Ryan Flaco Rising is a transformative leader and an unwavering advocate for formerly incarcerated individuals, currently pursuing his PhD with a focus on social justice and systemic reform. Having experienced the profound challenges of reentry firsthand, Ryan is dedicated to dismantling the numerous barriers that hinder the progress and potential of those who have been incarcerated. His work is marked by a relentless commitment to empowering marginalized voices and fostering genuine community support.
Lisandra Barrera is a dedicated advocate and visionary leader in the movement for social justice and empowerment of formerly incarcerated women. As the founder and Director of The Women’s Empowerment Network, Lisandra has created a vital platform that champions the rights and opportunities of women who have been impacted by the criminal justice system.
Philip Dorsett is a dedicated advocate and leader who heads the Academic Credible Messengers Mentoring Program, a pivotal initiative that supports formerly incarcerated individuals in their transition to higher education. Through his work, Philip tirelessly helps these individuals navigate the often complex and intimidating landscape of academic institutions, ensuring they feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed.
Anthony McDuffie, Jr. is a distinguished Author, Motivational Speaker, Spoken Word Artist, and Certified West Coast Credible Messenger, specializing as a Mental Health First Aider. He is widely known for his memoir, Grit Grind and Glory, which has reached audiences globally, including in the UK, Canada, and Kuwait. After emerging from 15 years in prison, Anthony now shares his transformative story worldwide, inspiring audiences with his message of resilience and empowerment.
Elijah Guerra is a passionate community activist and the Regional Director of Orange County, dedicated to addressing the complexities of gang involvement and advocating for systemic change. Currently in his third year at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), Elijah is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology, Law, and Society, a field that aligns perfectly with his commitment to social justice and community empowerment.
Alonzo Harvey, a passionate advocate for racial justice and community empowerment, hails from the South East Side of San Diego, specifically the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Growing up in an environment plagued by systemic injustice, Alonzo’s family was wrongfully targeted by District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis under a discriminatory gang injunction, known as 182.5. This injunction aimed to unjustly incarcerate 33 Black men from South East San Diego for life, solely based on their documentation as gang members. This traumatic experience galvanized the Harvey family into becoming staunch activists, fiercely opposing these baseless charges.
Alejandro Cabrera-Maldonado is an inspiring advocate and mentor, currently serving as an Academic Credible Messenger Mentor for the West Coast Credible Messengers in the Orange County region. He is pursuing his Bachelor’s Degree in Chicano/Latino Studies with double minors in Education Sciences and Psychology at UC Irvine, a testament to his dedication to education and his community.
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