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Maria Solomon: "I didn't want to just talk about it or think about it. I wanted to be a role model."
For the past decade, Maria Solomon has had three goals at the top of her mind: Get her high school diploma. Get her driver’s license. And get a full pardon for all nine crimes she committed while in her 20s.
After much perseverance, the New Havener can now check all three off of her to-do list — as she moves forward with her life and career unburdened by her past criminal record.
Solomon, 45, currently works as a paraprofessional in the city’s public school district.
She reached out to the Independent to share her story of trying and trying, and ultimately succeeding, in receiving a full pardon for her past crimes, which she committed between the years of 2000 and 2007. Most of the convictions were for larceny; the oldest of her convictions, for third-degree assault and sixth-degree larceny, date back nearly 20 years.
Solomon is working to advance professionally to become a social worker. She said that receiving a full pardon and taking courses at Gateway Community College are both major steps forward for her professional path.
Solomon officially received her pardon on Nov. 18, 2024. In a recent interview with the Independent, she described her final hearing and the day she received the physical certificate in January as emotional moments.
The eight-month journey towards getting that pardon began when she learned from someone else that she could pursue the pardon process on her own. She longed to move beyond her past time served and her record of crimes from more than a decade ago, she said.
During the process, Solomon had to get municipal records from the towns of Hamden, Orange, East Haven, and New Haven related to the crimes she committed. She learned during that process that most city police departments no longer hold decades-old records.
Despite feeling scared and ashamed while doing so, she reminded herself during the process that there was no longer a reason she’d be put in handcuffs and sent to jail again. And so she persevered.
Solomon initiated the pardon process in December 2023. She got the date for her final hearing after a pre-screening in October 2024. As the finale of the process approached, Solomon found herself keeping grounded by reciting daily affirmations focused on who she currently is.
The final pardon confirmed for Solomon it was time for her to start her first ever podcast: “The Experience of the I AM.” That podcast documents her daily personal affirmation every Monday as she continues to work to rebuild her self-confidence.
She also aims to help others shift their mindsets to more positive ones about themselves and overcoming obstacles. The pardon process and podcast, Solomon said, also help her to provide her sons with a role model who can overcome life’s obstacles. “I didn’t want to just talk about it or think about it. I wanted to be a role model,” she said.
Solomon’s receipt of a pardon last year followed her getting a driver’s license in 2016 and her high school diploma in 2017.
She recalled the overwhelming relief and pride she felt when she received her official full pardon certificate on Jan. 28.
She recalled the heavy weight of self doubt she carried during the time she was committing crimes that has now nearly vanished because she’s been able to see that “I can achieve something.”
Next, she hopes to get her dream job as a social worker. She is currently studying human services at Gateway. “The change is still coming and I can’t wait,” she said.
During Solomon’s most recent podcast episode on March 30, she kicked off the week discussing self-reflection for a five-minute episode entitled “The Power in How I See Me.” As of March 24, Solomon hit her first 100 listeners on Spotify for her podcast.
Solomon’s close friend Chantell Thompson has known her for the past five years. Thompson told the Independent in a phone call Monday that Solomon was the first person she met when she moved to New Haven from New York after a relationship beset by domestic violence.
She said Solomon has a “gift” that immediately made it so Thompson was comfortable and able to talk with her about her experience.
Solomon supported Thompson when she was in search of a job, when she started her small business, had car troubles, and even when it came to celebrating the accomplishments of her 14- and 11-year-old kids.
“She’s been a gift to me,” Thompson said. “She really shows that nothing can get in the way of what you want to accomplish to be a greater version of yourself.”
Thompson was also able to offer Solomon with the same encouragement and support as she navigated the pardon process. “There were moments she was nervous but still fought to be vulnerable and completely transform her life,” she said. “She is greater than any decision that has ever represented a life that she has grown through. She allows people to see that they are greater than any mistake. She deserves that.”
"Even When Standing In A Storm"
Below are a prose reflection and a poem written by Solomon about her receipt of a pardon.
“This Must Happen”
There was a time when I didn’t make a concrete decision — I just made a choice. A concrete decision involves loyalty, faithfulness, love, kindness, consistency, peace, joy, and authenticity. It requires intentional thought, reflection, and the decision to commit to what truly matters.
When I made a choice, I didn’t overthink it. It was impulsive — a quick decision made without much reflection. No regret, no analysis, just the need to move quickly. But a concrete decision? That’s different. It requires pausing, reflecting, and considering everything: my circumstances, my goals, my environment, and most importantly, myself.
The goals I’ve worked on didn’t come from a quick decision. They resulted from sitting down, thinking deeply, and saying, “This must happen.” For years, I chose to wait without taking the time to understand how those goals would shape my life and impact others. But today, I stand before you, speaking my truth. I made a concrete decision to embrace the challenge — no longer just sitting back and letting life happen but stepping forward with purpose.
With that concrete decision, I’ve conquered those goals, and now I’m joyfully sharing my journey with you. Amen.
“Even when standing in a storm”
I am still in a great place.
The winds may rise, the skies may turn gray,
but I stand firm and will not sway.
Raindrops fall, cleansing and not drowning,
through every trial, I wear my crown.
Lightning flashes, and thunder roars,
Yet peace resides within my core.
The storm may shake, but it won’t break
the faith-filled steps I choose to take.
Each drop that falls is a lesson learned,
each gust of wind a page I turn.
Even when standing in a storm so fierce,
I hold my ground and persevere.
For even in the darkest night,
I walk in grace and shine in light.
I am anchored, strong, and free,
The storm refines and strengthens me.
So no matter what I face,
I am still in a great place.
