Pathways In and Out of Custody

Join us for the 2nd session of the 2024-2025 CJiP series: Lived Experiences of the Justice System, with guest speaker Emily O’Brien.  This session is open to CJPP and CCJP students.

Emily O’Brien who previously served a four-year jail term, founded Comeback Snacks to help break the stigma surrounding individuals with prior convictions. This venture offers newly-released offenders a chance at a fresh start through training, empowerment, and education.

"The company can give offenders the opportunity and confidence to gain and maintain pro-social employment, keeping the community safer by helping ex-cons refrain from returning to their old ways. It just seemed like all the stars had aligned and overnight it became my mission to build this company. Comeback Snacks - made with conviction!" — ComeBack Snacks

Guest Speaker Emily O'Brien

Emily O’Brien is an entrepreneur and the founder of Comeback Snacks—a specialty popcorn company that challenges the status quo. After being sentenced to a four-year federal prison term following her arrest at Pearson International Airport, Emily set out on a mission to transform herself and make her time in prison meaningful. Leveraging her entrepreneurial background, she conceived Comeback Snacks (formerly 'Cons and Kernels')—a popcorn company offering bold, unique flavors and an even bolder mission: fighting the stigma surrounding those with criminal records. Her popcorn is now available in over 700 locations across Canada and the US.

Through her trailblazing efforts, Emily demonstrates that positive change is possible within correctional institutions with passion, drive, and a positive mindset. She is committed to removing the stigma around people with prior convictions and providing opportunities for reintegration through training, empowerment, and education. As a leading voice in this movement, Emily is frequently featured in media outlets such as CBC, CTV, Global, Toronto Star, iHeartRadio, CHCH, VICE, and more. She has received several accolades, including the Business Leadership & Entrepreneurship Award at the 2020 YWCA Hamilton Women of Distinction Awards, Entrepreneur of the Year by the Women’s Empowerment Awards, and the 2022 Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Award for Community Service. Most recently, she was a finalist in the 2024 Meridian Bank Small Business Big Impact Awards, winner of the 2025 Sobeys Diversity Award, and named one of the Top 50 Global Women in Sustainability 2025

Hear more about Emily's story

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