While at CSUF, she helped launch the Project Rebound and expand it to other CSU campuses across the state. Romarilyn was instrumental in establishing the John Irwin Transformative Housing Initiative, the first transformative housing initiative in the country for reentry college students, and the Center for Hope and Redemption, a transformative justice space that centers community and university collaboration around issues of justice, gender, and race.

After serving 23 years in prison, she earned a Bachelor’s degree with Honors in Gender and Feminist Studies from Pitzer College. She then went on to achieve a Master’s degree in Liberal Arts from Washington University in St. Louis. In addition to an advanced degree, Romarilyn has completed a number of fellowships, including the CORO Fellowship in Public Affairs, Women’s (Solis) Policy Institute, Napier Fellowship for Peace and Justice, Leading with Conviction Fellowship, and is currently a Galaxy Gives Fellow.

Her education has fueled her commitment to help others discover the transformative power of postsecondary education and community accountability. In 2022, she received a full pardon from Governor Gavin Newsom. Her dedication has earned her numerous social justice awards and recognitions, such as accolades from the California Legislature, the National Council of 100 Black Women-Orange County Chapter, and Pitzer College's Distinguished Alumni award in 2021.