TEDxFluvannaCorrectionalCenterforWomen

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Alecia Schmuhl

  Musician + Artist + Writer

  Alecia Schmuhl is an artist, musician, writer, and lifelong creative spirit. A Chicago native at heart (Cubs, Bears, and Blackhawks fan), she is a classically trained violinist and violist who also sings and plays guitar. For Alecia, the arts are not simply a passion—they are essential to the human journey. She believes music and visual art tell our stories and heal us in ways words alone cannot. Alecia earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music Business from Bradley University and a Juris Doctor from Valparaiso University School of Law. Over the years, she has pushed beyond self-imposed limits—learning new instruments, singing publicly, arranging music, and expanding her artistic range. When access to music was limited, her creativity found new outlets in writing, drawing, and painting, Through her creative work and musical collaborations, Alecia embraces a simple truth: her gifts are multifaceted and limitless.

• Ana Zamora

  Founder + CEO

  Ana Zamora is the founder and CEO of The Just Trust, a philanthropic venture dedicated to justice reform and public safety innovation in the United States. By mobilizing diverse philanthropic capital, The Just Trust invests in a powerful, strategically curated network of organizations working to improve our state, local, and federal justice systems. To date, the organization has invested over $200 million to support efforts in all 50 states. With a career spanning nearly two decades, Ana has always been a leading force in bipartisan criminal justice reform, serving as a strategist, advocate, and funder. She began her journey at the California Appellate Project, before spending a decade at the ACLU of Northern California as director of criminal justice reform. Ana also played key leadership roles in two high-profile California ballot measures, and served as Director of Criminal Justice Reform at CZI where she managed a $143 million portfolio.

• Andrea Van Winkle

  Public Speaker

  Andrea Van Winkle is a child abuse survivor. She has been a Victim Impact Speaker for the Virginia Department of Corrections since 2018. She has spoken at correctional centers and facilities across the state, and to over 400 inmates, staff, and probationers/parolees. In 2023 she was recognized for significant contributions for the Emmy Award for Outstanding Crime/Justice – long form content: VA Department of Corrections – The Victim Impact Program produced by Bookend Creative. In her spare time she loves to crochet, play her cello, and watch the sunrise on the beach. She's a devoted wife, proud mother of two, and woman of faith.

• Anne Precythe

  Owner + Operator

  Anne L. Precythe is owner and operator of Precythe Sturm Advisory Group, LLC. Ms. Precythe is the former Director of Corrections for Missouri. During her 7 years at the helm, she was responsible for 19 prisons, six community supervision centers, two transition centers, and 42 Probation and Parole Districts. This included more than 10,500 staff, 53,000 probation and parolees and 24,000 incarcerated individuals. Prior to Missouri, Precythe served over 30 years with the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, starting as a probation/parole officer. Precythe was appointed by US Attorney Eric Holder in 2015 and reappointed in 2020 by US Attorney William Barr to the National Institute of Corrections Advisory Board, representing all of Community Corrections across the country. In 2018, Precythe was elected to serve on the Executive Committee of the Correctional Leaders Association and in 2020 was elected President of the Association.

• April "Aaron" Bateman

  Musican + Mentor

  My name is April Renae Bateman but over the years I’ve transitioned into Aaron Ra Sean Bateman. I am a trans male incarcerated at a female facility. I was 21 when I came to prison, which I believe is the only reason I’m still alive. I’m an activist, artist, athlete, entrepreneur, event planner, mentor, musician, parent, performer, student, and grown man. I’m passionate about being a father, uncle, son, and brother. I want to prove to society that incarcerated individuals can succeed if we have the proper tools along with the ambition and drive to be our best. I come from a home of love, laughter, and peace and enjoy making people laugh. I’ve always felt that laughter heals and I like to identify as a healer. A lot of people in prison desperately need healing from past trauma. I believe that if I’ve helped some of the women in here on their journey to grow than I’m not living in vain.

• Ashleigh Dye

  Writer + Student

  Ashleigh Dye believes that honesty and empathy are deeply connected: we cannot truly empathize with others if we are not first honest with ourselves. She is committed to personal growth through open communication, reflection, and accountability. Incarcerated at 17, Ashleigh is now 32 and has spent the past 14 years on a journey of self-discovery. During that time, she has become a certified optician, earned her Associate’s degree, and is currently working toward her bachelor’s degree through the University of Virginia. She is also a writer who hopes to use her words to challenge perceptions and reduce the stigma faced by justice-involved individuals. For Ashleigh, a stagnant life is a wasted life—so she continues to grow and move forward. The youngest of five and the only girl, Ashleigh learned resilience early in life. Ashleigh thinks of her mother often and strives each day to become a woman her mother would be proud of.

• C. "Cory" Lutsky

  Poet

  I was born in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1991 and raised in Falls Church, Virginia, by my extraordinarily wonderful mother. Growing up, people often remarked that I looked just like my white mother and shared her eyes. My mother would always warmly respond, “I think we do as well.” I have always felt fortunate to have such a loving and affirming parent. During my incarceration, I have continued to pursue personal and educational growth. I earned my associate’s degree from Piedmont Virginia Community College and obtained my electrician’s certificate. Along the way, I discovered a passion for writing as a way to reflect and express myself. I hope to publish a collection of poetry in the future.

• Candace Williams

  Community Advocate

  Candace Williams is a community advocate, reentry leader, and trauma-informed organizer committed to supporting incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women and the families impacted by incarceration. Her work is grounded in lived experience and a deep dedication to healing and generational change. In 2008, at age 22, Candace was incarcerated while pregnant and already a mother of two. During her incarceration, she gave birth to her son and experienced firsthand the trauma of forced separation. A statement made at her sentencing predicting her children’s incarceration became the catalyst for transforming her family’s future. While incarcerated, she co-created the Mending Hearts Parenting Support Group, supporting more than 200 mothers through trauma-informed parenting education and accountability. After returning home in 2023, she founded Legendary AveNew LLC and continues leading Mending Hearts, focusing on reentry, family reunification, peer support, and community healing.

• Christine Burrage

  Dog Handler + Student

  Christine Burrage is a woman of many facets who has transformed her incarceration into a journey of self-discovery and growth. Committed to continuous improvement, she earned her Associate of Science degree while incarcerated and became an ADDA-certified mechanical drafter. She is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree through the University of Virginia. Christine also serves as a dog handler, training and rehabilitating rescue dogs to prepare them for adoption and a second chance at life. Through her work and educational pursuits, she strives to be a positive role model and mentor to her peers, demonstrating resilience, accountability, and determination.

• Contessa Holloman

  Mentor

  I was born and raised in Newport News, VA. Growing up with a single mom and three sisters, there were struggles but there was much bonding and even more love. The year I graduated high school I gave birth to my daughter who will be 12 years old this year. While I had love and support from my family and they helped me with my daughter, I was still a single parent on my own. I had a plethora of jobs but I ended up in sex work as an exotic dancer. Working in that field I ended up falling into some bad habits, which ultimately led to my incarceration. Over the two years I’ve been incarcerated, I’ve made every effort to reform and rehabilitate myself and help others as well. My goal upon my release is to be a mitigation specialist – someone who advocates on behalf of the defendant – and run a nonprofit for women who need help steering their lives in a more positive direction.

• Danny Hillis

  Computer Scientist + Inventor

  Danny Hillis is an inventor, scientist, author and engineer. While completing his doctorate at MIT, he pioneered the concept of parallel computers that enabled the development of the processors used for AI and most high-performance computer chips. He has over 400 issued patents, covering parallel computers, disk arrays, methods of cancer treatment, various electronic, optical and mechanical devices, and the pinch-to-zoom display interface. He is also the designer of a 10,000-year mechanical clock. Hillis has founded multiple companies, but his only regular job was as VP of R&D at Disney Imagineering. He is now a founding partner at Applied Invention, working on new ideas in cybersecurity, medicine and agriculture.

• Darla Hise

  Student

  Darla Elizabeth Hise is from the small and charming town of Hot Springs, Virginia. She describes herself as a living paradox, with a quick wit, an unconventional sense of humor, and a fierce spirit. Darla lives boldly, trusts wholeheartedly, and believes deeply in forgiveness. Through resilience and determination, she has come to understand that her purpose is greater than her pain. Her strength and stubborn optimism have shaped her journey of growth and self-discovery. Today, Darla is focused on becoming the best version of herself and using her experiences to create positive change—one day at a time.

• Denise Holsinger

  Mentor + Student

  I was born nine months after the assassination of JFK, into a world grieving the loss of hope and possibility. I sometimes wonder if that moment in history shaped my activist spirit. My life is divided into two distinct chapters: pre-prison and prison. I was incarcerated at 29. I am now 61. While I never graduated from high school, I earned my GED in jail while awaiting sentencing. That experience awakened a lifelong thirst for knowledge. During my incarceration, I earned my associate’s degree and was accepted into the University of Virginia to pursue my bachelor’s degree. I am certified by the Library of Congress as a Braille transcriptionist and proofreader. I also completed an apprenticeship in horticulture, became a journeyman in computer-aided drafting, and spent years designing and cultivating flowerbeds here. Working as a mental health assistant opened my eyes to the deep need for compassion and understanding. Today, I serve as a mentor in the Prison Fellowship Academy,

• Domica Winckler

  Optician

  I was born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1979. Growing up was difficult because I lacked a strong sense of identity. I was a confused young girl who desperately wanted to be accepted and liked by everyone. After 28 years of incarceration, I have come to truly know myself, love myself, and—most importantly—like myself. During this time, I earned my associate’s degree and completed several vocational programs. I currently serve as a tutor for the Optical Lens Technology class, a role I find both rewarding and meaningful. Through my journey, I have discovered that I find purpose in serving others. One day, I hope to open an optical dispensary to provide care for those in need. Until then, I continue preparing for the future I believe is ahead of me.

• Erin George

  Poet + Writer + Student + Dog Handler

  Erin George has been incarcerated since 2001. During that time, she has worked to transform a life sentence into a life of meaning and purpose. She began writing poetry in 2005 and won first place in the 2007 PEN America Prison Writing Competition for her poem “Origami Heart.” She has since written several award-winning essays. In 2009, Erin authored A Woman Doing Life, an ethnography of prison life published by Oxford University Press. Committed to improving life for others, Erin founded and edited a newsletter written solely by incarcerated women and has facilitated various programs within the facility. She currently serves as a dog handler in the Pen Pals program.

• Holly Landry

  Cosmetologist + Dog Handler

  I was born and raised in Brockton, Massachusetts, and moved to Virginia at 16. I have been here at Fluvanna ever since. My childhood was challenging, as I moved in and out of foster homes due to my parents’ struggles with addiction. During my incarceration, I have taken time to better understand myself and invest in my growth. I completed my education here and participated in a course through the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business. Over the years, I have learned several trades, but Cosmetology is my passion. I provide salon services for staff throughout the region and take pride in my work. I also love animals and participate in the dog program. As a child, I dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. While my dreams have evolved, my love for animals remains strong. Today, I hope to become a professional animal groomer and build a future doing what I love.

• Ieshia Rountree

  Mentor

  I am a Christian, sister, daughter, partner, and friend who is passionate about helping others. I believe that sometimes people with the hardest pasts can create the brightest futures—they just need a pathway. I was born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, by my single mother, who raised five children with love, faith, and resilience. Although we did not have many material luxuries, we had laughter, strong values, and a supportive church community. Incarcerated since the age of 15, I have worked to transform my circumstances into growth. I earned my GED, became a certified optician, completed business software training, and received my associate’s degree in general studies. I now co-facilitate The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and dedicate my time to mentoring and tutoring others. I believe my trials have shaped my purpose. What was not my plan has become part of God’s greater design for my life.

• Jessica "RISK" Ewing

  Artist

  As a little girl, I lived in the woods across from my grandfather’s farm. My mother filled our home with music, and my father—a great bear of a man—would sing Hank Williams’ “A Country Boy Can Survive.” I was curious and imaginative, devouring books, exploring the forest, and loving every animal I encountered. But life is not always kind to little girls. Predators may lurk, and trauma has a way of surfacing; wounds demand to be reckoned with. Today, I am known as “RISK,” an avant-garde artist with a flair for the stage. I channel my creativity and resilience into growth and service. You can find me in the electrical classroom, sharing knowledge earned through my Journeyman Electrician’s License. As a member of the Dog Team, I help train shelter dogs for their forever homes. I believe wholeheartedly in second chances—for all of us, no matter our past or our species.

• Joe Platania

  Commonwealth's Attorney

  Joe Platania is the Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Charlottesville and Director of the Prosecution Clinic at the University of Virginia School of Law. He began his career representing death row inmates at the Virginia Resource Center before serving as one of the first attorneys in the Charlottesville-Albemarle Public Defender’s Office. Since joining the Charlottesville Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office in 2003, he has worked extensively on criminal cases and community justice initiatives, and was elected Commonwealth’s Attorney in 2017. Through the Prosecution Clinic, Platania mentors UVA law students as they gain hands-on courtroom experience, litigate real cases, and explore systemic issues in Virginia’s criminal justice system.

• Juandiego Wade

  Mayor

  Juandiego Riccardo Wade has been the Mayor the City of Charlottesville since January 2024. In May 2025, he retired as the Career Center Coordinator for the County of Albemarle Department of Social Services. He served for sixteen years as an elected member of Charlottesville School Board where he served in various roles including chair. He also served as President of the Virginia School Boards Association. In Novembe r2021, Juandiego was elected to the Charlottesville City Council. Juandiego is involved in many community non-profits and has a deep passion for mentoring youth in the greater Charlottesville community. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Planning from Norfolk State University and a Master’s Degree in Urban and Environmental Planning from the University of Virginia.

• K. Daniels

  Correctional Lieutenant

  Lt. Daniels was born and raised in Miami, Florida. He began playing the piano at the age of five and has continued to pursue music ever since, including playing and singing in church choirs starting at age twelve. He joined the military in 2002 and served four years. He began his career with the Virginia Department of Corrections in May 2009, where he continues to serve today. In his spare time, Lt. Daniels enjoys playing the piano, writing and producing music, attending church, and spending time with family and friends.

• Kathy Reddy

  Volunteer

  Born in Arlington, Virginia, Kathy Reddy was raised in Sterling, Virginia. She has worked in the accounting field for more than 35 years, including the past 25 years in Charlottesville, Virginia. Kathy is an active volunteer at Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women. In her free time, she enjoys thrifting, participating in church activities, and spending time at home--where her two cats graciously allow her to live with them.

• Katrina Brookins

  Student + Mentor

  I am a woman of faith, a mother, life mentor, educator, and military veteran. I am passionate about educating myself and others and about changing lives through the power of education. Born in Washington, D.C., in 1970 and raised in a single-parent household, I was taught early that knowledge is power. Along my journey, however, I lost sight of the power of self-worth. Through years of reflection and growth, I rediscovered that strength. Today, I am family-oriented, nurturing, and hopeful—always seeing the glass as half full. Since my incarceration, I have earned three college degrees: an Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies, a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies, and a Master of Arts in Theological Studies. My areas of expertise include theology, mentoring, and motivational speaking. While I value my academic accomplishments, my greatest achievement has been learning to love myself.

• Kayla Armstrong

  Emcee + Chef + Student

  Kayla Armstrong is a public speaker, mother, entrepreneur, Christian, and leader with a passion for service. Born in Columbia, South Carolina, and raised in Richmond, Virginia, by a single mother of three, Kayla learned resilience at an early age. Despite childhood adversity, she found renewed purpose when she became a mother at 23, vowing to build a better future for her daughter. Incarcerated since 2012, Kayla has focused on growth and achievement. She earned her associate’s degree in general studies from Piedmont Virginia Community College and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration through California Coast University. She serves as a senior staff-side cook at Fluvanna and facilitates classes in Aggression Alternative Skills, Anger Management, and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Before incarceration, Kayla worked as a front desk manager and night auditor for Hilton properties. She plans to become a Food Service Director upon release.

• Keirstin Davis

  Student

  I am from a tiny, one-stoplight town in Virginia called Bedford. I was raised by a single mother who worked long hours, often leaving me unattended. That absence gave the wrong people access to my life at a young age. At 17, I entered the penal system as a scared and lost young girl—and a mother of two. I share that not for shock value, but to invite compassion and understanding about what was happening in my life at the time. Determined to change my path, I earned my GED and later my associate’s degree. I completed multiple vocational programs, including a two-year apprenticeship, and coursework through the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business. I am now enrolled in the University of Virginia’s bachelor’s degree program and participating in the optical apprenticeship at Fluvanna. My dream is to become a counselor and advocate for teens. By sharing my story, I hope to prevent at least one child from walking the path I once did.

• Kelley "Turtle" Tibbs

  Mentor

  I am a child of God, a mother, grandmother, college graduate, artist, and prayer warrior. My calling is to serve God and others—to be a catalyst for change. I strive to use my pain for His purpose and to help others heal from their hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Though I may appear tough on the outside, I have a tender heart. I am serving a life sentence, but I choose to see it as a place of purpose. Whether I am cleaning a toilet or teaching a class, I serve with intention, humility, and faith. Each day is an opportunity to make a difference and to live out my purpose through service to others.

• La'Quita Lewis

  Student

  I am a 34-year-old mother of three from Petersburg, Virginia. I am currently enrolled at Piedmont Virginia Community College, working toward my associate’s degree. Growing up, I always dreamed of working in a field where I could help others. For several years, I worked at Sevita Health as a program supervisor, supporting individuals with diverse needs. My passion has always centered on mental health and compassionate care. Upon my release, I plan to create a program for incarcerated individuals facing mental health challenges. The program would incorporate sensory activities, music therapy, and fitness to support emotional well-being. I also hope to educate both incarcerated individuals and correctional staff about mental health, promoting understanding, fairness, and improved treatment for those struggling. My goal is to use my experience and education to advocate for meaningful change and better support systems for people living with mental health challenges.

• Lauren O'Dell

  Dog Trainer + Student

  I have always loved learning. Growing up in Richmond, Virginia, I was an avid reader, and the library was—and still is—one of my favorite places. During my incarceration, I have continued to pursue education and personal growth. I learned to train dogs, earned my associate’s and bachelor’s degrees, and completed a paralegal certification. I am currently working toward a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership. None of this would have been possible without the love and unwavering support of my family. They are my greatest source of strength and encouragement. When I leave prison, I will carry this education and determination with me. I hope to continue training dogs and to use my knowledge to build a meaningful future. Above all, I know I will never stop learning.

• Lisa Bartosch

  Pianist

  Music has always been a gift passed down through my family—from a grandmother who taught music in Mississippi, to a mother who played piano beautifully by ear, to my own years of piano lessons. For me, music became a way to express emotions I struggled to put into words. As a young mother raising four children, I taught piano lessons in my home for 24 years, balancing my love of music with family life. My children—and now my children-in-law and grandchildren—are the greatest joys of my life. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue playing piano and keyboards here at Fluvanna. Serving others has always been my calling, and that commitment has deepened during my incarceration. I am a state-certified Peer Recovery Specialist, privileged to walk alongside fellow residents as they pursue healing and hope. My dream is simple: wherever I am, I want to continue helping others recognize their own beauty, worth, and voice—just as others have helped me discover mine.

• Martize Tolbert

  National Director of Client and Community Engagement

  Martize Tolbert is the National Director of Client and Community Engagement at The Fountain Fund. By building bridges between Client Partners, team members and a wide array of reentry organizations, he helps ensure that justice-impacted individuals get the resources they need. Martize has been a community leader for over a decade. He holds leadership roles with the Network2Work Advisory Committee, Charlottesville Area Justice Coalition, and the Charlottesville/Albemarle Reentry Council Steering Committee. His work with the Reentry Council led to the creation of a One Stop Shop, a monthly event which offers individuals the opportunity to connect with 60+ agencies in a single location. Martize also mentors at-risk kids and works closely with the Readykids RealDads program. He is a member of the NAACP, serves on the Tom Tom Festival Board of Directors and is a member of the Catalyst Community with the Stand Together Foundation.

• Michelle Putnam

  Veteran + Student

  As a registered nurse, substance abuse counselor, and business owner, I believed helping others was my calling. After my arrest, I realized I also needed to help myself. I am a 100% disabled veteran living with post-traumatic stress disorder and military sexual trauma, experiences that have shaped both my challenges and my purpose. During my incarceration, I completed my master’s degree in psychology and began pursuing a Doctor of Education in psychology. I serve as president of the Veteran Service Group, where we support and rely on one another. My goal is to advocate for and assist incarcerated veterans—especially women—as they navigate their unique needs and disabilities. Beyond my professional and academic pursuits, I have a passion for music, drawing, and sports. And for all the Washington Commanders fans out there—Woo Hoo!

• Mike Seville

  Warden

  Mike Seville began his career with the Virginia Department of Corrections in 1995 as a Corrections Officer. Over nearly 3 decades, he advanced through the ranks, serving as Sergeant, Lieutenant, Institutional Training Officer, and Chief of Housing & Programs, building deep operational and leadership expertise. In 2018, he was promoted to Assistant Warden at Haynesville Correctional Center and later served as Superintendent. He transferred to Sussex I State Prison in 2021, returned to Haynesville as Warden in 2022, and later assumed leadership of Green Rock Correctional Center. Mr. Seville has also contributed at the statewide level as a trainer at the Academy for Staff Development and as Statewide Evidence-Based Practices Manager at DOC Headquarters. Most recently, he led the transition of Lawrenceville Correctional Center from private operation to Virginia’s first Model Prison, advancing innovative, evidence-based approaches that promote safety, accountability, and rehabilitation.

• Nichelle Carter

  Student

  I was raised in Norfolk, Virginia, by a hardworking single mother whose motto was, “You have to work hard to get what you want.” She fought tirelessly to give my four siblings and me the life she believed we deserved. She is the definition of a strong, independent woman. In 2006, I gave birth to my beautiful daughter. She has been my guiding light—my reminder to breathe and keep going. At 15, I was tried as an adult and sentenced to prison. Rather than allowing my circumstances to define me, I chose to rebuild myself. I earned my GED, completed HVAC and Culinary Arts, and in 2025 received my Associate of Science degree. I have been accepted into the UVA's Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies program and expect to earn my bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts in 2029—all after entering prison with only an eighth-grade education. Through education, treatment programs, and the encouragement of mentors who believed in me, I continue to grow and build a future beyond these walls.

• P.G. Sittenfeld

  Writer

  P.G. Sittenfeld’s journey took him from Princeton to politics to prison to Supreme Court petitioner. Today, he is a writer, whose work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Esquire, and Outside magazine. He regularly gives talks at U.S. law schools. Sittenfeld served for a decade on Cincinnati’s City Council and was expected to become mayor, when he was prosecuted on public corruption charges in 2020, stemming from an FBI sting likened in court to a “prosecutorial Truman Show.” For 4.5 months in 2024, Sittenfeld was Inmate 18085-509 at FCI Ashland in Kentucky, before an appeals court took the rare step of ordering his early release pending appeal. In 2025, Sittenfeld received a presidential pardon, after which he became the first person to ever petition the Supreme Court after receiving a pardon, where his appeal remains pending. Sittenfeld is married, with three young sons.

• Rob Poggenklass

  Executive Director

  Rob Poggenklass is the Executive Director of Justice Forward Virginia, a public-defender-led nonprofit that advances criminal justice reform through evidence-informed policy advocacy. In his role, Rob works with practitioners, lawmakers, and advocates to enact criminal legal reforms at the Virginia General Assembly. Rob began his legal career as a public defender and later served as a legal aid attorney in Iowa and Virginia. He has argued cases on behalf of indigent clients before both the Iowa Supreme Court and the Supreme Court of Virginia. Rob earned his B.A. from Cornell College in 2003 and his J.D. from William & Mary School of Law in 2010. He received the Virginia State Bar’s Oliver White Hill Law Student Pro Bono Award in 2010 and Cornell College’s Leadership and Service Award in 2025 for contributions to criminal justice reform. He currently serves on the Virginia State Bar’s Committee on Access to Legal Services.

• Sam Heath

  Founder + Executive Director

  Sam is the founder and executive director of the Commonwealth Justice Coalition, a statewide nonprofit reimagining public safety in the Commonwealth and putting it into practice, with a focus on gun violence prevention, reentry, and restorative practices. He was a high school history teacher for ten years before moving into the advocacy and organizing world with Equal Justice USA. Sam lives in Charlottesville, VA with his wife and three energetic kids.

• Shannon York

  Entertainer

  I was born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, and I’m 26 years young. As a child, I dreamed of becoming an entertainer—someone who could stand on a stage, captivate a crowd, and use her voice to inspire others. More than a decade later, my dreams remain the same. Incarceration has not stopped me from pursuing them; I simply see this as a pit stop along my journey. I believe I am meant to influence others in a positive way. My favorite qualities about myself are my outgoing personality and my sense of humor. I use both to uplift those around me and spread joy whenever I can. I see my life as a book with many sequels—I’m still writing the pages, and the best chapters are yet to come.

• Shareka Cobbs

  Peer Recovery Specialist

  I was born in Danville, VA. I never knew my dad, and my mom was addicted to crack. I was raised in the foster care system and subject to all kinds of abuse. Once I aged out of foster care, I was homeless and started using drugs and ended up in prison. While here, I’ve gone to school, become a peer recovery specialist and am now learning cosmetology. As a kid when you fell off your bike, you got back up and tried again. If you failed a test, you studied a little harder. I’ve made mistakes. I’ve let my kids down. But I will not give up. And if I slip a little, I will always try again. I am outgoing and optimistic. I like seeing people happy and wish I could take the world’s pain away.

• Shatema Smith

  Poet

  I am 45 years old and was born in Richmond, Virginia and raised by my grandmother alongside two cousins. As a child, I was bright and often selected for enrichment programs. Spelling and writing were my favorite subjects, and I stayed active in soccer, t-ball, and cheerleading. My grandmother did her best to provide stability, but I witnessed things no child should see. Both of my parents struggled with addiction, and those experiences shaped my early life. After my mother passed away, my life began to spiral. I turned to drugs, which led to repeated incarceration. Today, my father is sober and active in my life and the lives of my four children—two beautiful daughters and two handsome sons, including a college graduate. I have completed several drug treatment programs as well as anger management. I earned my GED and plan to pursue college coursework. I have also discovered that I am a poet. Through writing, I express myself freely. I am not who I was—I am who I am becoming.

• Tiona Tucker

  Hospice Caregiver

  I was born 44 years ago in Franklin, Virginia—a small city not found on every map. I was raised in a loving two-parent, middle-class home. Though I lost my way over time, I never lost who I am: a strong-minded, determined, and resilient woman. At 27, I was sentenced to 34 years in prison. During my incarceration, I earned my GED, an associate’s degree, and multiple culinary arts certifications. I am currently on the waitlist for the University of Virginia’s bachelor’s program. The achievement I am most proud of is becoming a qualified hospice caregiver, a role that reflects my lifelong passion for serving others. My dream is to start a nonprofit organization that helps individuals experiencing homelessness transition toward stable and productive lives. My journey has not been perfect, but I continue to make the best of the hand I have been dealt, striving each day to grow, serve, and build a meaningful future.

• Tracy Bitner

  Dog Trainer

  If you were to describe me after truly getting to know me, the word might be “misunderstood.” First impressions of me are generally inaccurate. I have learned that my voice may sound different to some, but it carries meaning and growth. My name is Tracy, and my canine partner is Nala. I represent Fetch a Cure, a dog training program within the prison system. This work has opened doors to new opportunities and given me a new way to communicate and connect. Through training dogs, I have learned patience, empathy, and compassion—skills that have helped me better understand both people and animals. Dog training has transformed my perspective and given me purpose. It has shown me a different way of living and relating to the world around me. My goal is to become a certified professional dog trainer and continue the journey that began with Nala.

• Valencia Hucks

  Intelligence Officer / Investigations

  I grew up in a small town in Virginia on a country dirt road, far from any neighbors. I was raised by a single mother in a home filled with family, including four of her seven siblings, my baby sister, a cousin, and me. There were many of us living under one roof, and although we may not have had much materially, we were rich in love. My mother always did the best she could. Some of my fondest memories include playing Trouble by candlelight during snowstorms when the electricity went out and watching Soul Train on Saturday mornings. In our community, my family was known for our dancing skills and great sense of humor—both of which I proudly inherited. My upbringing taught me humility and motivated me to strive for more. I knew how beautiful life could be with very little, so I imagined how meaningful it could be with greater opportunities. I began my career in corrections at 21. I had my first son at 26, bought my first home at 35, married at 40, and welcomed my second son at 41.

• Zsabriela Williams

  Poet + Student

  If asked to describe my life, I would offer a blank canvas. I am the brush, my life is the canvas, and my journey is the paint. My story is not picture perfect, but it is mine—and I am more than the mistakes I have made. Born in Richmond, Virginia, I was raised by extended family while my mother struggled with addiction and my father remained absent. My childhood was marked by instability and silence. Searching for belonging, I made choices that ultimately led me to prison at 19. Though the road has been difficult, it has also been transformative. I earned my Associate of Science degree in general studies and plan to pursue a business degree. I have completed numerous therapeutic programs and maintained steady employment, developing responsibility, discipline, and resilience. I cannot erase my past, but I have grown from it. My hope is to reenter society equipped to build a better future—for myself and for others—by paying forward the guidance and growth I have received.