Harry Alston, Jr., Ph.D. Sr. Vice President – The Safer Policy Institute, Safer Foundation, excels in working as part of inter-disciplinary teams where he can contribute the full breadth of his experience as consultant, professor of higher education, scholar practitioner, and creative problem solver in service to building group-centered leadership solutions to issues of social & economic justice. During his career, he has established a track record for programs and initiatives that increase business capacity, develop organizational infrastructures and strengthen human resource capability. His areas of expertise are strategic planning, program development, project management, process improvement, and capacity building in community-based organizations. Dr. Alston completed his Ph.D. in Leadership and Change at Antioch University where his emphasis was on leadership and community development. He is Sr. Vice President – The Safer Policy Institute for Safer Foundation. Safer is a $32 million nonprofit agency which serves nearly 5,000 clients per year and is one of the nation’s largest social impact agencies addressing the needs of people with arrest and conviction records. In this role, he provides leadership and strategic direction to extend the impact of Safer to offer structural solutions and new policy recommendations to address the challenges resulting from mass incarceration, economic disparity, and social disruption. Mr. Alston earned a Bachelor of Industrial Administration degree from General Motors Institute of Technology (marketing and organizational behavior) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Indiana University (Fellowship Award – Consortium for Graduate Study in Management). He is Level II Certified in the TMZ/Berlitz Cross Cultural Orientations Approach. Other certifications include: certified Master Facilitator & Trainer (“New Work Habits for A Radically Changing World”, Pritchett & Associates); certified Facilitator & Trainer (Lead Diversity Program, First Card Corporation). Actively involved in community and civic organizations, Mr. Alston’s affiliations include: Member: Cook County Commission on Social Innovation; Board President: Fathers, Families and Healthy Communities; Board President: Sustainable Connexions, and Board Member: NXG Youth Motorsports Academy, Past Affiliations: President, Diversity Council of the Carolinas; Charlotte Chamber (Civic Committee, Inner City Roundtable); member of the board of Directors University Radio Foundation (Charlotte, NC NPR affiliate). Academic Roles include: Assistant Professor – College of Business at Livingstone College; Adjunct Professor – Strategy and Planning at Roosevelt University; Business Policy at University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Winthrop University, and Marketing at Indiana University Northwest; Finalist, HUD Community Builders Fellowship Program; Alumni – Consortium for Graduate Study in Management; and Regional Finalist in the Commission on White House Fellows.

William E. Arnold, Jr., Ed. D., has more than 20 years of experience in public service, higher education and community engagement. In 2013, he was wrongfully convicted of crimes that he did not commit. After serving nearly 7 years in the state penitentiary, his conviction was unanimously overturned by a Tennessee Appellate Court in 2020. Today, Dr. Arnold uses his professional training and recent life experiences to create and maintain a platform that assists justice involved individuals overcome barriers to employment and to reduce recidivism. Dr. Arnold does this as the director of the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s TN Office of Reentry (OOR). Since 2021, this office has stood out as the nation’s first state funded, comprehensive, non-Department of Corrections related office of reentry. In this role, he has led numerous discussions, programs and trainings on the value of justice involved individuals in the workforce and its effects on the economy and public safety via more substantive reentry efforts. These talks have led him to have DEI conversations with See Change Institute, Tennessee Corrections Institute, Jobs for the Future, University of Cincinnati, and the National Skills Coalition. A servant leader and Ted Talk Alum, Dr. Arnold is a Tennessee native who seeks to improve the lives of all Tennesseans through his work.

Beth Avery is the fair chance program director at the National Employment Law Project (NELP), a leading nonprofit advocacy organization that strives to build a just and inclusive economy where all workers have expansive rights and thrive in good jobs. Since joining NELP in 2015, Beth has provided legal and technical assistance focused on removing unfair barriers and expanding employment opportunities for people with arrest and conviction records. In partnership with allies across the country, Beth has advocated for “fair chance hiring” policies and “fair chance licensing” reforms, including the California Fair Chance Act. Over the past decade, her advocacy has included drafting guidance for employers, advising lawmakers and advocates on policy design and implementation, and offering testimony and amicus brief support to assist with the adoption and enforcement of significant laws and regulations. Beth has authored various NELP publications and is a frequent media resource on issues affecting the employment of people with arrest and conviction records. For example, she recently debated the merits of “ban the box” on NPR’s Open to Debate. Beth is a graduate of Harvard Law School. Following her legal training, Beth clerked in the Central District of California and the New Jersey Supreme Court.

Molly Bashay is a senior policy advisor in the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) within the U.S. Department of Labor. Her portfolio ranges from infrastructure and unemployment insurance to climate and youth policy. Molly is a staunch advocate for economic justice and the policies and programs that deliver tangible results–namely, long-term careers, high wages, economic security, and peace of mind–to workers and their families. Prior to joining ETA, she worked with nonprofits large and small, leading initiatives on digital equity, the future of work, community and economic development, eliminating student debt, and embedding equity throughout the education-to-workforce pipeline. Molly received her master’s degree in European Union social and economic public policy and a bachelor’s degree in government and environmental policy.

Sophia brings a background in startups and technology to Resilience Education to enable our team and programs to scale and thrive. Prior to Resilience, she joined Quizlet as the 5th employee and helped grow it to 50 people (and eventually ~ 850 people) and millions of happy teachers and students. She lives in Cambridge, MA with her husband and 2 adorable kids.

Amy Braden serves as the Workforce Coordinator for HopeWorks, a non-profit with 36 years of experience in helping people improve their lives through hope in Jesus Christ and success in the world of work. HopeWorks gained non-profit status in 1998 and provides case management, soft and hard skills training, High School Equivalency Diploma test preparation, job search assistance, and transitional housing for those currently in or being released from incarceration. HopeWorks also provides these services in the community, where about 35% of the people seeking their support and services have been justice-involved. Amy has designed and grown HopeWorks workforce efforts by building relationships with area employers, building a reputation of integrity, genuine care, and deep insight into both employer and participant’s needs and resources. She leads a team of 4 whose responsibilities include serving students and continuously focusing the entire organization’s work to support participants in moving into successful employment. Amy graduated from Freed-Hardeman University and has spent decades working with people in federally funded job training programs, owning her own business and managing other businesses that primarily employed persons with multiple barriers to employment. Her passion is fueled by the success stories she has watched unfold over the years, often serving multiple generations of the same family in their bid to escape poverty and the impact of justice involvement.

Kelly Brantner has worked with Minnesota Correctional Facility- Red Wing youth for 19 years, with 16 of those years supporting the reentry process. Kelly specializes in helping youth and their families to identify goals, needs, strengths, and local resources to be successful, leveraging evidence-based assessment frameworks for employment, education, and family supports. She is passionate about connecting incarcerated youth to caring adults and community resources, building collaborations to ensure the successful return of youth to their home communities. Kelly received her Bachelors from University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and makes her home in Arkansaw, WI with her husband and their 8-year old daughter.

Carlita Brown, Personal Success Coach & Reentry Manager, is a graduate of the PIVOT program. She served 22 years at the Maryland Correctional Institute for Women/PIW, where she held multiple leadership positions. While incarcerated she created and ran a reentry program for other women, (Victim Awareness Building Bridges Project) helping them prepare for release and life in the community. Prior to joining the staff at PIVOT, Ms. Brown was serving as a Case Manager at Living Classrooms. She is an accomplished speaker, motivator, coach and community advocate and has devoted her life to advancing and uplifting her community. Since becoming a part of the Pivot management team, Carlita has become a published author who shares her information with courage, tenacity, and with the intent to provoke change, decision making, and a commitment to self. Ms. Brown currently sits on the leadership committee for the Ladies League of Baltimore; she also sits on Mayor Brandon Scott’s Returning Citizens Advisory Council (RAC) It is safe to say that Ms. Carlita Brown has been Pivoting within her own personal reentry process.

Kavell Brown is a Senior Manager on the LinkedIn Social Impact team, where he leads the social justice and location-based grant-making portfolio. He is also responsible for developing strategies to support individuals impacted by the justice system. Having grown up in public housing in New York City and in a household affected by the justice system, Kavell endeavors to represent his own experiences and those of his community in every space he has the opportunity to enter.

As the National Director of Operations, Mr. Brown leads the development and implementation of program innovation, process optimization, and operational strategy for The Bail Project’s direct services and bail out operations. Mr. Brown initially joined The Bail Project in 2021 as the Operations Manager for several sites in Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. Before joining The Bail Project, Mr. Brown was the Operations Manager at True Brands where he implemented a work-skills development program for justice-involved employees that included leadership training and industry-recognized certifications. Mr. Brown is a NCCER-certified vocational instructor with a continued education certificate in trauma informed care.

Pastor DeAndre Brown is the Founder and former Executive Director of LIFEline to Success. . He currently serves as the Executive Director of the Shelby County Office of Reentry. The Office of Reentry works to find resources for ex-offenders, helping them find employment or become entrepreneurs, while removing barriers that hinder successful reentry. DeAndre’s work in reentry began when he founded LIFEline to Success in 2009. He found his own reentry, after 25 months in state and federal prison, to be exceedingly difficult and cluttered with obstacles. Instead of complaining about the problem, he and his wife began an organization dedicated to streamlining the reentry process. In 2010, he successfully spearheaded the “Ban the Box” movement in Memphis. June 2019, Governor Bill Lee visited LIFEline to sign bill HB0941 which removes state fees for expungement of criminal histories. Furthermore, Mr. Brown was selected by Governor Bill Lee to serve on the Criminal Justice Investment Task Force, seeking to make Tennessee communities safer. DeAndre was honored in February 2019 when he won an Emmy for the short documentary, “You Must Believe”. In 2021, DeAndre was awarded the Jefferson Award for Outstanding Public Service Benefiting the Disadvantaged. On December 15, 2023, DeAndre received a phone call from Tenneseee Governor Bill Lee, informing him that he had received a full pardon for his state felony convictions!

Kelsie Chesnut works as a Senior Research Associate with Vera’s Unlocking Potential and Opening Doors to Housing Initiatives focused on expanding access to postsecondary education in prison and connecting people returning to their communities with housing. Kelsie is based in San Francisco, California and has experience with program evaluation of targeted reentry services and policy reform in corrections. She is also a skilled qualitative researcher. Before joining Vera in 2018, Kelsie was the Project Manager of a multi-year research study examining solitary confinement reform in Washington State. Her research highlighted the critical role of corrections staff in prison reform and policy implementation. In addition to her work at Vera, Kelsie has also conducted research on Los Angeles’s illegal gun market, focusing on sourcing in procurement. Kelsie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Criminal Justice from San Francisco State University, and a Master of Arts in Social Ecology and a PhD in Criminology, Law, and Society from the University of California, Irvine. She is a member of the American Correctional Association. She brings an impressive research career and portfolio to this panel.

Aarin Clemons joined Polaris MEP in 2021 following 10 years of Workforce Development work in the Hospitality sector, in which The United Way named him a “Champion of Adult Learning” in 2019 in honor of the adult learning programming he created for The Dean Hotel. Recent work on training programs both inside corrections institutions and outside for Advanced Manufacturing have allowed him to delve deeper into equity building, workforce development, and adult learning.

Jacqueline Cooley is the Leader of Learning and Development at JBM Packaging, where she champions fair chance hiring and reentry workforce development. With over 15 years of experience spanning HR, social services, and education, Jacqueline is deeply committed to empowering individuals who face employment barriers. At JBM, she collaborates with external partners like the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) to facilitate workforce reintegration through innovative training and coaching programs. Her leadership in JBM’s Better Lives Program, which supports the professional and personal growth of fair chance employees, is central to her mission. Jacqueline’s work is deeply personal, driven by her own family’s struggles with reentry, and she actively supports team members through tailored resources and coaching. She holds an MPA from DePaul University and a BA from Northern Illinois University, and has a wealth of certifications in trauma, victim advocacy, and workforce development.

Kirstin joined the Prison Society in 2019 to lead its Family and Community Support portfolio. Arrest and incarceration are traumatic for all parties involved– including family. Family is often left out of the discussion and without support. Prior to 2019, Kirstin work to advance state based criminal legal system reforms and also led a non-profit that offered programming to justice impacted populations, including youth, adults, and victims of crime. She holds a BA in Psychology from Georgetown University and an MS in Social Policy from the University of Pennsylvania.

Shawn Couch, Employment Director for Client Services with the Kansas Department of Corrections, is an Offender Workforce Development Specialist (OWDS) and certified trainer, with 20 years’ experience in the correctional field and is a Navy veteran. Shawn has a bachelor’s degree in organizational management with a specialization in human resources. As part of the KDOC Reentry team, he oversees the job readiness program which prepares justice-involved individuals to become productive and valued employees and responsible citizens. His team works with clients as they prepare to transition back into the community. They connect with businesses and collaborate with local resources for Second Chance and Fair Chance Employment opportunities. He has presented many correctional related classes and has instructed for the Offender Workforce Development Specialist classes.

Hope has a lifetime of personal experience and over 20 years of professional experience that have been cultivated to help her develop into a multi-dimensional leader who serves the most underserved populations throughout Florida and train organizations throughout the United States. Hope helps organizations within the fields of workforce development, corrections and reentry, and social services strengthen their client engagement, enhance client rapport, and magnify client and organizational success rates with a blend of Trauma-Informed Care Practices, Resiliency Elements, Motivational Interviewing, and out-of-the-box navigation. She travels throughout the United States to train, coach, consult, and provide keynote services to organizations serving underserved and justice-impacted communities. She is the author of Beyond the Barbed Wire: Reentry ~ Resiliency ~ Restoration. Her second book, Beyond the Barbed Wire: Cultivating Character that Overcomes, is scheduled to publish Fall of 2024. Her purpose-driven mission is to use her experience and skillset to snuff out radical darkness by cultivating radical hope.

Myles Davis, Wind Services Field Technician Supervisor for Itinergy. Myles is a former justice-involved individual who has a successful reintegration in to society and has built a reputation in the wind and renewable energy field. Over the past three years he has been able to maintain employment, complete his obligation to the Kansas Department of Corrections, pay off fines, buy a vehicle, find housing, pay taxes, and help others to along the way. Within the company he is the first justice-involved individual hired and has started a mentoring program with the support of the owner for others traveling the same path in life. He assists others to learn a trade in the Wind and Renewable Energy field.

Caitlin Dawkins, M.B.A., is a principal technical assistance consultant at American Institutes for Research® (AIR) where she serves in a leadership role across a portfolio of work that advances justice. Dawkins utilizes her unique expertise that sits at the intersection of justice, workforce, and education to advance evidence-based practices and policy. Currently, Dawkins serves as the technical assistance lead for Measurements for Accountability to All People in Policy Solutions and justice fellowship efforts at AIR, and she serves as senior advisor and subject matter expert on various projects. In 2023, Dawkins served as the director of the National Reentry Resource Center (NRRC) and oversaw technical assistance and national, state, tribal, and local partner development and engagement for the center. Dawkins is committed to advancing justice and thriving communities. She has served in multiple capacities including direct service, advocacy, and intermediary roles. Prior to joining AIR, she was FHI 360’s director of justice programs, where she oversaw the strategic direction of the portfolio of work that aimed to advance justice. Dawkins holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Strayer University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Winston-Salem State University.

Anna Ferguson serves as the Chief of Staff at Edovo, a leading nonprofit organization focused on transforming education and rehabilitation in correctional facilities. Anna is a seasoned consultant with a background in Fortune 500 companies. Her passion for criminal justice reform and belief in the transformative power of education led her to Edovo where she played a key role in deploying the original tablets to correctional facilities, introducing educational, self-improvement and vocational programs for incarcerated individuals.

I’m a formerly incarcerated individual who spent 25 1/2 years in the Michigan Department of Corrections. In my final year, I had the opportunity to be part of The Last Mile (TLM) classroom, where I gained technical skills I never thought I’d have. My interest in coding took off, and I combined that with project management training, all with the goal of moving into a leadership role. Now, I’m part of a passionate team at TLM, where we’re committed to giving return citizens and justice-impacted individuals a real chance at meaningful employment. We’ve been trusted by TLM leadership to help others work their way into professional roles, and I’m proud to be part of that mission.

Lisa Durkin is a Director at Jobs for the Future (JFF) in their Center for Justice & Economic Advancement (CJEA). Within CJEA, Lisa develops and executes employer lines of service, supporting companies with their implementation of fair chance talent practices that make quality jobs more accessible to people with records. Prior to JFF, Lisa spent nearly a decade working in prison reentry, most recently managing a Saint Louis University program that connects jobseekers with records to fair chance employment. She has a Bachelors in Psychology and English Literature from Washington University in St. Louis and a Masters in Leadership and Organizational Development from Saint Louis University.

Christina Louie Dyer serves as the Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Checkr, where she is dedicated to promoting Fair Chance hiring through initiatives such as employer training and Apprenticeships for justice-impacted individuals. Prior to joining Checkr, Christina established and led the social impact and sustainability function at Lob as the Head of Lob.org and was the second founding member of Box’s social impact team, Box.org. She is committed to cross-sector collaboration and leveraging the resources and influences she has access to for positive impact. Christina’s career began in education as an elementary school teacher, and she continues to carry a deep passion for education and creating opportunity pathways for all.

Rebecca J. Edmond, Associate Director, Workforce, Strategic Initiatives, National Institute for Work and Learning (NIWL), FHI 360 | Leads and provides guidance for workforce development services for FHI360. Established leader with 20 years’ experience in the nonprofit and public sector working with justice involved youth in the areas of Education & Workforce Development with a dynamic portfolio of start-ups, training events, and presentations. A long history of working with Florida and South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice, Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice, Florida Department of Education, Department of Labor Education Training & Administration on priority initiatives such as prevention programming, delinquency prevention, risk-focused prevention, staffing, supervision, data-driven decision making, reducing racial and ethnic disparities, supporting system-involved youth, and managing contracted programs. Rebecca earned a master’s degree in education in Divergent Learner from Columbia College.

Angela Fabel (Angee) a re-entry services professional with over 6 years of expertise in helping people move forward. Angee leads a team of re-entry case managers, helping adults and youth reintegrate back into society. As Program Manager of Re-entry Programs at American Indian OIC, I oversee a team of case managers and counselors who work directly with formerly incarcerated adults and youth, providing them with essential supports like job training, housing assistance, mental health services and much more. Angee collaborates and builds strong partnerships with community organizations that can assist in helping with services for those re-entering society. Her work is all about reducing recidivism and helping returning citizens get back on their feet to a better life. She ensures that the person is at the center of decisions related to their life and that everything is focused on their needs, preferences and care. She helps build strong support systems when meeting with participants and always promotes and encourages personal growth and motivation. Angee has an Associate of Applied Science college degree with additional training. Outside of work, Angee is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota and is an enrolled member of the Red Lake Nation of the Ojibwe people.

Tierney and her husband Greg Fairchild co-founded Resilience Education in 2013. As Executive Director, she leads the Resilience team by designing and delivering programs and developing partnerships to meet the needs of the individuals Resilience serves. Tierney has dedicated her career to building innovative solutions to address societal challenges. She spent 10 years at United Technologies Corporation (UTC) in human resources and community relations, where she led a corporate philanthropy initiative for CEO George David with the Hartford Public Schools, UTC’s headquarters and designed and implemented a strategic K-12 education reform initiative. Tierney was the founding executive director of the Darden/Curry Partnership for Leaders in Education at the University of Virginia, where she led the design and delivery of a portfolio of executive development programs for educators. At the PLE, Tierney was a pioneer in the field of turnaround leadership, leading the development of turnaround principals for then Governor Mark Warner.

Avery Franzblau currently serves as the Director of Foundation Operations at the CD&R Foundation – which is focused on driving Equity through Opportunity. We think about opportunity through the lens of employment opportunity and focus our Foundation activities in the workforce development space. As Director of Foundation Operations, Avery leads the Foundation’s Portfolio Dimension and oversees the Foundation’s operations and reporting in both the U.S. and the U.K.. Prior to joining CD&R, Avery was a Director of Organization & Workforce Transformation at PwC where she advised clients (including CD&R and many of our portfolio companies) on strategic workforce and human capital issues. Avery is thrilled to bring that human capital expertise – along with her passion for the nonprofit and philanthropic space – to our work at the CD&R Foundation. Avery has a B.A. in Mathematics from the University of Pennsylvania and is a credentialed Associate of the Society of Actuaries (ASA).

Lady Alejandra Funcke (she/her/ella) is a dedicated advocate and MSW graduate specializing in Interpersonal Practice, with a focus on integrated health, mental health, and substance abuse. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Palm Beach State College, graduating summa cum laude. As a Pre-Licensed Psychotherapist in the state of Florida, Lady is committed to improving mental health outcomes for underserved communities. Her role as a Research Assistant at the University of Michigan involves collaborating on initiatives that support system-impacted female youth of color and promote equity in employment opportunities. Lady has a strong background in DEI initiatives, leading educational workshops and community dialogues that advocate for formerly incarcerated students and foster inclusivity in higher education. Her global perspective is enriched by research on incarceration, human rights, and biodiversity in the United Kingdom. Recognized for her contributions to social justice, Lady has received the DEI Impact Awards Student of the Year and the Michigan Difference Student Leadership Award. Her resilience and unwavering dedication continue to inspire change, as she works tirelessly to create a more just and inclusive society.

Ashley is a passionate advocate for the belief that individuals are more than their worst mistakes. As someone who has personally experienced the challenges of reentry after justice involvement, she brings a deep understanding of the unique needs of this population and the transformative power of second chances. As the Director of Business Development & Community Engagement at Breakthrough, Ashley is responsible for identifying growth opportunities through funding, building strategic partnerships, and driving the implementation of organizational objectives through development and community engagement initiatives. In her previous role as Senior Program Manager for Employment Opportunities at the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice (RBIJ), Ashley worked on the award-winning Unlock Potential hiring program, which successfully engaged businesses in supporting employment opportunities for Opportunity Youth and Second Chance Hiring. Her work also includes the publication of a comprehensive “roadmap” titled Hiring Justice-Involved Talent: Practical Steps to Becoming a Second Chance Employer, which has been used as a resource for companies committed to adopting fair hiring practices. Currently, Ashley serves on the Advisory Council for the Colorado Fair Chance Hiring Initiative, where she continues her advocacy for inclusive hiring. Ashley holds an MS in Marketing from Johns Hopkins University.

Josh Gaines is a Project Manager at the Council of State Governments Justice Center. During his six years with the Justice Center, he has focused on issues involving barriers to work and economic mobility, collateral consequences, and relief from the long-term impacts of a criminal record. He works with states across the country to advance policies that remove barriers to opportunity, oversees the National Inventory of Collateral Consequences of Conviction and Clean Slate Clearinghouse, and provides technical assistance to states that have signed on to the national Reentry 2030 initiative. Josh received his BA from NC State University and his JD from the Washington College of Law at American University. He is based in Raleigh, NC.

Abram Garcia is a Program Manager for the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership. He has 14 years of experience working in workforce development and the non-profit sector serving marginalized communities addressing barriers to socioeconomic upward mobility. In 2014, as a Program Coordinator overseeing IL Department of Human Services programs, he implemented expungement/sealing services across 3 funded programs which continue to this day. In 2022, as part of The Road Home program, Abram and his team were granted access to enter Cook County Jails to engage candidates for pre-release services and promote program services for successful reentry. Also in 2022, he worked with the IL Department of Correction to provide virtual orientations for committed persons to promote The Road Home and enroll participants pre-release. Abram is himself justice impacted and has family members who are as well, which has driven his passion to provide reentry tailored workforce solutions.

Nan Gibson is Executive Director at the JPMorgan Chase PolicyCenter. In this role, she leads the Second Chance, Careers & Skills, and Economic Security Net issue portfolios and works to develop and advance evidence-based policy solutions to drive inclusive economic growth by bringing together global expertise, data, research, and philanthropic investments. 

Nan works with policy, community, and business leaders to drive effective public policy solutions at all levels of government. She provides policy expertise across a broad range of economic issues and conducts outreach to key stakeholders to build unique partnerships for initiatives related to economic security and workforce development. She works closely with criminal justice reform leaders to advance policies that lower barriers to employment and create greater economic opportunity for individuals involved in the justice system. Nan developed the strategic framework and co-leads the corporate recruitment and programmatic work of the Second Chance Business Coalition, a group of nearly 50 large companies committed to implementing second chance employment practices and advancement strategies. She also develops best practices for serving the financial services needs of older consumers and combating elder financial exploitation.     

She previously served as Chief of Staff and Executive Director for the President’s Council of Economic Advisers during the Obama Administration and as Executive Director of the Joint Economic Committee of the U.S. Congress.  Prior to public service, Nan was a senior leader and communications strategist at the Economic Policy Institute, a leading think tank that conducts research on American living standards.  She began her career covering Congress, politics, and presidential elections for The New Yorker magazine’s Washington columnist and for C-SPAN.

Sonia Gonzales’ journey in healthcare began as a medical assistant, graduating from PIMA Medical Institute. She’s excelled in various healthcare settings, including primary care, radiology, and at Mira Costa Student Health Services where she’s advocated for patients, battling for referrals and navigating insurance processes. She continues her mission to remove barriers as TrueCare’s Director of Community Engagement & Outreach. She has fostered over 50 partnerships with community nonprofits and other organizations. Her efforts have enhanced TrueCare’s community and patient programs for youth advocacy, health education, mental health, food distribution, and more. Sonia is currently pursuing her master’s in clinical psychology.

Unit Chief, Reentry Employment Opportunities (REO) U.S. DOL, Employment and Training Administration (ETA) Alexander is Chief of the Reentry Unit at the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Office of Workforce Investment, supporting agency efforts to provide national leadership, oversight, policy, and technical assistance to the public workforce system through reentry grant initiatives. Prior to joining DOL, he was the Manager of Employment Services with Offender Aid and Restoration in the Washington DC area where he developed and facilitated pre and post release programs and services. Alexander served previously as a Business Partnership Specialist with the Philadelphia Youth Network and as a Vocational Program Coordinator with the City of Boston serving justice involved youth. He earned his B.A. in Public Policy from Duke University and has been serving justice-involved individuals for over 17 years.

Khalil A. Halim is a distinguished Army veteran whose life embodies a profound commitment to service and community empowerment. Graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Systems Management, Khalil’s academic excellence mirrors his dedication to excellence in all endeavors. With a remarkable 12-year tenure as Deputy Director at It Takes a Village, Khalil’s impact reverberated through various spheres of civic engagement. Serving on the Mayor’s Office of HIV Resources Planning Council in Denver and chairing the Priorities Setting and Allocation Committee, Khalil played instrumental roles in shaping policies and programs for community health and well-being. His appointment by the Governor to the Colorado HIV/AIDS Prevention Program (CHAPP) Grant Review Committee underscores his leadership in public health initiatives. Moreover, Khalil’s contributions extended to the implementation and oversight of Aurora’s Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Project (HPRP), reflecting his hands-on approach to addressing homelessness and housing insecurity. As a founding member of Second Chance Center’s Board of Directors, Khalil exemplified a steadfast commitment to rehabilitation and reintegration. Stepping into the role of Executive Director at Second Chance Center, Khalil continues his legacy of transformative leadership, guiding individuals toward brighter futures and second chances. Beyond his professional achievements, Khalil’s passion for music and DJing has earned him an iconic urban name in the DJ community, demonstrating his multifaceted talents and interests. Perhaps Khalil’s most impactful contributions lie in his mentorship and guidance, offering invaluable support to those seeking answers and redemption. His unwavering dedication to uplifting others has catalyzed transformative journeys, including that of SCC’s Founder, who found solace and inspiration in Khalil’s wisdom and example. In the tapestry of his life, Khalil A. Halim weaves threads of service, leadership, and compassion, illuminating pathways to redemption and second chances for all who cross his path.

After graduating in 2019 from the University of Michigan with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Crime and Justice, Meghan joined the Level Up: Employment Skills Simulation Lab within the University of Michigan School of Social Work. Since joining the lab, she has served as the lead coordinator for an NIJ-funded study in which a Virtual Reality Job Interview Training program was implemented and evaluated within the pre-release trades-focused employment readiness programs in two Michigan Correctional Facilities. She has worked very closely with system-impacted individuals and hopes to continue contributing to the advancement of opportunities, education, and resources available to those reentering the workforce.

Taja Hereford serves as a Manager for the Inclusive Hiring team at the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice (RBIJ) overseeing the award-winning Unlock Potential workforce development program for opportunity youth and second chance hiring work in Texas and Tennessee. Prior to joining RBIJ, Taja worked in state government for Texas focusing on work related to substance use prevention through coalition efforts. In addition to government work, she has worked with various non-profit organizations that helped serve formerly incarcerated mothers and individuals helped get reintegrated into society. She has led workforce development opportunities at her previous work companies. Taja has earned her Masters in Public Health from the University of South Carolina. She aims to restore human dignity to those who society has tried to strip away this value from.

Ronne is a partner at The Regulatory Consulting Group, where her dedication to regulation, governance, ethics, labor mobility and innovation come together to inform a new discussion about smart regulation. Ronne has been immersed in professional and occupational licensing and regulation across more than 50 health and technical professions and has had the privilege of serving as President of the Council on Licensure Enforcement and Regulation (CLEAR). As the past Division Director for Colorado’s Division of Professions and Occupations, Ronne demonstrated her willingness to build strategic relationships, to deliver key objectives across the state, including streamlining licensing timelines, and develop alternative pathways to licensure for reentry, foreign trained professionals and veterans.

Veronica Jackson is the executive director of Baltimore’s PIVOT program. Veronica is a Baltimore native committed to the enhancement, exposure and expansion of Baltimore communities and families. She is tremendously dedicated to the community and dismantling all negative stigma associated with Baltimore. She believes that Baltimore is a beautiful, unique place filled with amazing people. Veronica trusts that the keys to community are abolishing systemic foundations, transparent communication, and implementing grassroot community lifestyles . Experienced in working with families and members of the community in various sectors of Baltimore. Her career exposure includes 10 years as a Correctional Officer in Baltimore City Central Booking (WDC), The Judith P Hoyer Family and Early Learning Center Baltimore City Public Schools, Changing Lives at Home, Inc as well as Women Accepting Responsibility (WAR). These career experiences have established her knowledge, resources, and leadership skills. This aids her in assisting women returning successfully to society. She is confident that every woman in Baltimore City has the opportunity to build and/or rebuild and craft the life she desires.

Lisa Johnson is the Director of FHI 360’s National Institute for Work and Learning (NIWL) in Washington, DC. A proactive and versatile leader, she has over two decades of experience in strategic planning, capacity strengthening, and designing and implementing workforce development, college and career readiness, youth development, and justice programs. She is skilled at effectively managing a diverse portfolio of government, foundation, and private sector grants. Before becoming Director at NIWL, Ms. Johnson led U.S. Department of Labor re-entry programs providing access to and support for education and employment opportunities for youth and young adults previously involved with the justice system. Prior to joining FHI 360, she led several juvenile justice initiatives in the state of Massachusetts which provided thousands of young people a second chance in their college and career journeys. She holds a Master of Public Administration from Bridgewater State University and a business degree from Northeastern University.

Nyra Jordan is an impact investor and social justice activist dedicated to amplifying the voices of community changemakers. As the Assistant Vice President of Community and Social Impact, she invests in high-impact social entrepreneurs, startups, and strategic partnerships. Nyra leads efforts to build collaborations that promote access to opportunities, social equity, and financial mobility, with a focus on individuals impacted by the criminal and civil legal systems. She is co-creating a nationwide coalition to connect underrepresented founders with funding by convening entrepreneurs and investors in the justice tech sector. A TED speaker, Nyra’s work advocating for fair chance employment and capital access for underrepresented founders has been featured in major publications.

Matt Joyce is a Founder and Partner at Envoy Advisory, a social impact consulting firm. Through Envoy’s Fair Chance Employment practice, Matt has led inclusive hiring engagements with large companies, industry associations, government agencies and workforce boards, implementing best-in-class hiring policies and launching targeted initiatives to recruit and support candidates with past convictions. Matt previously served as the Director of Strategic Partnerships at Center for Employment Opportunities and Executive Director of the GreenLight Fund’s Philadelphia site. Matt holds a BA from Haverford College and an MPP from the Harvard Kennedy School.

Nora Kenney, Ph.D., is the coordinator of the Palomar College Rising Scholars program for currently and formerly incarcerated students. Since being founded in 2018 by a formerly incarcerated professor, Palomar College Rising Scholars has helped over 1,000 formerly incarcerated individuals pursue vocational and academic credentials. The program is the subject of an Emmy-winning documentary that premiered at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood in June 2023. Dr. Kenney overcame childhood trauma to become a tenure track professor who taught, administered programs, and conducted research in Oakland schools and community centers on behalf of the UC Berkeley School of Education, where she also earned her advanced degrees. Dr. Kenney is a proud California community college alumna.

Shalyn Kettering is the Legal Counsel to the Colorado Attorney General. In that role she provides legal and policy advice to the Attorney General and oversees priority projects on his behalf. Those projects include managing the Colorado Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board, law enforcement training efforts around the use of Colorado’s red flag law, multi-state litigation and investigations into Meta and TikTok, and the Department of Law’s Fair Chance Hiring Initiative. The Fair Chance Hiring Initiative is a partnership between the Colorado Department of Corrections and the Attorney General’s Office and has included investments in a statewide employer network and employer-driven behind the walls workforce development programs. Current behind the walls programming in the warehouse and HVAC spaces are in development.

As a Project Manager at CSG, Malika Kidd works on initiatives to support economic mobility for people with criminal records. She offers guidance and facilitate discussions with criminal justice agencies, nonprofits, and reentry service providers as they develop and implement educational, workforce development, and subsidized employment programs. Previously, Malika was the Program Director of Workforce Development at a non-profit organization in Cleveland, Ohio. As the Program Director, she managed and supervised the vocational educational training and career services programs. One of those programs was a prison education program in culinary arts, where she led the development of new curriculums, certificate programs, and degree programs. She earned a BA in nonprofit administration and an MBA from Cleveland State University.

Allison is an advocate for the formerly incarcerated, seeking to change the narrative for returning citizens and drive down recidivism rates through education and career opportunities. She’s been a long-time member of the Community Advisory Board for our Resilient Professional Community. While incarcerated, Allison completed an associate’s degree through Piedmont Virginia Community College and the University of Virginia Darden School of Business PREP program. Following her release, she has gained experience in production management, grant writing, and software engineering. Allison now looks forward to using her varied experiences in her new role as Product Manager to help Resilience Education thrive.

Shaun Libby is a graduate student studying youth development at Michigan State University. He earned a bachelor’s degree in the science of mental health and human services from the University of Maine at Augusta. Shaun has worked throughout the majority of his 25-plus years of incarceration to better the community inside the Maine State Prison as well as those communities in society. He was hired as an intern at JFF’s Center for Justice & Economic Advancement for the summer of 2023 and recently started his full-time role as a Manager at JFF. In his role at JFF, Shaun has worked alongside his colleagues and partners to help create quality job opportunities for people reentering society from prison, and people with records. Shaun also works with community organizations in Maine that help individuals with their many reentry needs.

EXONERATED after serving over a decade in prison! Mr. Jerome A. Loach is a motivational speaker, activist, and a leader in the community who currently serves as the Supervisor for Education and Partnerships at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site (Museum). He studied psychology and is a Minster in African Spirituality. Jerome has volunteered with organizations like Stop the Violence, Get Out the Vote, and Mothers in Charge. He is also a member of the DA’s Racial Injustice Committee. He has spoken at many Universities and appeared on many Forums, as well as spoken on panels at the AAM (American Alliance of Museum) and the AAAM (Association of African American Museums). He has appeared on CNBC, ABC and Fox news. The Clay Cane Show on Sirius, and The Wrongful Conviction Podcast. In 2019, he created the animated short film “Justice” as part of Eastern State Penitentiary’s Hidden Lives Illuminated, and in 2022 he created the renowned LEAD Fellowship for Returning Citizens at Eastern State Museum. Mr. Loach is also a proud member of the Prince Hall fraternity. Jerome A. Loach [email protected] (267) 979-7719 (Cell) Business Owner, Motivational Speaker, Activist and Supervisor at Eastern State Penitentiary Historical Site.

Hillary Lyle currently serves as the Director of Strategic Initiatives at SCPa Works. In her role, Hillary oversees all new partnerships, grants, programs, and evaluations. Prior to her role in strategic initiatives, Hillary oversaw South Central’s Youth and Reentry programs. Hillary’s vast array of experience at multiple levels within the workforce development system allows her to analyze problems from multiple perspectives and provides ground level experience when developing program structure and policies. One of Hillary’s proudest accomplishments is developing and overseeing the first structured reentry program in the South Central region’s PA CareerLink® offices. Since 2018, this program has expanded to serve individuals pre and post release, increased sources of funding to support individuals holistically, and expanded Fair Chance Hiring practices across the region.

Nashid Mateen is a visionary entrepreneur with a rich background in developing innovative ventures aimed at addressing social issues. His endeavors include creating safe and nurturing living environments and providing essential skills for personal and professional success. Driven by a strong commitment to social responsibility, Nashid leverages his lived experiences to support Resilience Education in achieving its initiatives and goals.

Kevin McCracken is the Executive Director of The Last Mile, a nationwide non-profit at the forefront of education and technology training for incarcerated individuals. Their mission is to reduce recidivism and address the epidemic of incarceration by empowering their students and alumni via education and by providing access to Fair Chance employment opportunities. As a justice-impacted individual himself, in 1999, Kevin began his journey to help change the lives of those similarly affected when he served as the Director of Ashbury Images, a social enterprise that paired returning citizens with volunteer opportunities upon re-entry. In 2009, Kevin co-founded Social Imprints, a custom printing company that provides higher paying jobs to at-risk adults including returning citizens and individuals in recovery. After nearly a decade of volunteering with the San Quentin-based non-profit Prison to Employment Connection, Kevin became their Executive Director in 2022, before transitioning to The Last Mile full time in 2023. His invaluable knowledge within the social justice and Fair Chance advocacy spaces are helping propel The Last Mile’s mission into new heights. In addition to his work within the nonprofit sector, Kevin is a musician and dedicated dad to his daughter Kaitlyn, son Quinn, and his rescue Pitbull, Ziggy.

Corey Newhouse is the Founder and Principal of Public Profit, a consultancy that helps mission-driven organizations use data to improve the quality of their work. She’s on a lifelong mission to make data more interesting and valuable for everyone in the nonprofit sector. Corey shared many of her go-to strategies to change how data is done in nonprofits through two guides: Creative Ways to Solicit Feedback and Dabbling in the Data. Corey was part of the evaluation team for Project Choice, a reentry program in the mid-2000s in Oakland, California; she’s currently supporting CROP Organization (Creating Restorative Opportunities and Programs) to build a robust evaluation framework.

Caroline plays a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s vision by actively fostering and nurturing partnerships, participating in external events, and contributing to innovative curriculum and program development. Her efforts not only advocate for The Last Mile’s mission but also create valuable hiring opportunities for TLM alumni and justice-impacted talent. In her current role, Caroline serves as the primary liaison for potential partners, leveraging her expertise to cultivate long-term relationships that align with The Last Mile’s goals. Her commitment to and experience in Fair Chance Employment help ensure that TLM alumni receive the opportunities needed to secure the job they desire. Caroline brings a solutions based and holistic approach to her work, driving positive change within social justice and beyond. Through her leadership and expertise, she continues to create pathways to employment and opportunity, reflecting The Last Mile’s dedication to innovation and social justice. Outside of work, you’ll find Caroline searching the Bay Area for the best bagels, watercoloring, or spending time outdoors with friends and family.

Dr. Khalilah “KO” Olokunola is a leader and subject matter expert in human resources and people strategy who has worked with organizations including Drizly, Plenty, Sustainable Brands, and Patagonia. She has been named a Top 20 HR Innovators by AIHR, a top 22 Conscious Business leader, and top 30 Fearless Women Leading Sustainability and Regeneration.

Tammy works as an analyst for Ithaka S+R, where she connects and works with higher education in prison programs and their students, while also maintaining connections with department of corrections staff. She is also interested in libraries and how they can better serve patrons that are currently incarcerated and those who have been released. In addition, she works part time for the Alabama Prison Arts + Education Project as an editor for their weekly newsletter The Warbler, which is sent out to individuals incarcerated in Alabama and around the nation. Tammy is formerly incarcerated and upon release from prison, she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Sociology from the University of Northern Colorado. Tammy lives in northern Colorado where she enjoys working in her garden and spending time with her grandchildren and box turtle Bradley.

Andy is the Family and Community Support manager at the Prison Society. He works to support the various program areas supporting individuals and their families who are returning home, including in-prison workshops, peer support facilitation and recruitment of volunteer mentors. Andy has worked most of the last 20 years on various small business and community initiatives in Philadelphia and holds a MA in Community Development from the University of Victoria (B.C.). He lives with his partner, Sara, and their three children in the Cedar Park neighborhood of West Philadelphia.

Macy Pickman has a passion for learning with a diverse education background that has expanded into a diverse work experience. After receiving a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education from Kansas State University, she taught science in a Title I high school, allowing her to see that education is only successful when it’s not siloed and supports the needs of the whole student. Macy expanded her education with a Master of Education in School Counseling and a Master of Science in Education Administration. Macy became Education Director for the Kansas Department of Corrections in 2023, overseeing all the education programming and managing Adult Education and post-secondary opportunities within the KDOC. She works with the Kansas Consortium for Correctional Higher Education to ensure that these programs and services are operating to the high standard set by the state of Kansas for all KDOC students. Macy embodies collaboration and communication in her professional philosophy. Partnering with other departments within KDOC creates a web of supports that work to help students reach their goals. Seeing the impact that education has had on her life, Macy plans to continue to expand education and employment opportunities within the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Aaron Poynter currently serves as the Director of the Reentry and Employment Services Branch with the Kentucky Office of Adult Education in the Education and Labor Cabinet. Aaron has always had a passion for service and began his professional career in Law Enforcement. Upon relocating to Russell County Kentucky, Aaron transitioned into workforce development with an emphasis on assisting the justice involved population across the Commonwealth. With a passion to assist individuals, employers and communities Aaron has been the tip of the spear in the successful development and implementation of innovative programming across Kentucky. Aaron is a graduate of Western Kentucky University, The Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training, and Leadership Kentucky’s BRIGHT and Elevate programs and a graduate of the Leadership Kentucky Class of 2023. Aaron was selected as a Fellow to represent Kentucky in the 2022-2023 Appalachian Leadership Institute through the Appalachian Regional Commission. In 2024 Aaron joined the Board of Directors for Leadership Kentucky. Aaron resides in Russell Springs with his wife Sara and daughters Reese and Ellary.

Ved Price joined the Alliance as Executive Director in 2022. Ved brings deep experience in the nonprofit sector and significant board and committee experience. He previously served as a Program Assistant at St. Francis Center in Denver, where he supported clients navigating incarceration, homelessness, mental health, addiction, affordable housing, and workforce development. He chaired the Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusivity Committee at St. Francis Center and he served on the Board of Directors for Metro Denver Homeless Initiative. Ved is deeply passionate about eliminating systemic barriers and developing human-centered solutions for equitable access to resources. Ved holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services from Metropolitan State University of Denver. In his leisure time, Ved enjoys playing basketball, chess, reading, and gardening.

Stacey is a visionary leader and advocate for criminal justice reform, with a strong focus on reducing recidivism and improving reentry outcomes. She holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Denver and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Colorado State University. Drawing from personal experiences, including her father’s journey of recovery and redemption, Stacey is deeply committed to empowering those impacted by the criminal legal system. As the leader of Breakthrough, Stacey has expanded the organization’s reach from serving 60 individuals to 375 across four prisons, while maintaining a less than 6% recidivism rate and a 91% employment rate for graduates. Her work includes forming partnerships with foundations and corporations, implementing strategic growth plans, and ensuring financial sustainability. A two-time TEDx speaker, Stacey continues to advocate for a more just and equitable society, using her platform to push for systemic change in Colorado and beyond. Her dedication to program efficacy and sustainable impact makes her a driving force in criminal justice reform.

Tolliny Rankins Th.D is an Author and Adjunct Professor who taught at Northwest Florida State College for six years.As a Personal Enrichment Life Coach she’s conducted 28 Ways To A Better You workshops,28 Pitfalls Of A Man,Women’s empowerment lecturers & Reentry workshops.She’s led workshops from Florida to Alaska. She’s currently the published author of four books in print 28 Ways To A Better You;Exploring The Benefits of Self-Care, I’m Amazing,I’m Me, Let’s Pick A Fish & the co-author of 28 Pitfalls Of A Man; Confronting Traps Every Man Will Face. She is the host of “Silverlinings Today” a local radio show highlighting everyday people doing extraordinary things in the community.She is the co-founder of Redemption 100.Org a nonprofit organization committed to prison reform in the area of successful Wholistic Reentry. She is passionate regarding the restoration of marriages & families of those formerly incarcerated.She serves on the board of directors for Florida Restorative Justice Association & serves as an active member of the Florida Action Committee along with other Statewide & National organizations focusing on wholistically approaching prison reform. She’s loves being with family & friends along with spending time at the beach

Melissa is an inclusive hiring professional whose focus is on providing opportunity, skill and hope for individuals navigating reentry after incarceration. With a goal of lasting change, Melissa works on both sides of the equation, by providing consultative services to employers seeking to implement and expand their fair chance hiring efforts, and by working directly with those impacted by the criminal justice system to increase their career readiness skills. Melissa’s experience includes 10 years of workforce development, including grant and program management, employer consulting, and career coaching for those directly impacted by the criminal legal system. Justice-impacted herself, Melissa considers herself fortunate to be in a position to effect change because of what she’s been through, rather than in spite of it. Melissa holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Dayton.

Dennis Ritchie is the Senior Director of Reentry for Goodwill Industries of Kentucky. Previously, he has served as the Reentry Director, Interim Director of Career Services, and Career Services Manager in the reentry field. In 2019, under Dennis’ leadership, Goodwill was awarded the Lucille Hurt Robuck Commitment to Corrections Award for its efforts in the reentry field. In 2023, Goodwill was awarded a Department of Labor Pathways Homes 4 Grant with reentry programming developed by him and his colleagues. Dennis created the expungement program at Goodwill, which has cleared over 7000 records across Kentucky. He has been involved in organizations focused on reentry, recidivism, and fair chance hiring as a member of the Greater Louisville Reentry Coalition, Bluegrass Reentry Coalition, National Criminal Justice Association, National Reentry Workforce Collaboration, Goodwill National Reentry Coalition, and Chairs the Opportunity Network within Louisville Metro Criminal Justice Commission. He graduated from Bradley University 1994 B.S. in Finance, University of Kentucky College of Law 1997 J.D. in law and was a sole practitioner specializing in criminal defense from 2006-2012.

Vanessa Rojas is an agent of change, a community organizer, and committed to abolishing systems of oppression. Having served four years in federal prison, she is pursuing a degree in Law, Public Policy, and Society while managing special projects at Palomar Community College in the office of the President. Vanessa is a motivational public speaker and advocate for criminal justice reform, working with grassroots organizations like FAMM (Families Against Mandatory Minimums) and Initiate Justice Action. In addition to her advocacy work, Vanessa is part of a national community of reentry experts. She is also a published author. She facilitates workshops and mentors women and men. Vanessa’s personal journey as a survivor of childhood trauma, domestic abuse, addiction, and incarceration drives her passion for promoting successful reintegration for individuals reentering society. As a mother and grandmother, Vanessa is dedicated to creating a more just and equitable world for future generations.

Elaine Ross serves as the Director of Employment Services at Cara Collective, and has been in workforce development for 8 years. In her current role, Elaine manages a team of 6 and guides our work with Chicagoland employers in helping them diversify their talent pipelines, while working intimately with job seekers to help them secure meaningful employment. These employers span across diverse industries and sizes, from healthcare to manufacturing, to hospitality and transportation. Prior to being in the workforce space, Elaine worked at Yelp and an education technology start up. She earned her Bachelors degree at the University of Wisconsin Madison and her Masters degree at the University of Maryland School of Social Work.

As Executive Director of Kansas WorkforceONE, Deb Scheibler leads and directs workforce services in a 62-county area in Central and Western Kansas. Throughout her 24-year career in Workforce Development, Scheibler has held such roles as Case Manager, One-Stop Operator, Rapid Response Coordinator, Chief Fiscal Officer, Human Resources Director, Program Director, and currently serves as Executive Director of Kansas WorkforceONE since 2012. Prior to this, she spent time working in the private sector in communications systems management. She has a BA in Finance and Business from Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, KS. She holds the Certified Workforce Development Professional certification through the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals. Deb Scheibler’s passion for serving customers with significant barriers has directed the Kansas WorkforceONE organization and its staff to work specifically to train and prepare job seekers with disabilities, justice involved individuals, and other significant barriers to employment. As a result, our programs have consistently been recognized for exceptional performance and as examples of best practices at both the state and national level.

I began my career in airport operations, where I previously led airport employee enablement and engagement programs, which significantly improved hiring practices. This year, I transitioned to my current role as the Project Manager for the Office of Second Chance Employment. My commitment to second-chance hiring has been a central theme in my work, from developing new hire badging procedures to improving employee retention across our facilities. Leading a program dedicated to creating equitable opportunities for individuals with past involvement in the justice system was a natural progression in my journey. I’m passionate about fostering inclusive environments and ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to succeed.  

Dr. Matthew Smith is a social work scholar and behavioral interventionist who develops and evaluates technology-based tools with the goal of increasing sustainable employment for system impacted youth and adults.

Maurice Smith works as a Program Associate with Vera’s Unlocking Potential Initiative to help improve and expand access to postsecondary education for people in prison. He is based in the Brooklyn, NY office. In addition to providing high-quality Pell reinstatement implementation assistance to departments of corrections and Second Chance Pell colleges around the country, Maurice’s work enhances the professional development of college-in-prison program administrators and department of corrections education leadership, as the manager of Vera’s Corrections Education Leadership Academy.

Melanie was Executive Director of Lancaster County’s (PA) reentry coalition for eight years & has served as a consultant to 18 Pennsylvania communities to develop reentry coalitions & programs. Her book, Grace Goes to Prison: An Inspiring Story of Hope and Humanity, details 30 years of restorative justice & reentry programs in Pennsylvania prisons. Her TED talk, Breaking Out of Prison Thinking ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQ_B1g6o_Co), highlights connections between trauma, addiction, mental health & criminal justice system involvement. Melanie has been a featured speaker for over 200 audiences in 19 states on prisoner reentry, restorative justice, trauma, resilience & the criminal justice system. She has trained over 8000 reentry, criminal justice, human services & other professionals about trauma, resilience & trauma-informed care. She was a Baldwin Fellow from 2016-17, focused on trauma, resilience & trauma-informed communities. As Trauma Informed Specialist for Penn Medicine, she co-led a cross-sector trauma-informed community initiative & provided training, organizational assessments & technical assistance to over 30 agencies to become trauma informed. Melanie is a tireless & passionate advocate for trauma-informed policies & practices in all systems of care. Awards include Service to Humanity (Elizabethtown College) & Restorative Justice Achievement Award (Advoz).

Elizabeth Stiles has been working with Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry for the past 11 years, including the past 7 spent with LMM’s Chopping for Change Program. Founded in 2015, the first program of its kind in Ohio, C4C allows currently incarcerated students to be transported to LMM’s campus for Culinary Arts training each day. By giving them the opportunity to normalize a re-entry mindset and build employable skills prior to release, C4C students have just a 3% recidivism rate (compared to Ohio’s average of 18% for women and over 30% for men). In her current role as Program Manager, Elizabeth leads C4C’s Academic administration, including scheduling, accreditation, managing teaching staff, ensuring student progress, tracking participant satisfaction, and organizing commencement exercises. She earned her master’s degree in public administration (MPA) from Cleveland State University in 2023 and completed the Women’s Leadership Program at Yale School of Management in 2024.

Noella graduated from the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law in 2009 and has already had a full and diverse career. Following a clerkship for the Honorable Ronald Nehring of the Utah Supreme Court, she began her legal practice as a public defender, where she quickly developed a passion for criminal justice reform. In 2016, Noella was appointed by the Salt Lake County Council as the Director of the Criminal Justice Advisory Council for the County, and in that role, led the successful bipartisan legislative campaign to pass Utah’s Clean Slate law–a new law that automates the criminal record expungement process for more than 450,000 Utahns. Noella went on to found Clean Slate Utah, a non-profit to raise awareness of the automatic clearance law, and is the current CEO and Founder of Rasa Public Benefit Corporation, a new legal tech company that provides low-cost legal expungement services to people not eligible for automatic record clearance. Noella has received several honors and awards for her public service, including being recognized as a Young Alumna of the Year, by the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law, the 2019 Woman of the Year by Utah Business Magazine, and as a Pioneer of the National Clean Slate Movement, from the National Clean Slate Initiative. In 2022, she was selected to receive the Distinguished Service Award by the Utah State Bar. In 2023, she was named by Inc. Magazine as one of the Top 200 most dynamic female founders in America.

Assata Thomas, Executive Director of the Office of Reentry Partnerships for the City of Philadelphia. She received a BA Degree in Africana Studies & Urban Studies from Rutgers University and her Masters of Restorative Justice from Vermont Law and Graduate School. Assata maintains an unflagging commitment to social justice and building a society emancipated from the socially inequitable system of mass incarceration; a society where even the most vulnerable communities have equal and unrestricted access to justice and to unqualified protection of their safety and security. She is a passionate advocate on behalf of those affected by mass incarceration; and, moreover, having lived through the experience of a felony conviction, is uniquely qualified to speak with credibility and authority to the issues facing all who have been affected by the system – such as the challenges faced by returning citizens for a fair chance at social rehabilitation, healthy reintegration back into society and the chance to (re)design their futures and destinies. Assata’s personal trajectory and hard-won successes fuel her passion to help others, and they offer a concrete and inspiring example for others that, despite the odds, success is possible. Assata partners with several grassroot organizations grounded in social justice, criminal justice reform and ending death by incarceration. She continues to demonstrate her civic advocacy through her membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Jim Thomson is an Associate Director with the Community College of RI, Division of Workforce Partnerships. In his current role he works with industry partners, faculty, and staff to help grow and launch workforce training programs that will help manufacturers fill positions that are in high demand. He helped launch a currently active training program within RI’s Department of Corrections in 2022.

Dr. Tilchin is an Assistant Scientist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and has served as a technical consultant for PIVOT since 2021. Her expertise is in mixed-methods evaluations of carceral system re-entry and community violence intervention programs. She designed and manages PIVOT’s database to assist in both case management tracking and evidence-based decision making, and serves as the Co-Principal Investigator on a BJA funded quasi-experimental evaluation of PIVOT.

Molly Verghese serves as the Workplace Solutions Lead at Cara Collective, a workforce development agency and group of social enterprises that work to break the cycle of poverty through the power and purpose of employment. In her role, Molly helps elevate inclusive employment practices, working with organizations to better attract, hire, and cultivate untapped talent. Before joining Cara Collective, Molly she served as a Talent Strategy Business Partner at Wayfair, where she helped business leaders strategize around building, retaining, and advancing their team. Molly is a graduate of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice.

Cindy Villarreal, Kansas Department of Corrections, is an Offender Workforce Development and Employment Retention Specialist and certified trainer, with 25 years’ experience in the field. As part of the KDOC Reentry team, she prepares justice-involved individuals to become productive and valued employees and responsible citizens, and this is her passion. She first started her Workforce Development career in the non-profit sector, working with current or formerly incarcerated individuals in both group settings and individual meetings, finally transitioning fully to the Kansas Department of Corrections in 2013. Throughout her time, she has worked to develop new initiatives in this area and has developed statewide partnerships with governmental, private, and non-profit agencies and organizations to further enhance successful outcomes, as well as providing outreach to businesses to promote Second Chance and Fair Chance Hiring. Her philosophy is that in order to achieve success, it is critical to use a holistic approach addressing multiple needs concurrently.  Cindy has presented at many levels, including local, regional, and national offender employment conferences, where her workshop was reviewed as being one of the best on the subject due to the practical advice and techniques given towards success in Second Chance and Fair Chance Employment.

Kwelin (Pipkin) Waller is a senior program officer at the AIR Opportunity Fund, where she applies her expertise in reentry workforce development to bridge research with actionable solutions. She oversees the Equity Initiative’s grant portfolio focused on workforce development, community health, and well-being. Additionally, Waller collaborates on initiatives integrating workforce development with public safety and justice, including supporting individuals impacted by the criminal justice system. Before joining AIR, Waller served as Interim Project Director at Advocates for Human Potential’s Workforce Innovation Lab for Behavioral Health and Human Services. She managed nationwide workforce development projects in that capacity, delivering consultation, training, and coaching to build healthier systems, organizations, and workforces. With over 18 years of experience in local government, Waller was previously the Deputy Human Services Director for the City of Phoenix. She led Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act programs to equip job seekers with the skills, education, and support necessary for success. Her work was mainly dedicated to aiding those facing significant barriers to employment, including individuals reentering society after incarceration.

Dr. Glen Warren was a dedicated single parent, that successfully nurtured three children into adulthood: Glen Warren II, Anthony Warren, and Celeste Warren. Now remarried Dr. Warren deeply understands the importance of a father’s active role in nurturing their children. Recognizing the profound impact of paternal involvement on children’s lives, Dr. Warren’s insights are rooted in his experience and wisdom. His extensive background as a retired Social Worker/Counselor from Wake County Human Services spans over 25 plus years, during which he adeptly assisted individuals grappling with mental health challenges such as depression, suicidal tendencies, substance dependency, and related issues. Furthermore, Dr. Warren’s notable contributions extend to his engagement in men’s empowerment initiatives for over a quarter- century. He has effectively facilitated various conferences aimed at inspiring and enabling men to unveil the path to their personal advancement. Dr. Warren, in addition to being a father, assumes roles as a Motivational Speaker, Author, Certified Life Coach, and the Founder and Executive Director of a community-based organization established in 2008, known as Fathers Forever. This organization’s overarching mission and vision revolve around nurturing responsible fatherhood and extending support to men navigating unfavorable circumstances while striving for self- sufficiency. Driven by a profound aspiration, Dr. Warren is steadfast in delivering practical experience, unwavering commitment, and valuable resources to foster a constructive alternative. His aim is to educate and equip men to emerge as active co-parents in their children’s lives, thereby contributing to the cultivation of a more prosperous and healthful society.

Christopher Watler is the Chief External Affairs Officer at the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO). In this role, Mr. Watler is responsible for overseeing CEO’s national fund development operations, communications initiatives, and various special projects dedicated to advancing CEO’s mission. He previously served as Executive Director of CEO’s New York State program overseeing CEO’s flagship New York City program and Upstate New York Offices. Prior to joining CEO, Chris worked for the Center for Court Innovation in several key roles. Chris holds a BS in political science from the State University of New York at Purchase and an MPA from John Jay College.

Phil Weiser is serving his second term as the 39th attorney general of the state of Colorado. Since becoming the state’s chief legal officer in 2019, Attorney General Weiser has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to serving the people of Colorado, advancing the rule of law, protecting our democracy, and promoting justice for all. Through engagement and collaborative problem solving, the Colorado Department of Law has achieved significant milestones under Weiser’s leadership. Protecting consumers is one of Weiser’s key priorities. In 2019, he worked with the state legislature to strengthen the Colorado Consumer Protection Act to give the attorney general’s office more tools to crack down on scams, as well as unfair and deceptive business practices. High-profile investigations have resulted in more than $250 million in refunds, credits, and debt relief for Colorado consumers. Holding drug manufacturers and distributors accountable for their roles in creating and fueling the opioid crisis is a hallmark of Weiser’s work, including securing over $750 million in settlement funds for treatment, recovery, and prevention education programs across the state. Colorado was the first state recognized by the Principles Coalition led by faculty at The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health for the state’s planning and collaboration with local governments in addressing the opioid crisis. Weiser is dedicated to improving the criminal justice system and advancing public safety. Peace officer training and recruitment is a core part of Weiser’s agenda, and as the chair of the Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training Board, he has directed the first update to the state’s officer training curriculum in 30 years. During Weiser’s tenure, the department’s Criminal Justice Section has prioritized investigating and prosecuting auto and retail theft, human trafficking, and drug trafficking organized crime rings. Additionally, Weiser has spearheaded solutions to address recidivism by supporting businesses that hire people leaving prison to create opportunities and reduce crime. Weiser also has advocated fervently for victims of crime, including the first-ever enforcement of the state’s victims’ rights law, investigating child sex abuse by Catholic clergy, defending Colorado’s stalking law at the U.S. Supreme Court, and addressing the scourge of domestic violence. Colorado’s natural beauty is core to our way of life, and Weiser’s commitment to protecting our land, air, and water has led to several actions. These actions include leading the effort to secure more than $6.6 million in settlement funds for natural resources damages in the Bonita Peak Mining District in southwestern Colorado, shoring up the state’s interests in negotiations over the future of the Colorado River, and fighting for statewide compensation for harm caused by PFAS “forever chemicals” in our water. He has also successfully fought in courts for clean car standards and the federal Methane Rule. A stalwart defender of equality, Weiser champions reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, and the freedom to vote in state and federal courts. He argued landmark cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, including Colorado Department of State v. Baca, where the court affirmed that the states have the exclusive authority to appoint and, if necessary, remove presidential electors when they violate their pledges. Weiser has made youth mental health a central focus in his second term. Actively leading multistate investigations into Meta and TikTok for their impact on our children’s well-being, he also sued Juul Labs, securing $31.7 million for vaping cessation, prevention, and youth mental health programs. Before his time as attorney general, Weiser was the dean of the University of Colorado Law School. He also served as a law clerk to U.S. Supreme Court Justices Byron R. White and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and held senior positions in the U.S. Department of Justice in the Clinton and Obama administrations. The son and grandson of Holocaust survivors, Weiser is deeply committed to the American Dream and ensuring opportunity for all Coloradans. Weiser lives in Denver with his wife, Dr. Heidi Wald, and their two children.

Jason Whyte is the Founder, President & CEO of the National Reentry Workforce Collaborative (NRWC), a network of organizations that spans across 173 cities in 40 states. He is responsible for casting the vision and guiding the collaborative’s strategic direction, leading the creation of innovative resources to close gaps in the reentry workforce field, and driving value to stakeholders that engage in NRWC. Jason served as the Director of Partnership Strategy at the Latino Coalition for Community Leadership (LCCL). In this role, he develops strategies and builds relationships to expand the organization’s work in Fair Chance Hiring. Before joining the LCCL, Jason led operations and strategy for the OIC of America national network, where he secured over $30M in federal and foundation funding; replicated national initiatives, programs and projects that support the organization’s ambitions of breaking the cycle of poverty; and expanded a national reentry program from one to ten cities. Jason served on a committee that provided expert advice to the Office of America Innovation at the White House. Jason holds a BS in Business Administration from Biola University and an MBA in Economic Development from Eastern University.

Monique Williams is the Senior Manager at American Family Insurance. Monique utilizes evidence-based practices to provide opportunities to underserved populations. With 15+ years in federal regulations, policies, and procedures that are necessary for managing programs and funding that serve several special population groups including veterans, the historically unemployed or underemployed, justice impacted individuals (including those reentering communities from incarceration), incumbent workers, and low-skilled or low-wage workers. A Texas native, Monique holds a Masters in Counseling from Prairie View A&M University. Monique is also a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPCS) in the State of Texas.

Rico X has established a 23-year career dedicated to serving communities. He has worked with various youth development and community initiatives in Nashville, Detroit and Philadelphia. Rico is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Project Return Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving formerly incarcerated individuals. Prior to this role, he served for ten years as Vice President with the YMCA of Middle TN. Rico is active with a number of other organizations, including Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc. (Nashville Alumni Chapter), a steering committee member of the Alliance for an Affordable Nashville, a board member of Nashville’s Homelessness Planning Council, and volunteer for expungement clinics in the Nashville area. A native of Louisville, KY, Mr. X is a proud graduate of Tennessee State University, with a B.S. in Africana Studies. He also earned a Master in Public Policy from the University of Michigan. Rico’s brand of leadership and work ethic can be summed up by the following quote: “Don’t work for recognition, but do work worthy of recognition.”

Christina Yancey is vice president of workforce development within AIR’s Human Services Division. A nationally recognized workforce policy and program evaluation expert, Dr. Yancey champions the use of rigorous mixed methods to build and apply new knowledge. She has extensive expertise building institutional capacity for data use, while promoting innovation, equity, and continuous growth throughout the research process. She is especially dedicated to using advanced research methods and evaluation tools to fully harness the power of objective data and information to improve quality of life for all people and communities. Dr. Yancey oversees AIR’s growing portfolio of workforce-related research and technical assistance projects, which span the whole workforce cycle, from education, training, and apprenticeships to workforce development and human capital management. In this role, she guides strategic planning, business development, quality assurance, and external eminence building in service of strengthening connections across research, policy, and practice. Prior to joining AIR in 2023, Dr. Yancey was chief evaluation officer at the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) where she led public workforce development evaluation initiatives and advanced the agency’s equity-driven learning agenda. Prior to her role as CEO, she spent five years as a senior leader with DOL’s Evaluation Office where she gained substantial expertise in areas such as methods innovation, practitioner engagement, and data-driven decision making. From 2010-2014, Dr. Yancey worked for the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, where she conducted strategic planning activities for the agency. She was also a member of the Federal Advisory Committee on Data for Evidence-Building from 2020 to 2022, and she was awarded the distinguished federal evaluation officer award by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget in 2021.

Armando Yañez (M.S. Public Policy and Management, Carnegie Mellon University, H. John Heinz III College) is a Researcher at Mathematica with experience collecting and analyzing qualitative data for several evaluations of workforce development, criminal and juvenile justice, and youth employment programs. He is also experienced in conducting in-depth qualitative interviews, and focus groups with youth, justice involved individuals, and populations with significant barriers to employment. Since joining Mathematica in 2016, Mr. Yañez has worked on a range of projects in training and employment, criminal justice, early childhood, education, and family support. He currently oversees the implementation studies for the Pathway Home and Partners for Reentry Opportunities in Workforce Development evaluations, which examine the provision of employment-related reentry services to people before and after their release from incarceration.

At the age of 19, Lester Young was given a life sentence. During his time in prison, Lester struggled with finding redemption. While journaling he asked himself this question, “What is the footprint you want to leave in this world?” It was then that he realized his purpose was to be “that” voice to help at-risk youth. With approval from the warden, Lester along with the prison chaplain began meeting to create classes to mentor fellow incarcerated individuals. Lester was released on parole on May 15, 2014. Even after his release, the outlines of his programs are still being taught in prison. Mr. Young is setting a new standard for “living a life of redemption”. In 2020, he received a FULL pardon from the State of South Carolina Probation and Parole Board. The following self-help books are Lester’s personal stories of how he was able to address triggers that were affecting his personal growth: • “The 5 Stages of Incarceration: How I Found my Path2Redemption while Serving Life” • “The 5 Stages of Growth: How I transformed my Life while Serving Life” • “The Path2Redemption Anthology: Strategic Lessons from Mentors to Empower the Youth” • “The 5 Keys to Reentry: A Handbook for Life after Incarceration” For more information on his journey, visit http://path2redemption.org/.