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Catherine Hoke
Co-Founder at Hustle 2.0
Catherine Jackson (formerly Catherine Hoke) is the founder of Hustle 2.0, a non-profit organization that aims to end mass incarceration by teaching entrepreneurship to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals.5 She has a history of working with prison reform and providing second chances to those with criminal backgrounds.
Career and Achievements
Catherine began her career in private equity before founding the Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP) in 2004.13 She later founded Defy Ventures in 2010, another organization focused on transforming the lives of people with criminal histories through entrepreneurship.23
Some of her notable achievements include:
- Named one of Fast Company's 100 Most Creative People in Business (2014)14
- Elected as an Ashoka Fellow (2013)14
- Included in Forbes' 40 Women to Watch Over 40 list (2017)3
- Received the MDC Partners Humanitarian Award on behalf of Defy Ventures (2015)14
Controversies and Transitions
In 2009, Catherine resigned from PEP after admitting to inappropriate relationships with program participants after their release.3 In 2018, she resigned as CEO of Defy Ventures following allegations of sexual harassment, though the organization was cleared of wrongdoing.3
Current Work
Catherine has since launched Hustle 2.0, continuing her mission to help incarcerated individuals transform their lives through entrepreneurship and character development.56 The program offers over 175 hours of self-directed content and prepares participants for reentry, sobriety, and positive life changes.6
Personal Life
Catherine is known for her athletic background, including being the first female wrestler on her high school boys' team.14 In 2022, she married John Jackson, a former Hustle 2.0 client and current employee, and took his surname.3



