After managing medical clinics across three states, Saffron Gustafson found herself on the other side of the justice system. Now she’s channeling that experience into a movement to support women transitioning out of incarceration.
Gustafson’s journey from successful healthcare executive to federal inmate and back again forms the backbone of her memoir My Name Is Saffron: Voices Silenced, Stifled, And Taken Away. The best-selling book offers an unflinching look at the realities women face within the U.S. federal prison system, drawing from her firsthand experiences behind bars.
Before her incarceration, Gustafson built an impressive career managing medical durable medical equipment (DME) clinics throughout Washington, Oregon, and Northern California. Armed with degrees from the University of Oregon and an MBA from Bushnell University, she had established herself as a respected figure in the healthcare industry.
Her time in federal prison exposed her to systemic issues that would reshape her life’s mission. Rather than allowing the experience to define her negatively, Gustafson emerged with a clear vision: creating opportunities for women rebuilding their lives after incarceration.
This vision will materialize through Marpé Haven, a non-profit organization Gustafson is launching in 2026. The organization aims to provide comprehensive support for women transitioning from prison, focusing on helping them rediscover their voices, rebuild self-worth, and develop marketable skills. The initiative represents a direct response to the gaps Gustafson witnessed in the current system’s approach to rehabilitation and reentry.
Alongside the non-profit, Gustafson is developing Saffron Malibu, a couture fashion line that will generate revenue for Marpé Haven while providing employment opportunities for formerly incarcerated women. This dual approach addresses both immediate financial needs and long-term sustainability for program participants.
The Oregon native’s transformation from inmate to advocate reflects a growing movement of formerly incarcerated individuals using their experiences to drive criminal justice reform. By building multiple businesses designed to support her non-profit work, Gustafson is creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that could serve as a model for similar initiatives.
Her memoir serves as both a personal testament and a call to action, highlighting the urgent need for programs that address the unique challenges women face during and after incarceration. The book details not only the harsh realities of prison life but also the resilience and potential that exists within the incarcerated population.
Gustafson’s plans to relocate to Southern California position her at the heart of one of the nation’s largest prison populations, where her work could have significant impact. Her approach combines practical business acumen with lived experience, creating programs designed by someone who truly understands the obstacles formerly incarcerated women face.
The convergence of her business ventures, charitable work, and advocacy through her writing represents a comprehensive strategy to address recidivism and support successful reintegration. By providing both employment opportunities and holistic support services, Gustafson aims to break the cycle that often leads women back to incarceration.
As criminal justice reform continues to gain momentum nationwide, voices like Gustafson’s offer crucial perspectives on creating meaningful change. Her journey from the boardroom to the prison cell and back again provides unique insights into both the failures of the current system and the potential for transformation when given proper support and opportunity.
