Stories
Each oral history interview in our archive contains dozens of stories. Explore them here, filtering by topic and collection.
3393 stories released to date
-
Creating a supportive network for women impacted by the justice systemLinda Small -
Developing leadership skills and overcoming impostor syndrome through self-help and professional developmentCassandra Severe
-
Educational journey from neighborhood schools to workforce and later valuing education while incarceratedLinda Small
-
Building a new family and relationships after incarcerationLauren Hansen
-
Journey to self-discovery and overcoming low self-esteem through physical change and reflectionLeah Faria
-
Empowering voices within the criminal legal system reform movementAlice Kim
-
Experiencing the harsh realities and systemic issues of incarceration as a womanLinda Small
-
Inequity: Race and Ethnicity158 InterviewsExplore
-
Collaborations to reinstate college programs at Bedford Hills Correctional FacilitySharon White-Harrigan
-
Advocacy and punishment for promoting ethnic studies and prisoner rightsEddy Zheng
-
Pursuing an associate degree and career aspirations after returning to TacomaChanel Rhymes
-
Experiences of advocacy and political challenges in education supportLauren Hansen
-
Discovering a passion for legal studies while incarcerated and the challenges of education in prisonRonald Marshall
-
Advocacy for improved educational resources and technology access in correctional facilitiesLauren Hansen
-
Inside-Outside Organizing254 InterviewsExplore
-
Positive experiences and support within the prison systemCharlotte Garnes
-
Involvement in advisory board for education while incarceratedLauren Hansen
-
Breaking the cycle of incarceration and advocating for reentry services for womenAnisah Sabur
-
Advocacy methods and personal journey to community leadership and political candidacyWaleisah Wilson-Menefee
-
Experiences and challenges in juvenile detention leading to personal transformationRonald Marshall
-
Advocating for educational resources and technology access in prisonLauren Hansen
-
Challenges in advocating for the abolition of the death penalty in IllinoisBill Ryan
-
Obtaining a GED and furthering education at James Adams HallMichelle Clopton
-
Challenges faced by incarcerated women regarding nutrition, education, and basic needsLinda Small
-
Barriers faced by formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrating into societyMadeline Mendoza
-
Examples of allyship and advocacy in educational programs for incarcerated womenYolanda Johnson-Peterkin
-
Coordinating and producing educational and cultural programs in prisonSharon White-Harrigan
-
Influence of Malcolm X and Jeff Fort during early life and educationDarrell Cannon
-
Advocacy for housing rights for individuals with criminal recordsMaria Moon
-
Challenges of overcoming bias and resistance to community reintegration for formerly incarcerated individualsYolanda Johnson-Peterkin
-
The importance of rehabilitative programs for incarcerated individualsMichelle Clopton
-
Teaching computer skills to someone with limited access and experienceLauren Hansen
-
Encouragement to ask questions and understand others' perspectives without judgmentDenise Spencer
-
Witnessing an execution and forming friendships with death row inmatesBill Ryan
-
The impact of boot camp programs on rehabilitation and community reintegrationYolanda Johnson-Peterkin
-
Career challenges and resilience after losing a position due to administrative issuesChanel Rhymes
-
Experiences of incarceration and the impact of the AIDS epidemic on prisonersLinda Evans
-
Reflections on mentorship and learning from others while incarceratedTiffany Vulcain
-
Pursuing a PhD and engaging in the healing process for personal and community impactRobin Turner
-
Challenges of operating a nonprofit organization with a broad, spiritually-driven missionKatrina Butler
-
Participating in self-help classes and community activities for personal growth and cultural celebrationMadeline Mendoza
-
Using the grievance procedure to address unfair treatment during incarcerationMarketta Sims
-
The impact of past trauma on women's perceptions and reactions after incarcerationMaria Moon
-
Creating a supportive environment for incarcerated women through peer assistance and personal growthCassandra Severe
-
Access to information and communication within the prison systemCharlotte Garnes
-
Key formative events during early life and their impactJane Dorotik
-
Creating and implementing a volunteer media project called Change for previously incarcerated womenRobin Turner
-
Advice for those entering advocacy and organizing work, including knowing one's limits and balancing personal lifeWaleisah Wilson-Menefee
-
Future projects and personal development goalsTiffany Vulcain
-
Collaborations and advocacy efforts while incarcerated to improve conditions and humanize interactions with staffLinda Small
-
Exploring ways to expand educational programs like RTA nationally through collaboration and technologyLauren Hansen
-
Growing up in New Orleans with a challenging childhood marked by domestic violence and private schoolingRonald Marshall
-
Experiencing a political awakening through challenging a sanction using education and advocacy skillsCharlotte Garnes
-
Experiences of injustice, survival, and community support in jail and prisonWaleisah Wilson-Menefee
-
Counseling women in prison and personal growth through shared experiencesKatrina Butler
-
Early career aspirations and influences of family beliefsCharlotte Garnes
-
Mentoring and support relationships formed during incarcerationAnisah Sabur
-
Addressing educational challenges and advocating for inmates' learning needs in prisonKatrina Butler
-
Insights on the prison experience and creating effective reentry programsTiffany Vulcain
-
Navigating the intersection of housing and women's issues through the WCJA board involvementYolanda Johnson-Peterkin
-
Spiritual support and personal growth during incarcerationMichelle Clopton
-
Advocacy for access to programs and opportunities in correctional facilities through persistent efforts and grievancesMichelle Clopton
-
The importance of familial and supportive relationships inside prison for womenMarilyn Mulero
-
Challenges of religious practices and discrimination in a correctional facilityAnisah Sabur
-
Supporting fellow survivors and discussing the impact of police violence with studentsDarrell Cannon
-
Advocacy for educational opportunities and change while incarceratedLauren Hansen
-
Challenges and obstacles faced by incarcerated individuals and staff attitudes toward rehabilitation and educationLeah Faria
-
Experiences and acceptance within a diverse prison communityHeather Jo Canuel
-
The influence of educational and parenting programs on personal aspirations and developmentLeah Faria
-
Exploring future opportunities in philanthropy and nonprofit workLauren Hansen
-
Influence of Black female mentors during upbringing and education journeyWaleisah Wilson-Menefee
-
Motivations for advocacy and upcoming community and art projectsHeather Jo Canuel
-
Efforts to support criminal justice reform and create opportunities for womenYolanda Johnson-Peterkin
-
Life and relationships while on death rowLeroy Orange
-
A transformative school trip to Senegal and cultural experiences in childhoodMaria Moon
-
Observing the impact and continued momentum of the Change program for women in the communityRobin Turner
-
Advocacy for systemic change in prison conditions and women's treatmentLinda Small
-
Finding healing and expression through poetry and photography after losing a loved oneMarketta Sims
-
Experiences of learning about race, gender, and sexual identity inside prison compared to the outside worldLauren Hansen
-
Building community and support networks among women in prisonLeah Faria
-
Developing leadership skills while helping younger inmates in shock incarceration campKeith Peterkin
-
The importance of education and work ethic in career advancementKeith Peterkin
-
Navigating challenges as a Black woman advocating for change in government and communityYolanda Johnson-Peterkin
-
The impact of a strong educational foundation and cultural differences in schoolingTiffany Vulcain
-
Significant life experiences during childhood and adolescenceMadeline Mendoza
-
Influential teachers in early education and their impact on community engagementChanel Rhymes
-
Impact of the Change program on women transitioning from prisonRobin Turner
-
Experiencing tensions with prison staff, other incarcerated individuals, and outside participants in educational programsLauren Hansen
-
Lessons learned from community organizing and the impact on views of incarceration systemsLinda Small
-
Reflecting on personal growth and advocacy through literature and educationEddy Zheng
-
Learning about Ms. Khan's racial identity and her experiences with passing as a survival tacticRegnarian Jenkins
-
Expectations versus reality of prison life based on media portrayalsRobin Turner
-
Advocating for post-secondary education opportunities for incarcerated women in MaineLinda Small
-
Family dynamics and encouraging education for future stabilityLauren Hansen
-
Awareness of incarceration laws and impact of policy changes in IllinoisMichelle Clopton
-
Early life experiences and educational background during the crack epidemic and mass incarceration eraTiffany Vulcain
-
Barriers to practicing religion for Muslim women in prisonAnisah Sabur
-
Reflecting on personal growth and loss during incarcerationMichelle Clopton
-
Critique of the prison system's ineffectiveness in accountability and rehabilitationJane Dorotik
-
Overcoming early life challenges and discouragement to become an organizerLinda Small
-
Controversy surrounding Chief Illiniwek and cultural misrepresentation at the University of IllinoisDana Talbot
-
Assisting fellow inmates with the grievance process and legal paperworkMichelle Clopton
-
Highlighting influential women mentors and collaborators in her lifeRobin Turner
-
Experiencing and addressing racism during Black History Month while in prisonCharlotte Garnes
-
Experiences with justice reinvestment, racial dynamics in organizations, and working in prison education programsChanel Rhymes
-
Advising and supporting female students to expedite their graduationChanel Rhymes
-
Reflecting on organizing and education efforts in a reparations movementDarrell Cannon
-
Personal transformation and leadership development after incarcerationTiffany Vulcain
-
Experiences growing up in public housing and aspirations for a better lifeRobin Turner
-
Developing activism and leadership skills during incarcerationMarilyn Mulero
-
Experiences and efforts during incarceration following a wrongful convictionJane Dorotik
-
Core personal values shaped by love, forgiveness, faith, education, and familyYolanda Johnson-Peterkin
-
The impact of mentors and community-based organizations on leadership developmentCassandra Severe
-
The impact of mentorship on career development and personal growthYolanda Johnson-Peterkin
-
The impact of cultural isolation and the importance of indigenous ceremoniesDana Talbot
-
Navigating education and identity as a Jehovah's Witness and a Black student in a predominantly white school environmentKatrina Butler
-
Aspiring to create a legacy of empowerment and personal growthTiffany Vulcain
-
Concerns and experiences with segregation in prisonDana Talbot
-
Coping with anger and personal loss after incarcerationMichelle Clopton
-
Mobilizing programs for change through community support and personal initiativeLeah Faria
-
Transition from passivity to engagement through working in the prison law libraryJane Dorotik
-
The impact of parental incarceration on children and personal growth through adversityMarketta Sims
-
Advice for individuals wanting to contribute meaningfully to advocacy workHeather Jo Canuel
-
Overcoming personal challenges to advocate for incarcerated individualsTiffany Vulcain
-
Addressing and navigating discrimination and bias in professional environmentsRobin Turner
-
Participation in Women Transcending Collective Leadership and the importance of networking with other Black womenRobin Turner
-
Impact and legacy of work in prison reform and training programsYolanda Johnson-Peterkin
-
Navigating career changes, unemployment challenges, and personal life transitionsChanel Rhymes
-
Navigating personal innovation and existing organizational structures at The Fortune SocietyTiffany Vulcain
-
Experiences of bused education and its impact on after-school opportunitiesKeith Peterkin
-
Facing and addressing issues during incarceration in a women's facilityLauren Hansen
-
Advocating for women's programs and education after incarcerationMarilyn Mulero
-
Experience in incarceration and participation in the Shock Incarceration Program as a mentorKeith Peterkin
-
Challenges of finding employment and advocating for those with criminal recordsWaleisah Wilson-Menefee
-
Challenges and advocacy efforts by incarcerated individuals during the crack eraKeith Peterkin
-
Overcoming early educational challenges and fostering a lifelong love of learningTiffany Vulcain
-
Finding leadership and creating change through teaching crochet in prisonTiffany Vulcain
-
Advocating for awareness and action on prison conditions and inmate communicationDenise Spencer
-
Experiences of racial tension and segregation growing up in GeorgiaCharlotte Garnes
-
Bias and misconceptions about educational achievement and accessTeresa Njoroge
-
Involvement with bail fund and the impact of George Floyd's death on fundraising effortsChanel Rhymes
-
Experiences and challenges in Tamms Supermax prison and personal resilienceDarrell Cannon
-
Experience as a theology aide in a prison program and challenges facedKatrina Butler
-
Finding strength and purpose while in solitary confinement through advocacy and community supportEddy Zheng
-
Experiences with LGBTQ+ acceptance and treatment in correctional facilities over timeLauren Hansen
-
The journey to advocating for the abolition of the death penaltyAlice Kim
-
Mentorship and support in prison education programsLauren Hansen
-
Influence of Mao's China on the Black Panthers and Asian American activism in the U.S.Eddy Zheng
-
Collaborating with Manni and Rose to support the MAMAS organization and manage memory challengesDenise Spencer
-
Creating and expanding programs for AAPI prisoners and supporting the community through New Breath FoundationEddy Zheng
-
Influential mentors and their impact on personal developmentLeah Faria
-
Challenges faced in building Reentry Sisters and personal experiences with employment discriminationLinda Small
-
Empowering incarcerated women to advocate for themselves and improve confinement conditionsCharlotte Garnes
-
Advocacy for prison education programs and amending the Thirteenth AmendmentLauren Hansen
-
Memorable moments and triumphs from involvement in prison work focused on women's education and supportYolanda Johnson-Peterkin
-
Involvement with CCWP and its impact on understanding social justice and incarceration issuesJane Dorotik
-
Supportive and nurturing upbringing provided by parentsTeresa Njoroge
-
Efforts to encourage and prepare others for college education and the College Bound programSharon White-Harrigan
-
Tensions in collaboration and education initiatives while incarceratedSharon White-Harrigan
-
Pressing issues faced during incarceration: family concerns and lack of mental health supportSharon White-Harrigan
-
Advocacy for reparations and reflections on systemic injustice in ChicagoDarrell Cannon
-
Collaborations with local, state, and national organizations in reentry and justice workWaleisah Wilson-Menefee
-
Pursuing a career in nursing and transitioning to social work after incarceration barriersCassandra Severe
-
Advocacy for Native American rights and addressing alcohol-related issues on reservationsDana Talbot
-
Career aspirations evolving from engineering to sociology and social workRobin Turner
-
Providing workforce development for justice-impacted individuals and training businesses on hiring themCharlotte Garnes
-
Overcoming childhood challenges and achieving success through education and social workWaleisah Wilson-Menefee
-
Formation of a foundation addressing AAHPI mass incarceration and deportation issuesEddy Zheng
-
Connecting with Women Transcending Collective Leadership Institute through community referrals and supportCharlotte Garnes
-
Using relatable stories for difficult conversations about mass incarceration and economic injustice in IllinoisHeather Jo Canuel
-
Personal experiences and role models that shaped community involvement and advocacyCassandra Severe
-
Overcoming stigma and resistance faced by formerly incarcerated individuals seeking education and reintegrationYolanda Johnson-Peterkin
-
Experiences and attitudes towards education and personal growth through incarcerationLauren Hansen
-
Desire to work in substance abuse recovery for marginalized communitiesDana Talbot
-
Critique of systemic devaluation of education, passion, and legacyRonald Marshall
-
Building community and support systems while incarceratedMarketta Sims
-
Components of a reentry kit for individuals starting fresh after incarcerationMichelle Clopton
-
Exploration of classism and its historical roots across culturesTeresa Njoroge
-
Mentoring and inspiring younger generations through personal experiences and community engagementMadeline Mendoza
-
Learning from community engagement and leadership experiencesKatrina Butler
-
Fostering involvement and leadership in prison organizationsJane Dorotik
-
Supporting youth through military-style programs and educational challengesKeith Peterkin
-
Perceptions of unjust laws and lengthy prison sentences during incarcerationMadeline Mendoza
-
Advocating for incarcerated women's needs and facilitating community engagementYolanda Johnson-Peterkin
-
The importance of comprehensive education in empowering community growth and successYolanda Johnson-Peterkin
-
Supporting reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals through employment and education resourcesWaleisah Wilson-Menefee
-
Experiences and challenges transitioning from Catholic to public school in a culturally diverse environmentYolanda Johnson-Peterkin
-
The support system and relationships formed in prisonMadeline Mendoza
-
College experiences and events leading to activism in anti-police brutality and anti-death penalty movementsAlice Kim
-
Reflections on resilience, personal growth, and community support through struggleSharon White-Harrigan
-
The impact of the California Coalition for Women Prisoners (CCWP) and the creation of the UC Sentencing ProjectJane Dorotik
-
Lessons learned from organizing efforts in prison and their influence on advocacy strategiesSharon White-Harrigan
-
Navigating early adulthood, legal challenges, and career changes in Washington stateChanel Rhymes
-
Family values and cultural heritage shaping identity and resilienceChanel Rhymes
-
The influence of a mother on community engagement and political awarenessCharlotte Garnes
-
The creation of a support group for women prisoners with long sentencesMaria Moon
-
The impact of LSPC and FICPFM on personal transformation and career opportunitiesJane Dorotik
-
Challenges in addressing the needs of Black women and marginalized groups in educational spaces and consumer productsLauren Hansen
-
Challenges faced while teaching the GED program during incarcerationCharlotte Garnes
-
Changes in prison policies from rehabilitation to punishment-focused approachDarrell Cannon
-
Influential women in prison reform and advocacy workLauren Hansen
-
The transformative role of mentorship and influential figures in personal growthTiffany Vulcain
-
Impact of the Change project on women's confidence and career skillsRobin Turner
-
The impact of early grief and loss on career choice as a grief counselorAyana Thomas
-
Navigating and addressing issues of racism, colonialism, and LGBTQ rights in a women's prison facilityLinda Small
-
Empowerment and identity through organizing with women in prisonKatrina Butler
-
Efforts to support and upskill formerly imprisoned women in Kenya through corporate partnerships and mentorship programsTeresa Njoroge
-
Experiencing and recognizing systemic racism within the prison systemLauren Hansen
-
Educational initiatives and challenges in the Department of CorrectionsBill Ryan
-
Turning points leading to incarceration despite efforts in education and family supportWaleisah Wilson-Menefee
-
The influence of mentorship and self-education in legal advocacy within prisonRonald Marshall
-
Inspiration to pursue law from a fellow inmate's determinationRonald Marshall
-
The impact of environment on youth and the cycle of incarcerationRonald Marshall
-
The impact of creative and supportive programs during incarcerationMarketta Sims
-
Receiving encouragement and taking accountability during incarcerationMichelle Clopton
-
The impact of a mentor on pursuing education while incarceratedMarilyn Mulero
-
Building camaraderie and community in a boot camp environmentYolanda Johnson-Peterkin
-
Surviving and resisting oppression in prison through discipline and legal studyRonald Marshall
-
Influence of mentors and shifting career paths towards sociology and lobbyingChanel Rhymes
-
Educational experiences and lack of career ambitions in early lifeYolanda Johnson-Peterkin
-
Hopes for a legacy of empowering women and reforming the justice systemLinda Small
-
Starting a nonprofit to support formerly incarcerated individuals with employment skillsWaleisah Wilson-Menefee
-
Positive experiences and personal growth from living in a group home during childhoodWaleisah Wilson-Menefee
-
Adapting to life in India and gaining awareness of social inequalitiesTeresa Njoroge
-
Community support and mentorship during childhoodMarketta Sims
-
Pursuing education while incarcerated to create future opportunitiesRobin Turner
-
Defining and identifying powerful women in prison based on their personal growth effortsHeather Jo Canuel
-
Identifying as a multi-faceted individual influenced by Black empowerment and historical revolutionistsRonald Marshall
-
Achieving an associate's degree in prison despite personal and systemic challengesSharon White-Harrigan
-
Mentorship and personal growth through education and writingKatrina Butler
-
The development and influence of peer networks in carceral settingsLinda Small
-
Reflecting on contributions to social justice and systemic changeAnisah Sabur
-
Addressing racism, colorism, and solidarity among women in a prison settingLeah Faria
-
Finding inspiration and support in a humanities course despite educational setbacksKatrina Butler
-
Barriers faced by formerly incarcerated individuals upon reentry into societyMaria Moon
-
The bond and support among women during challenging timesMaria Moon
-
Influential peers and mentors in personal and professional growthYolanda Johnson-Peterkin
-
Experiences of educational opportunities and discrimination in prisonLauren Hansen
-
Learning about civil rights figures and legal self-education during incarcerationDarrell Cannon
-
Becoming a primary caretaker for a sick parent as a teenagerKatrina Butler
-
Transitioning from part-time to full-time work and advocating for incarcerated women's educationChanel Rhymes
-
Creating a support program for women re-entering society after incarcerationCassandra Severe
-
Pursuing a career in social work and advocacy for alternatives to incarcerationDana Talbot
-
Using negotiation and inclusion to overcome challenges in project implementationYolanda Johnson-Peterkin
Load More Stories