Onward Blog

Image for post titled You can feel the rumbling of the earth underneath you when you work in this field.

You can feel the rumbling of the earth underneath you when you work in this field.

By Debra Wright, #LwC2021

October 14, 2021

Debra Wright supervises substance use disorder programs throughout Michigan.
Image for post titled I would love to see us reshape the whole system in a way that’s more just for all people.

I would love to see us reshape the whole system in a way that’s more just for all people.

By Tony Gant, #LWC2021

September 24, 2021

Tony Gant is the Policy Director for Nation Outside
Image for post titled In this work you have to believe in the magical and mystical.

In this work you have to believe in the magical and mystical.

By Christopher Zahn, #LwC2021

August 5, 2021

Christopher Zahn is a Certified Recovery Coach/Trainer, Peer Specialist, Reentry Specialist and Nurturing Parenting Program Facilitator.
Image for post titled We make society safer when we extend services, opportunity, and grace to everyone who has done their time.

We make society safer when we extend services, opportunity, and grace to everyone who has done their time.

By Zach Ruppel, #LwC2021

August 4, 2021

Zach Ruppel is a Data and Research Analyst for the Franklin County Office of Justice Policy and Programs

Image for post titled I am formerly incarcerated and justice-impacted and I decided to utilize everything that I had been through, the mistakes I have made, to be a catalyst for positive change.

I am formerly incarcerated and justice-impacted and I decided to utilize everything that I had been through, the mistakes I have made, to be a catalyst for positive change.

By Ashley Goldon, #LwC2021

August 3, 2021

Ashley Goldon is the Statewide Program Director of Nation Outside
Image for post titled “As leaders, to truly be successful in our organization or whatever endeavors we take on, we have to be strong as individuals.”

“As leaders, to truly be successful in our organization or whatever endeavors we take on, we have to be strong as individuals.”

By Chazidy Bowman, #LwC2021, President and Founder of Opportunities People’s Justice Leaders

July 22, 2021

Chazidy Bowman is the President and Founder of Opportunities People’s Justice Leaders.
Image for post titled The Iron is Hot Right Now.

The Iron is Hot Right Now.

By Kesha Hamilton, #LwC2021

May 19, 2021

Kesha Hamilton is the co-founder and current Co-Chair of Racing 4 Equity.
Image for post titled Here’s Why Jails Need Better Emergency Planning

Here’s Why Jails Need Better Emergency Planning

By Ronald Simpson-Bey

May 10, 2021

Ronald Simpson-Bey is Director of Outreach and Alumni Engagement at JustLeadershipUSA
Image for post titled Will the American Jobs Plan Include Us?

Will the American Jobs Plan Include Us?

By Susan Mason and Tracey Syphax

May 4, 2021

Susan Mason is co-founder and executive director of What’s Next – Washington. Tracey Syphax is Chief Operating Officer of Phax Group Construction & De
Image for post titled I think the core of the work that we do is bound up in the idea that people who are incarcerated should be treated as human beings, and that we have a responsibility to them.

I think the core of the work that we do is bound up in the idea that people who are incarcerated should be treated as human beings, and that we have a responsibility to them.

By Josh Hoe, #LwC2021

April 16, 2021

Josh Hoe is a policy analyst at Safe and Just Michigan.
Image for post titled I’ve seen what hope can do.

I’ve seen what hope can do.

By Ron Pierce, #LwC2020

April 28, 2020

Ron Pierce holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Justice Studies minoring in Sociology from Rutgers University-Newark.
Image for post titled I am ambitious with hope!

I am ambitious with hope!

By Coral Smith, #LwC2020

Coral Nichols is a certified life coach and a sought after public speaker.
Image for post titled It’s up to us to hold those in power accountable–every day, all day.

It’s up to us to hold those in power accountable–every day, all day.

By Cedric Fulton, #LwC2020

Cedric Fulton holds a Degree in Political Science from Framingham State and A.A.S. from Bronx Community College.
Image for post titled I want to help out my brothers and sisters, show them the path that I took, and create new pathways for them.

I want to help out my brothers and sisters, show them the path that I took, and create new pathways for them.

By Brandon Smith, #LwC2020

I am the founding Executive Director of the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program (FFRP).
Image for post titled I think Alabama is going in the right direction, and I’m excited to be playing a part in making change happen.

I think Alabama is going in the right direction, and I’m excited to be playing a part in making change happen.

By Betty Washington, #LwC2020

Betty Washington is a graduate of Troy University and Trenholm State Technical College.
Image for post titled My pain is what pushed me into my purpose.

My pain is what pushed me into my purpose.

By Quniana Futrell, #LwC2020

I come from the streets of Newark, New Jersey. Both of my parents were in and out of jails and state penitentiaries for most of my life.