Project Transcendence held a graduation at California Institution for Women (CIW) featuring a question-and-answer session with singer Chaka Khan.

Project Transcendence is a partnership between the Chaka Khan Foundation and David Lynch Foundation-LA, offering a five-day transcendental meditation program for incarcerated women.
The graduation recognized the hard work of 10 incarcerated participants. After the graduation, Khan opened it up to a question-and-answer session for roughly 200 incarcerated individuals.
Khan is an American singer, songwriter, and musician, known for her powerful voice and a wide-ranging career spanning several decades.
Born in 1953 in Chicago, she first gained fame as the lead vocalist of the funk band Rufus in the 1970s. The group is best known for hits like “Tell Me Something Good” and “Ain’t Nobody.”
She then launched a successful solo career, producing numerous hits including “I’m Every Woman,” “Through the Fire,” and “I Feel for You.” She is often referred to as the “Queen of Funk” and has won multiple Grammy Awards for her work.
In addition to her music career, she has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, speaking out on issues such as addiction and mental health.
Submitted by Delinia Lewis, associate warden
Custody Operations, Housing and Program Services
and Ricky Dela Cruz, community resources manager
California Institution for Women
Read more rehabilitation stories.
Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.
Related content
Watch: Finding hope through education at CCWF College Fair
More than a dozen schools recently held a College Fair at Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) to promote education opportunities.…
CSP‑Corcoran staff, incarcerated walk to fight cancer
California State Prison (CSP) Corcoran hosted the third annual Cancer Walk with staff and the incarcerated raising a record-breaking $12,900…
Watch: SATF’s Touch of Class barber program
The Touch of Class barber program is helping incarcerated people learn a trade before they are released. At the Substance…
VSP hosts second soccer tournament
Valley State Prison (VSP) held its second soccer tournament April 25 in partnership with Fuego FC, a Fresno-based team representing…
Rescue dogs graduate WSP‑RC training program
A partnership between Wasco State Prison-Reception Center (WSP-RC) and PAW Estate Rescue & Shelter reached a milestone April 21 as…
Visiting staff, volunteers make Mother’s Day special
From reentry facilities to conservation camps, CDCR prisons and institutions, visiting staff and volunteers made Mother’s Day special. This round-up…