Ingrid Lederhaas-Okun received her undergraduate degree from Georgetown University followed by graduate studies at Christie’s Education in London and the Gemological Institute of America which led to a successful career in jewelry at a luxury goods firm in New York City. In 2013, upon being made redundant at her firm, Ingrid made a life altering mistake which led to a felony conviction and a prison sentence.

Through her 10 month residency at Alderson Federal Prison Camp in West Virginia, Ingrid was determined to make the most of her experience and rose above the stigma of her circumstances while simultaneously providing comfort to her family and friends back home concerned about her well being. She not only succeeded in surviving her ordeal, she was able to cope with the death of her father while incarcerated due to the support system she developed.

Upon completion of her sentence, Ingrid began writing a spirited blog sharing her observations of life at Camp Cupcake to enlighten others as to how to make the most of their time on sabbatical as well as provide some insight to family members back home. Portions of the blog morphed into a book, The White Collar Club Handbook, published in May of 2017. Energized by this undertaking, Ingrid is now working on completing a novel about the jewelry industry.

While tutoring women in prison preparing to take their GED exams, Ingrid witnessed first hand the need for supporting educational opportunities for those less fortunate than herself. Upon her release she began supporting Prison Library Programs by donating new books. Now all proceeds from the sale of The White Collar Club Handbook support these volunteer organizations.

During her research she came upon White Collar Advice and offered her services to support people going through similar circumstance. She now provides consulting services to men and women involved in the criminal justice system.