Hope On The Inside
Hope on the Inside creates pathways for formerly incarcerated individuals to reclaim their voice, restore their dignity, and build stable futures through meaningful employment, creative expression, and supportive community.
How did Hope On The Inside start?
After overcoming extraordinary circumstances as a formerly incarcerated person, Briana Calhoun dedicated her career to walking alongside those still navigating the system — helping them find strength, self-determination, and hope from within. In 2024, Calhoun partnered with Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn to formally establish Hope on the Inside, a nonprofit built around authentic storytelling and a compassionate, experience-driven approach to lasting change. Since its founding, the organization has continued to grow, with Nashville artists and advocates joining the mission to expand its reach through the intersecting power of art, education, and entertainment.
Briana Calhoun, Kix Brooks and Magnolia Rising pose with inmates from the Louisiana Correctional Institue for Women.
What do we do?
Outreach
We go inside. Through our prison outreach program, we bring musicians, industry leaders, and inspiring speakers directly into correctional facilities to connect with incarcerated individuals where they are. These encounters aren't performances — they're conversations that plant seeds of hope, identity, and possibility.
Events
Hope on the Inside brings people together through one-of-a-kind experiences — from intimate songwriter nights to athletic events and beyond. Our events aren't just fundraisers; they're a reflection of our mission, uniting artists, advocates, and community members around a shared belief in transformation and second chances.
Programs
Through partnerships with local and national organizations, HOTI equips individuals with real pathways forward — workforce opportunities, community support, and the tools to rebuild a sense of self beyond their record. We believe a stable, purposeful future starts with knowing who you are, not just where you've been.
Meet the HOTI Team
Meet the HOTI Team
Members of the Board
Briana Calhoun
Founder & Executive Director
Once an inmate herself, Briana Calhoun beat unbelievable odds and dedicated her career to helping inmates navigate incarceration, find strength through self-determination and love, and discover Hope on the Inside™️ — no matter the circumstances
Kix Brooks
President
HOTI's President and Board Member, Kix Brooks was born and raised in Shreveport, LA. From writing hit songs for other artists such as the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Highway 101, and John Conlee, to joining forces with Ronnie Dunn to become the highest selling duo in country music, Kix brings a wealth of experience to HOTI's leadership! In fact, he's the one that originally convinced Briana to form Hope On The Inside!
Bill Windham
Vice President
HOTI acting VP and political ambassador. Bill is an extremely successful entrepreneur from Shreveport, La. Bill is responsible for partnerships and engagements, and has been an active board member for multiple nonprofits, including acting as board director for a regional chapter of the Make a Wish Foundation!
Kerry
Banks
Treasurer
Kerry Banks, HOTI treasurer, has served on the Board of Directors for multiple non-profit organizations including MedCamps of La, Lifehouse Ministries, and various positions with Trinity Methodist Church to name a few. Professionally, Kerry serves as President of the Rural Rental Housing of La and is on the Board of Directors with Louisiana National Bank. Kerry is a graduate of Louisiana Tech University and was licensed as Certified Public Accountant in 1995.
Chancie Neal
Artist Ambassador
HOTI Board member and Artist Ambassador, has been a professional artist and songwriter for nearly 20 years. At the age of nine, Chancie had already secured her title as the NFR Barrel Racing World Champion. However, her true passion was songwriting. Discovered by Luke Bryan at the age of 12, she was signed to Sony and toured with Bryan for the next seven years. Chancie is a hit songwriter and when she’s not helping run her family ranch, she can be found playing her music all over the country or writing and performing original songs in Nashville. Chancie assists in securing musicians and songwriters to perform for HOTI events, whether it be free concerts for inmates, or charitable fundraisers.
Randy Graham
Benefits Specialist
Randy Graham is a seasoned entrepreneur who built a highly successful insurance and benefits business from the ground up. Throughout his career, Randy has lended his time, resources, and leadership to numerous boards, philanthropic efforts, and civic initiatives. He brings that same spirit of service to his role at Hope on the Inside, where he serves as the organization's benefits specialist.
Todd Davidson
Meeting Facilitator
Todd Davison has spent decades investing in the people and communities around him, including over 20 years serving as Community Chair for the Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Louisiana. At Hope on the Inside, Todd facilitates our group meetings, bringing the same steady leadership and philanthropic spirit that has long defined the Davison name.
Michele Dauzat
Secretary
Michele brings over 26 years of combined experience in corrections and mental health, currently serving as Warden of David Wade Correctional Center with the Louisiana Department of Corrections. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker and certified DOJ PREA Auditor, she has built her career at the intersection of public safety and human dignity. She brings that depth of expertise to Hope on the Inside as a board member and Secretary.
HOTI Staff
Kylie Stratton
Program Manager
Kylie has a degree in Health Administration from California State University, Chico and her professional background includes healthcare management, non-profit operations and private consulting. Kylie has always had a strong drive to help others and is honored to utilize her experience and passion to support inmates through Hope on the Inside
Libby
Banks
Program Manager Assistant
As the PMA, Libby is responsible for creating social media content, assisting with organizing various events and supporting the Hope on the Inside team. A recent graduate of Texas Christian University, Libby is passionate about HOTI's mission to bring hope to incarcerated individuals through meaningful connection and creative expression.
Josh DelGuidice
Visual Content Director
Subscribe to Hope On The Inside
Sign up for the latest updates and events! Need our address? P.O. Box 124, Ruston, LA 71273
