Executive Director

Tamara has previously worked with Community Action Partnership and Xerox Corporation. Tamara is a Paralegal and holds a BA in Political Science from CSUSB. Tamara's strengths include human resource management, executive administration and workforce training.

Co-Founder

Starting Over Inc. co-founder, Women Organizing for Justice Fellow 2010, Women’s Policy Institute fellow 2012/2013, J. Irwin Award recipient 2013, advocate, and attorney.

Super Power: X-Ray Vision

Assistant Co-Director, FREE Project

Amethyst Yates is a systems-impacted leader with lived experience in the foster care and criminal court systems. She is dedicated to dismantling the systemic barriers individuals and families face through equity-driven leadership, advocacy, and community engagement. Amethyst is currently completing her Bachelor’s degree in Management at CSUSB.

Staff Attorney

Anyse Smith leverages her personal experience of being unhoused and formerly incarcerated to passionately advocate for reentry services. Previously, she managed Housing and Homelessness programs at Coachella Valley Rescue Mission and Coachella Valley Association of Governments. A graduate of the California Desert Trial Academy, she now teaches Legal Writing and Brief Writing as a professor. Her work reflects a deep commitment to helping others rebuild their lives.

Program Manager

Ashley is a published researcher with lived experience navigating societal barriers and a passion for serving marginalized and overlooked communities. This passion inspired her to receive her BA in Sociology, Master of Social Work, and Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist certification that she in turn uses to support and uplift her community.

Outreach Case Manager

Candice is justice-impacted and draws on that first-hand experience to guide individuals through the real challenges of reentry. She is deeply dedicated to helping others rebuild and move forward. Known around the office as "Ms. Purple," she wears her signature color every single day.

Administrative Assistant

Carmellia is experienced in accounting and administration. She earned a Business Office Diploma from UEI College in 2012. Camellia is also an author, breast cancer speaker, and radio show host.

Media and Communications Specialist

Emma is passionate about telling stories to build more just, equitable, and powerful communities. She holds a BA in Political Theory & Media Studies and is a Solís Policy Institute alumna. Emma is also an anti-carceral artist, designer, and organizer.

All Of Us or None Organizer

Fidel is a University of Riverside Sociology graduate and is currently at the University of Redlands MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. He is directly system impacted and has dedicated his life to giving currently/formerly incarcerated people a voice.

Peer Support Specialist

Ivan is justice impacted and has a calling to serve in his community, utilizing his insight and wisdom to help others overcome their challenges. Ivan was also a lead mentor for the Youth Offender Program. He also actively participates in sharing his insight in All of Us or None’s Family Parole Workshops.

Employment Director

Janet iss a workforce innovator who thrives at the intersection of people, partnerships, and possibility. She enjoys transforming ambitious ideas into career pathways, building unlikely collaborations, and creating opportunities that strengthen both businesses and communities. Equal parts strategist and champion for second chances, Janet believes the best solutions are built together, empowering people to create first-class futures - one bold idea, one opportunity, and one partnership at a time.

Peer Support Specialist Supervisor

Janet is a seasoned medical professional who has held various leadership positions in healthcare organizations and nonprofits, working to improve access to care, promote health equity, and develop innovative programs to support vulnerable populations. She is also actively involved as a volunteer in her church and community.

Housing First Co-Director, Case Manager

Lee has leadership and training expertise in various disciplines. His focus is on serving system impacted communities through reentry services.

Operations Manager

Magna cum laude, United States Penitentiary Atwater

Administrator

Melinda is a certified Emotional Wellness Coach, Life Coach, and Birthing Doula with 25+ years of experience in reentry and healing-centered leadership. She is pursuing her Master’s in Real Estate Development. Melinda is an alumna of the National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls, WOJO, and the Collective Leadership Institute, and serves as an alumna and mentor for Mamavist. She also sits on the Board of Directors for Initiate Justice.

Community Organizer

After being Justice Impacted for most of my life, I'm now passionate about being part of the solution, and change for a Better Society.                     

Assistant Co-Director, FREE Project

Shawneequa is the proud mother of three children and has a personal history deeply impacted by both the judicial and family policing systems. Shawneequa has channeled her experiences into a mission of empowerment and healing.

Shawneequa joined FREE as a parent in 2019 and has been instrumental since in developing and delivering training programs that foster resilience and well-being within the community.

Path 2 SEED Digital and Technical Trainer

Simon holds a BA in Economics from UC Irvine. He is passionate about learning and sharing new technologies, focusing on bridging knowledge gaps and fostering collaboration.

Outreach Lead

Storm is a proud Samoan & African American woman born and raised in San Francisco. Storm enjoys learning about her culture & history, inventions, politics and education.

Outreach Staff

Tineace is currently pursuing her associate degree in Sociology at Long Beach City College, with a goal to become a mental health specialist. She has always dreamed of being involved in her community to help bring guidance and resources to those who are in need of help.

Participatory Defense Organizer, Housing & Criminal Justice Advocate

Toya has been a community advocate for 25+ years and has served as a commissioner in Moreno Valley. She is a Sergeant Parent for MVUSD, CPR certified, a Mental Health First Aide, and Peer Support Specialist.

Case Manager

Yuri has experience as an army veteran, justice impacted adult, and at Center for Employment Opportunities. She's dedicated to assisting others in the re-entry process and uplifting her community. Driven by her own journey, Yuri strives to make a difference through advocacy and support.