My name is Lazara Ordaz, and I am currently incarcerated at FCI Marianna in Marianna, FL. On charges of conspiracy to distribute more than 3 kilograms of a controlled substance (cocaine), use of a communication facility, and possession of a firearm. I have served 19 years on a 35-year sentence. Prior Record: * In 1980, I was young and stupid.  I had just come to America from Cuba and I was caught with.    marijuana and a firearm.  I plead guilty and was sentenced to 3 years on probation with a       special    condition of serving 6 months in the county jail, with 74 days credit time served. *On August 3, 1988, I was charged with possession of cocaine with the intent to sell.  I was.    found guilty and sentenced to time served and ordered to pay $225 in court costs. *On February 17, 1990, I was charged with possession of cocaine and found guilty and    sentenced to one year community control/probation revoked and sentenced to 364 days. *On August 3, 1996, I was charged with carrying a firearm without a license and reckless.    endangerment of a person.  I was given a minimum sentence of less than 6 months plus 5.    years’ probation. *I have a few other priors I was not convicted of and the charges were dismissed. Prison Conduct: I have a clear conduct record for the past 12 years. Clemency Petition:  Clemency #156638 was denied on 08/08/2016 by the Obama Administration. Support Network: I have close family ties and well connected with my community.  I also have the support of CANDO, National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls, and The LOHM group. Accomplishments: During my incarceration, I have learned, accomplished, and trained other women with various skills.  I mastered the trade of Blue Printing in the UNICOR program.  I was advanced to the highest position available and taught other women the trade.  I remained in the position for 10 years.  I also completed a Material Coordinator Apprenticeship.  My next accomplishment was graduating from a two-year business program through Marist College.  Over the years of my incarceration, I have taken and successfully completed over 70 classes and programs, which include: *Soldering *Colleague *Blue Printing *Forklift Training *Forklift License *Quality Assurance Training *SP Culinary Arts I *SP Culinary Arts II *Life Skills Management I *Life Skills Management II *Life Skills Management III *Computer applications *Material Coordinator Apprentices *Medical Terminology *Long Term Computer *International Cuisine *Management Studies *Organizational Behavior *Healthy Relationships *Self Esteem Parenting *Gender Images-Media *Anger Resolutions *Cage Your Rage *Women’s Mental Health Seminar *Guide for Incarcerated Parents Seminar *Job Readiness Seminar *Buying a Home Seminar *Dress for Success Seminar *VT Horticulture *Interpersonal & Business Communications (college course) *Business in Society (college course) *Arts & Humanities (college course) *Business Management (college course) *Camp Driver’s License Course *Building Blocks – Spanish *Criminal Thinking *Sign Language *Intermediate Sign Language *Random Acts of Kindness *Typing *EXPL I *EXPL II *EXPL III *Basic English *Boundaries and Our Parenting *RPP5 Release Requirements *How to Use Law Library *Black History *Reach 1 Teach 1 Aids Awareness *Health/Nutrition Awareness *Primary Literature Recreation Classes (the following classes taken will help me utilize the skills I learned useful to reentering society): *Walking for People 45 and Over *Health Awareness Camp *Biggest Loser *Circuit I *Paint *Drawing *Advanced Drawing *Recreation Aide *Color Pen Draw *Beginning Reading *Hand sewing *Scrapbooking *Origami *Piano Lessons *Cross Stitch *Hobbycraft Painting *Dream Catcher *Calligraphy *Poetry *Plastic Canvas *Stain Glass *Leather Craft Hobbycraft Additional/Final Information: As a former history teacher in Cuba, education has always been a priority for me.  I am a model inmate and have taken classes, programs, and therapy available to me for my growth.  Any opportunity I have been given to help me rehabilitate and restructure myself and my way of thinking before I reenter society, I take full advantage of.  I am currently at the lowest security level attainable in the Federal Bureau of Prisons, which is camp status.  I am currently working for UNICOR Distribution Center as a Department Coordinator, learning all aspects of working in a warehouse.  In the upcoming months, I will be enrolling in Blackstone College and pursuing my paralegal degree.  I am continuing to take full advantage of opportunities presented to me by the Federal Bureau of Prisons.  I am doing everything in my power to ensure a successful recovery, one that will allow me to reenter society on the right.

My name is Lazara Ordaz