances.

"The credibility I have today was not built on my degrees alone — it was built on my ability to turn my past into purpose,” according to a quote on his website. “Experience gave me insight, education gave me language and integrity gave me authority.”

Carrillo’s forum talk will take place Feb. 12 at 6 p.m., in the Salida High School auditorium, 26 Jones Ave.

Contact Karla Hardesty, CMC dean of academic support, with any questions about Carrillo’s talk.