Alexis Taylor is a third-generation advocate for structural equity with a ten-year track record of providing strategic oversight and consultancy to equity-driven programs. Diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer at just nine weeks pregnant, she faced racially influenced systemic failures that endangered her life and that of her unborn daughter. As the Los Angeles Director of Transformation at Transform Health, Alexis leverages this lived experience to prioritize advancing equity by equipping organizations, both large and small, with tools and models to improve long-term outcomes for historically marginalized communities—including by addressing social determinants of health such as incarceration. Throughout her career, Alexis has empowered clients and stakeholders alike to implement strategies aimed at improving social determinants of health. Her accomplishments span a wide range, including co-authoring an equity toolkit for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), leading statewide technical assistance for the 1115 Medicaid Waiver implementation, directing a multi-county quality improvement campaign for the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), and consulting for entities in California and beyond to advance health equity practices. Alexis’ past experience includes leading training for an international disaster response team, fulfilling Department of Homeland Security (DHS/FEMA) rapid response contracts for a fintech firm, executing statewide electorate expansion efforts for a sitting United States Senator, managing equitable contract administration for CBOs at the municipal level for the City of Pasadena, and more. She holds a graduate degree in public administration and was honored to be a select scholarship recipient at the USC Gould School of Law, where she earned a second master’s degree in law. Alexis is highly skilled in public speaking—from national conferences to intimate forums—and has authored a trauma journal in support of girls of color. With extensive experience managing large equity-centered initiatives, driving stakeholder engagement, and steering complex projects across multidisciplinary teams, Alexis brings substantive expertise to the communities she serves. No matter the challenge, Alexis prioritizes solutions that embody progress and sustainability. Furthermore, Alexis’ lived experience as a child of Los Angeles drove her to investigate the root causes of mass incarceration, uncovering its deep links to historical systems of slavery, Jim Crow laws, and forced labor that continue to impact the modern labor force. This exploration deepened her understanding of how systemic racism and economic exploitation are perpetuated through the criminal justice system and harmfully impact communities’ long-term outcomes. This motivated her to advocate for transformative change—a mission she aims to advance through her role on the governance committee. Above all, Alexis is a mother and a Black woman. In her free time, she loves spending time with family, cooking, tackling DIY projects, and watching good films and documentaries. These personal joys ground her and remind her of the importance of balance and resilience as she continues her work advocating for justice and equity.

Cecilia is a dedicated professional with over 8 years of experience in the non-profit sector. She holds a degree in Communications from San Francisco State University. Committed to community service, Cecilia has spent years working towards community development. She is passionate about making a difference and actively serves the community through impactful partnerships.

Chirae "Shy" Cannon is a system-impacted screenwriter, filmmaker, and podcast producer from Richmond, CA. She experienced incarceration intermittently from the age of 12 to 23, as well as the incarceration of several family members. As a filmmaker and storyteller, she focuses on themes of identity and the quest for freedom, inviting audiences to challenge and transcend conventional societal boundaries. She also brings a background in teaching at Independent Living Program Oakland and Mindful Messages. Chirae combines entertainment with education, engaging audiences deeply and showcasing her passion for stories that provoke thought and inspire change.

Darneicea serves as the Site Director at Center for Employment Opportunities - Los Angeles. CEO provides comprehensive job readiness training to individuals that are formerly incarcerated. She is dedicated to building high-performing teams, providing mentorship, and cultivating relationships with community organizations and employers to enhance client outcomes. Because stable employment is a critical factor in reducing recidivism and improving quality of life, providing these services helps break the cycle of incarceration and poverty. Darneicea holds a MBA. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership. Her passion for empowering individuals fuels her commitment to impactful community service.

Los Angeles native Darryl Stewart has dedicated his life to serving others. After earning an A.S. Degree in Ministry from Harvest University and numerous certificates while incarcerated, he merged with a commitment to use his experiences for good. Today, Darryl focuses on supporting communities in downtown Skid Row and transition homes, offering guidance and hope to those reentering society. His passion for outreach and dedication to building a more supportive, inclusive community continue to make a positive impact

Dominick Correy is a true product of Pasadena, born and raised here with his younger brother by their single mother. He attended Hamilton Elementary, Wilson Middle School and Pasadena High School—Go Bulldogs! After a brief time being incarcerated and homeless, Dominick decided to change his life. He found his new beginning at Learning Works Charter School, working as a “chaser” whose job it was to literally chase students back to school. While at Learning Works, Dominick went back to school himself; he received his associate’s degree at Pasadena City College and transferred to Cal Poly Pomona, where he received his bachelor’s degree in psychology as well as a degree in ethnic and women’s studies. For ten years Dominick helped hundreds of students obtain their high school diplomas and steer clear of the troubles he knew all too well, maintaining a deep passion for transforming the lives of youth. In January of 2017, Dominick joined the staff of State Senator Anthony Portantino as Pasadena/Altadena District Representative. In his time with Senator Portantino, Dominick led community engagement efforts and covered a multitude of policy issue areas: labor, public safety (criminal justice reform and homelessness), transportation, African American outreach, and education. As of July 15 Dominick started a new position at the Rose Bowl as their Director of Community Relations where he gets to continue to serve the community and make positive impacts in a city and community he loves. Dominick has an 18-year-old daughter who just graduated from Pasadena High School and will be attending Cal State Long Beach in the fall. Dominick is a sports fanatic and loves the Lakers, Dodgers, and Raiders.

A lifelong resident of San Bernardino, California, Jaime Ortega is committed to a life of healing and service. After serving 21 years in prison, he has dedicated himself to giving back to the community. With an Associate's Degree in Social Behavior and Science, a completion in Alcohol and Drug Studies, and a registration with ADPT as a substance abuse counselor, Jamie works as a community Outreach Liaison for Beyond Us and Them. His mission is to support individuals reentering society by creating a safe, welcoming space and providing resources for growth and resilience.

Jamala has successfully overcome a challenging past marked by a lengthy incarceration. He was initially sentenced to a daunting 99-year-to-life term and spent 15 years in solitary confinement at Pelican Bay State Prison/S.H.U. Over his 31-year incarceration in various maximum-security facilities across California, Jamala's journey took a significant turn when he was granted release on December 30, 2020. Since his release, Jamala has earned a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from CSU-Fullerton and is currently pursuing a Master's in Public Administration (MPA) with a concentration in nonprofit management and leadership from the University of Southern California's Sol Price School of Public Policy. Jamala is also a certified life coach, having completed the rigorous 9-month Coaching for Healing, Justice, and Liberation certification program (CHJL). His coaching approach is deeply rooted in the broader social movement, emphasizing organizational and leadership development. Recently, he launched a coaching, facilitation, and consulting firm called “Amandla.” In addition to his coaching work, Jamala serves as the Senior Reentry Manager for the Insight Garden program. He is a staunch advocate for political causes supporting both current and formerly incarcerated individuals, with a particular focus on the unique reentry needs of women of color and ending slave labor in prison. His advocacy also highlights the transformative power of nature and education in the lives of those affected by the criminal justice system. An experienced public speaker and facilitator, Jamala has presented at numerous universities (including USC, UCLA, UVA, and DOJ) and institutions. His topics range from reentry and the power of education to incarceration, uplifting the needs of women in reentry, and sharing his personal story. For additional information and contact, you can find Jamala on Instagram at jamala728, Twitter/Threads at @jamala728, and via email at jamala@insightgardenprogram.orghe was granted release on December 30, 2020. Since his release, Jamala has earned a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from CSU-Fullerton and is currently pursuing a Master's in Public Administration (MPA) with a concentration in nonprofit management and leadership from the University of Southern California's Sol Price School of Public Policy. Jamala is also a certified life coach, having completed the rigorous 9-month Coaching for Healing, Justice, and Liberation certification program (CHJL). His coaching approach is deeply rooted in the broader social movement, emphasizing organizational and leadership development. Recently, he launched a coaching, facilitation, and consulting firm called “Amandla.” In addition to his coaching work, Jamala serves as the Senior Reentry Manager for the Insight Garden program. He is a staunch advocate for political causes supporting both current and formerly incarcerated individuals, with a particular focus on the unique reentry needs of women of color and ending slave labor in prison. His advocacy also highlights the transformative power of nature and education in the lives of those affected by the criminal justice system. An experienced public speaker and facilitator, Jamala has presented at numerous universities (including USC, UCLA, UVA, and DOJ) and institutions. His topics range from reentry and the power of education to incarceration, uplifting the needs of women in reentry, and sharing his personal story. For additional information and contact, you can find Jamala on Instagram at jamala728, Twitter/Threads at @jamala728, and via email at jamala@insightgardenprogram.org

Josh was born and raised in Pasadena, where he graduated from Polytechnic School before attending Trinity College in Hartford Connecticut. After graduating in 2011, he moved to Austin, Texas where he worked with youth at the Boys and Girls Club. In 2014, he continued to work with youth at a horticultural therapy program on the Big Island of Hawaii. Josh joined the Flintridge team in 2016 as a Research & Development Specialist, and he continues to learn from colleagues and constituents as a member of the Flintridge Center Leadership team. He is an alumni of Leadership Pasadena, and he currently serves as a bord member for Pasadenans Organizing for Progress (POP!) as well as the community-based 5th District Representative on the Los Angeles County Public Safety Realignment Team (PSRT). In his free time, Josh enjoys hiking, camping, and traveling and has worked on organic farms in Ireland and a sea cucumber farm in Indonesia.

Reza Chapel is currently a Program Manager for Partners for Justice here in LA County. Reza believes in the work he does because he wants to help create and establish a more fair, stronger, and healthier community both inside and out. Having his own lived experience, Reza believes advocacy is one of the best ways to give back. Once an educator and therapist, Reza is now working to expand holistic advocacy and defense in LA county within the criminal legal system. With his positive outlook and purpose in life, he is excited and optimistic about the future and the change that is coming. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Reza is a proud Angeleno. In his downtime, he is a licensed drone pilot and boater. He is currently training to get his PPL. He enjoys watching the Utah Jazz basketball team. “Life is a balance of holding on and letting go.” He has two dogs, Gina and Shaggy.

Richard Clarke is the founder of Raise Up (www.raiseup.la), an organization providing digital and financial literacy education to formerly incarcerated individuals in Los Angeles. Driven by his lived experience and passion for empowering this population, Richard designs an delivers impactful programs that equip individuals with essential skills and knowledge to navigate today's digital world and build a stable financial future. Raise Up collaborates with organizations like the Anti-Recidivism Coalition and CSULA Project Rebound, making a tangible difference in breaking cycles of recidivism and fostering a more inclusive Los Angeles

Sydney Scanlon is a dedicated professional with a passion for driving positive change in the world. With a multifaceted career spanning across nonprofits, research, marketing, design, and education, Sydney has consistently focused her efforts on addressing critical global issues. Whether elevating the work of musicians, universities, or nonprofits, she brings a creative and conceptual lens. Her unwavering commitment to healthcare, education, equity, and mental health has driven her to make a meaningful impact in every endeavor she undertakes. Having worked extensively within nonprofit organizations on a global scale, Sydney has demonstrated her exceptional ability to effect change in diverse communities. Her work has touched upon crucial matters such as healthcare accessibility, educational empowerment, mental health support, and advocating for those often marginalized or underserved. ​Currently, Sydney leads the Los Angeles Reentry Collaborative, an Accountable Community for Health at the Beyond Us & Them (formerly Center for Council)—a pioneering multi-sector collaborative focused on meeting the needs of system-impacted populations. She also manages all private and agency-level contracts, ensuring smooth operations while centering organizational wellness and capacity-building in every partnership to equip agencies with the tools to thrive. She has published research in climate change and health, childhood trauma, and psychedelic therapy. Sydney received a BA with honors from Amherst College with a Five College Certificate in Culture, Health, and Science. She teaches yoga across LA.

Toyin Moses is a passionate arts advocate who understands the important role art plays in the sustainable health of our communities. Over the past decade, she has worked closely with nonprofit organizations who provide arts education to youth an has been a theatre teaching artist at the California State Prison-Los Angeles. Currently, she is the Special Projects Manager for California Lawyers for the Arts (CLA). Here, she works on CLA’s arts in corrections initiatives and is the Los Angeles program manager of Designing Creative Futures, a re-entry program that places individuals in paid internships with art organizations. She has presented to legislatures and at national conferences on the importance of arts in carceral and reentry spaces. Seeing the full circle of the impact art has on youth to the impact it has on system-impacted adults, Toyin firmly believes that art is essential to the overall well-being and health of ou communities. A member of SAG-AFTRA, Toyin is a working theatre, film and television actress base in Los Angeles. Some credits include Brooklyn Nine-Nine (NBC), Silicon Valley (HBO), Law & Order True Crime (NBC), Ray Donovan (Showtime), and I’m Sorry (TNT). She has received a Best Lead Actress, NAACP Theatre Award for her work in The Robey Theatre Company’s Knock Me A Kiss. She holds a BA degree in theater from Occidental College and a certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University More information on Designing Creative Futures can be found at https:// www.calawyersforthearts.org/Designing-Creative-Futures