Margita Thompson is a communications and community engagement professional with a long track record of groundbreaking assignments, including as press secretary to Arnold Schwarzenegger when he was governor of California and at the White House in the Office of the Vice President with Second Lady Lynne Cheney. Other high-profile positions outside of public service include working as a producer on CNN’s “Larry King Live” and in the consumer products division at Disney.

Growing up crossing the San Diego-Tijuana border to visit family, Thompson gained firsthand insight into the challenges and aspirations of communities striving for upward economic mobility, instilling in her a deep commitment to creating pathways for stability and opportunity. Two years ago, Thompson took on a new challenge as Chief Communications and Community Engagement Officer at Aventiv Technologies, which provides communications technology solutions for correctional facilities across the country, enabling incarcerated individuals to stay connected with their loved ones, access rehabilitation resources, and prepare for a successful reentry—all while enhancing public safety within facilities.

The challenge lies in building support networks for incarcerated individuals that harness modern technology and create connections. The ability to communicate with family and friends on the outside not only reduces recidivism and improves reentry outcomes for incarcerated individuals, but it also creates a more secure environment within facilities. “We’re working with correctional officials to enhance operations and support incarcerated individuals to build more opportunities for success once they leave the facilities,” Thompson says. “Both law enforcement and the incarcerated individuals benefit when facilities are more stable because of access to technology that bridges the digital divide. When we can provide that level of connection, facilities are safer, and people are better equipped to build a sustainable future.”

As a leader inside Aventiv, Thompson noted the importance of authentic leadership that values a range of perspectives and experiences in fostering inclusive and meaningful communications. “I work at the intersection of public policy and the private sector—encompassing communications, community, and government relations—and navigate the diverse realities and priorities of each stakeholder to drive meaningful, positive change,” explains Thompson. “I believe everyone deserves a fair shot at maintaining connections and building stability, even in challenging environments. Our work isn’t just about technology—it’s about fostering the kind of support networks that can transform lives and create a lasting, beneficial ripple effect for families, communities, and public safety.”

Thompson believes in focusing on what unites us and harnessing the strength of collaboration to overcome divides, build trust, and achieve shared goals. Her experience growing up on the border instilled a deep commitment to the Latino community, and she views her role at Aventiv as a unique opportunity to contribute to a greater sense of connection and opportunity for others. “My experience as a press secretary and in the media taught me the power of messaging to shape public perception, especially on issues that matter deeply to communities, like digital access and leveling the playing field, ensuring that everyone has a fair shot at building a better future, regardless of their circumstances. Working in highly regulated environments has strengthened my understanding of how to navigate complex policy and stakeholder challenges, connecting and engaging with a wide variety of groups. At Aventiv, I bring this expertise to life by building public affairs programs that resonate across perspectives —from policymakers to correctional officers and the families and friends of incarcerated individuals—making our mission clear and relevant to all we serve. This is a fascinating company.”

Thompson adds that a key part of her role is translating external realities—whether from policymakers, communities, or broader societal trends—into strategies and actions that resonate within the company. “The reality is that correctional facilities are often stretched thin, and staff face immense pressures on a daily basis. By streamlining operations and fostering connections for incarcerated individuals, we help foster an environment within facilities that is secure, productive, and conducive to positive interactions for both staff and incarcerated individuals.”

To help close the digital divide, the company has invested over $600 million over the past six years in extensive technological infrastructure, including the distribution of more than 600,000 tablets nationwide. Thompson explains, “Think about the frustration of dealing with spotty Wi-Fi at home, and then imagine being in an older facility surrounded by concrete walls—it’s a much bigger challenge. This is about giving people the resources they need to succeed when they leave a correctional facility. When they do well, our communities are safer, and more people get the chance to pursue the American dream. Finding unexpected solutions is one of the things I love about this company, and our Justice Sandbox is a great example. We’re collaborating with formerly incarcerated individuals—especially those skilled in tech—to create content and tools that go directly onto tablets to support those currently incarcerated.”

One Sandbox app is called R3UP, a job readiness platform co-founded by a mother-daughter team of entrepreneurs impacted by the justice system. The app partners with the U.S. Department of Labor's CareerOneStop team, a federal resource that delivers over 200 career readiness videos, national job search capabilities, and access to American Job Centers, giving incarcerated individuals job search assistance upon release.

Job1Stop, another app available through Aventiv’s Justice Sandbox, is the primary employment placement platform on all of Aventiv’s tablets. It includes a database of over 600,000 postings that refresh every 45 days so that individuals returning home can access roles from organizations committed to fair chance hiring nationwide. It also offers a unique matching function that helps users screen roles that fit their capabilities and training. Upon launch, Job1Stop drew over 10 million impressions, and less than one month into its launch, the platform has over 75,000 active users, who are spending more than five minutes per day searching for an average of six jobs.

Aventiv is also involved with charitable organizations, including one that helps provide college scholarships to children of incarcerated parents—ScholarCHIPS. One of the beneficiaries is currently an intern in Thompson’s office.

Thompson says that in everything she does, she remains deeply connected to her heritage and the experiences that shaped her. “I encourage Latino professionals to build strong networks and stay true to their background. Seek mentors who understand your vision and values, and who can guide you through the unique demands of leadership. There’s incredible strength in having a supportive community and mentors who’ve walked a similar path. For me, it’s a privilege to be in a position where I can do good and drive meaningful change.”

Thompson also shared some advice for Latino professionals looking for this type of dynamic, high-impact role. “Embrace the strength of your unique perspective and personal story. Our ability to connect diverse worlds and view complex situations through multiple lenses—especially those shaped by our communities and backgrounds—is incredibly valuable. In roles where the goal is change, flexibility and empathy aren’t just assets; they’re essential to creating lasting solutions that shape people's lives for the better.”