Dena Hernandez

Home After 13 Years

Throughout her childhood, Dena suffered long-term abuse. She sought mentorship and connection in her peers, who led her down the wrong path. At 18 years old, Dena was sentenced to 28 years in prison for carjacking with gang enhancements. She was released from prison after 13 years when the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office recommended her release.

While incarcerated, Dena wholeheartedly committed herself to rehabilitation, participating in numerous self-improvement programs, including mentorship opportunities and substance recovery.

Today, Dena is a Behavioral Health Technician at a detox center, where she supports people struggling with substance abuse. She is also enrolled in college, pursuing a business degree. Outside of work, Dena treasures family time most, enjoying activities like having lunch with her mom and hiking with her sister.

Dena hopes to use her business degree to help incarcerated youth in juvenile halls, where she once was. She aims to provide them with work opportunities that will help them develop the skills that were essential to her own transformation.

Dena became the first woman released from prison under our new initiative #TogetherHome. This initiative is raising awareness about the unique challenges incarcerated women face, and supporting prosecutors to safely bring women home from prison.