Our Leaders
The People below are helping guide our organization toward a collective community that promotes the education and empowerment of formerly incarcerated people
Terrell A. Blount is a dynamic motivational speaker, compassionate mentor, and visionary leader for individuals impacted by the legal system. As the co-founder and Executive Director of the Formerly Incarcerated College Graduates Network (FICGN), he helps system-impacted people attain higher education and achieve career success through support services, community organizing and advocacy.
Terrell brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his work, not only as a leader of the world’s largest network of formerly incarcerated professionals but also as a directly impacted person who has participated in postsecondary education both while incarcerated and in reentry. His extensive background in policy change and advocacy, program administration, philanthropy, technical assistance, and college reentry programs positions him as a well-rounded expert in the field.
Terrell earned a Bachelor of the Arts in Communication and a Master in Public Administration, both from Rutgers University.
Terrell A. Blount is a dynamic motivational speaker, compassionate mentor, and visionary leader for individuals impacted by the legal system. As the co-founder and Executive Director of the Formerly Incarcerated College Graduates Network (FICGN), he helps system-impacted people attain higher education and achieve career success through support services, community organizing and advocacy.
Terrell brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his work, not only as a leader of the world’s largest network of formerly incarcerated professionals but also as a directly impacted person who has participated in postsecondary education both while incarcerated and in reentry. His extensive background in policy change and advocacy, program administration, philanthropy, technical assistance, and college reentry programs positions him as a well-rounded expert in the field.
Terrell earned a Bachelor of the Arts in Communication and a Master in Public Administration, both from Rutgers University.
Vincent is a graduate student at the University of San Francisco, working on a Master’s degree in Organization & Leadership in the Department of Leadership Studies, within the School of Education. His goal is to become an educator, scholar and practitioner for programs that support formerly incarcerated college students and inform policies that impact formerly incarcerated students. He currently works for a program called Restoring Our Communities that supports formerly incarcerated students at Laney College. His Master’s Thesis was on creating a framework for the creation, implementation, operation and evaluation of what he terms “Campus Reentry Support” programs for formerly incarcerated students. He graduated from UC Berkeley in 2016 with BA in Sociology; graduated from Merritt College with 5 AA degrees and was once a certified union sound and communications data installer.
Vincent is a graduate student at the University of San Francisco, working on a Master’s degree in Organization & Leadership in the Department of Leadership Studies, within the School of Education. His goal is to become an educator, scholar and practitioner for programs that support formerly incarcerated college students and inform policies that impact formerly incarcerated students. He currently works for a program called Restoring Our Communities that supports formerly incarcerated students at Laney College. His Master’s Thesis was on creating a framework for the creation, implementation, operation and evaluation of what he terms “Campus Reentry Support” programs for formerly incarcerated students. He graduated from UC Berkeley in 2016 with BA in Sociology; graduated from Merritt College with 5 AA degrees and was once a certified union sound and communications data installer.
Derek Boyd is a recent formerly incarcerated graduate of Michael G. Foster School of Business at University of Washington, Seattle (BABA, 2021). In 2013, while still incarcerated, Derek co-founded Huskies for Opportunities in Prison Education, a UW Registered Student Organization—supporting incarcerated students in their academic pursuits and mobilizing the student body to engage on issues of mass incarceration. He remains actively involved with HOPE as a non-student member and alum.
As a former board member of Underground Ministries, Derek worked to expand reentry options for returning citizens. He stepped down from the board in December 2021 to take a staff position as the One Parish Prisoner program coordinator—fostering relationships of embrace and trust between the incarcerated and parishes in the communities to which they return.
Derek aspires to enter public accounting and is currently studying to sit for the CPA exam later this year. His interest lies in serving nonprofits, disadvantaged business entities, and formerly incarcerated entrepreneurs.
Derek Boyd is a recent formerly incarcerated graduate of Michael G. Foster School of Business at University of Washington, Seattle (BABA, 2021). In 2013, while still incarcerated, Derek co-founded Huskies for Opportunities in Prison Education, a UW Registered Student Organization—supporting incarcerated students in their academic pursuits and mobilizing the student body to engage on issues of mass incarceration. He remains actively involved with HOPE as a non-student member and alum.
As a former board member of Underground Ministries, Derek worked to expand reentry options for returning citizens. He stepped down from the board in December 2021 to take a staff position as the One Parish Prisoner program coordinator—fostering relationships of embrace and trust between the incarcerated and parishes in the communities to which they return.
Derek aspires to enter public accounting and is currently studying to sit for the CPA exam later this year. His interest lies in serving nonprofits, disadvantaged business entities, and formerly incarcerated entrepreneurs.
Bronwyn is an Assistant Professor of Community Psychology at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Her research program identifies factors that promote successful prisoner re-entry and reintegration by examining stigma, health, and well-being among individuals with criminal justice and substance abuse histories.
Specifically, she focuses on: 1) the relationship between stigma, stigma management, and health-related outcomes for individuals transitioning from prison to the community; and 2) program development and evaluation to improve health and well-being for women who have been involved in the criminal justice system. I am particularly interested in using participatory methods to develop university-community partnerships to affect individual, community, and policy change.
Bronwyn is an Assistant Professor of Community Psychology at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Her research program identifies factors that promote successful prisoner re-entry and reintegration by examining stigma, health, and well-being among individuals with criminal justice and substance abuse histories.
Specifically, she focuses on: 1) the relationship between stigma, stigma management, and health-related outcomes for individuals transitioning from prison to the community; and 2) program development and evaluation to improve health and well-being for women who have been involved in the criminal justice system. I am particularly interested in using participatory methods to develop university-community partnerships to affect individual, community, and policy change.
Known as “The Face of Dignity For Incarcerated Women”, Pamela Winn is an activist from Atlanta, GA who studied Biology at Spelman College, obtained three post-secondary degrees in Nursing, and worked more than 10 years as a Registered Nurse specializing in Women’s Health prior to serving a 78-month federal sentence for a white-collar crime while pregnant.
Winn is a co-founder of the Formerly Incarcerated Graduates Network and the GA Chapter of Higher Education in Prison which both promote higher education of convicted people. Pamela Winn is the founder of RestoreHER US.America, a policy advocacy organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of justice-impacted women.
Recognized by Forbes 50 over 50 Impact List, Winn is a national leader in policy passing the Dignity Bill in 21 states. Winn is a 2019 Soros Justice Fellow, has been invited to the White House, and has received numerous fellowships, accolades, and awards.
Known as “The Face of Dignity For Incarcerated Women”, Pamela Winn is an activist from Atlanta, GA who studied Biology at Spelman College, obtained three post-secondary degrees in Nursing, and worked more than 10 years as a Registered Nurse specializing in Women’s Health prior to serving a 78-month federal sentence for a white-collar crime while pregnant.
Winn is a co-founder of the Formerly Incarcerated Graduates Network and the GA Chapter of Higher Education in Prison which both promote higher education of convicted people. Pamela Winn is the founder of RestoreHER US.America, a policy advocacy organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of justice-impacted women.
Recognized by Forbes 50 over 50 Impact List, Winn is a national leader in policy passing the Dignity Bill in 21 states. Winn is a 2019 Soros Justice Fellow, has been invited to the White House, and has received numerous fellowships, accolades, and awards.
Dr. Stanley Andrisse is a formerly incarcerated person who is now an endocrinologist scientist at Johns Hopkins Medicine. Amongst many other things, he is a co-founder and Executive Director of From Prison Cells to PhD as well as a Board member for the Advocates for Goucher Prison Education Partnership (GPEP).
Dr. Stanley Andrisse is a formerly incarcerated person who is now an endocrinologist scientist at Johns Hopkins Medicine. Amongst many other things, he is a co-founder and Executive Director of From Prison Cells to PhD as well as a Board member for the Advocates for Goucher Prison Education Partnership (GPEP).
Dr. Beasley is an Assistant Professor at the University of Washington Tacoma, where he studies transitions from prison to college, leads the development of the Husky Post-Prison pathways initiative, and advises the Formerly Incarcerated Student Association. Dr. Beasley attended community college after leaving prison and “cut his social justice chops” fighting for queer liberation as an undergraduate student in the early 2000’s. He began organizing and supporting formerly incarcerated college students as a graduate student in the 2010’s and co-founded the FICGN in 2014. In addition to his scholarship, Dr. Beasley currently focuses on investing in student leaders while creating systems and structures in which they can realize their potential. He also serves as Board Director for From Prison Cells to Ph.D. while co-planning the annual Rise Up Conference and advising other efforts to develop higher education during and after incarceration.
Dr. Beasley is an Assistant Professor at the University of Washington Tacoma, where he studies transitions from prison to college, leads the development of the Husky Post-Prison pathways initiative, and advises the Formerly Incarcerated Student Association. Dr. Beasley attended community college after leaving prison and “cut his social justice chops” fighting for queer liberation as an undergraduate student in the early 2000’s. He began organizing and supporting formerly incarcerated college students as a graduate student in the 2010’s and co-founded the FICGN in 2014. In addition to his scholarship, Dr. Beasley currently focuses on investing in student leaders while creating systems and structures in which they can realize their potential. He also serves as Board Director for From Prison Cells to Ph.D. while co-planning the annual Rise Up Conference and advising other efforts to develop higher education during and after incarceration.
Staff
Haja Kamara is a dedicated advocate for equal access to higher education and prison education reform, focusing on creating opportunities for incarcerated learners. With over eight years of experience developing and implementing prison education programs at Rutgers University and a Bachelor’s degree in social work, she deeply understands the unique challenges incarcerated students face. Haja’s passion for guiding students through their academic journey began when she served as a mentor to youth in the Upward Bound program at Rutgers University. She quickly realized that supporting and guiding disadvantaged students was essential to their college success. Haja is now the Programs Director at FICGN, overseeing student support services for students impacted by the criminal justice system. Her expertise in higher education policy and extensive experience working with incarcerated learners make her a valuable member of the FICGN community.
Haja Kamara is a dedicated advocate for equal access to higher education and prison education reform, focusing on creating opportunities for incarcerated learners. With over eight years of experience developing and implementing prison education programs at Rutgers University and a Bachelor’s degree in social work, she deeply understands the unique challenges incarcerated students face. Haja’s passion for guiding students through their academic journey began when she served as a mentor to youth in the Upward Bound program at Rutgers University. She quickly realized that supporting and guiding disadvantaged students was essential to their college success. Haja is now the Programs Director at FICGN, overseeing student support services for students impacted by the criminal justice system. Her expertise in higher education policy and extensive experience working with incarcerated learners make her a valuable member of the FICGN community.
Lady Funcke holds a BA in Psychology and Human Services and Addiction Studies, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Palm Beach State College. She is an MSW and International Independent Global Study candidate at the University of Michigan School of Social Work. She is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for those in recovery from trauma, addiction, and societal stigmatization. She’s earned certifications in social services and counseling and has volunteered for organizations helping survivors of trauma and immigrant communities. As a member of the Student Government of the University of Michigan, she hopes to raise awareness of the importance of mental health resources and support for marginalized communities and inspire others who have faced similar obstacles. Following her own experience with incarceration, Lady became passionate about providing support and resources to others who face stigma when seeking a higher education or employment post-prison. “We served our sentences. We are human, we are strong, and we manifest our own hopes, capacity for achievement, and dreams of success.”
Lady Funcke holds a BA in Psychology and Human Services and Addiction Studies, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Palm Beach State College. She is an MSW and International Independent Global Study candidate at the University of Michigan School of Social Work. She is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for those in recovery from trauma, addiction, and societal stigmatization. She’s earned certifications in social services and counseling and has volunteered for organizations helping survivors of trauma and immigrant communities. As a member of the Student Government of the University of Michigan, she hopes to raise awareness of the importance of mental health resources and support for marginalized communities and inspire others who have faced similar obstacles. Following her own experience with incarceration, Lady became passionate about providing support and resources to others who face stigma when seeking a higher education or employment post-prison. “We served our sentences. We are human, we are strong, and we manifest our own hopes, capacity for achievement, and dreams of success.”
Luis Mattei Jr. is a formerly incarcerated scholar and advocate for Higher Education in Prison. During his nearly 20 years of incarceration, Luis pursued his post-secondary education via Second Chance Educational Alliance (S.C.E.A.) in partnership with Southern New Hampshire University and Yale University’s Yale Prison Education Initiative (YPEI). While incarcerated, Luis had articles published by the Education Trust and the Yale Daily Newson on the importance of HEP programs. Luis received a sentence commutation and was released from prison in June 2022. Since then, he has served as a curriculum evaluator for Dr. Mel Webb of the Trinity University of San Antonio, a consultant for the Connecticut Public Defender’s Office and the Center for Court Innovation, a guest lecturer for Quinnipiac and Southern New Hampshire Universities as well as the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). Luis currently resides in Connecticut and is FICGN’s Research Assistant.
Luis Mattei Jr. is a formerly incarcerated scholar and advocate for Higher Education in Prison. During his nearly 20 years of incarceration, Luis pursued his post-secondary education via Second Chance Educational Alliance (S.C.E.A.) in partnership with Southern New Hampshire University and Yale University’s Yale Prison Education Initiative (YPEI). While incarcerated, Luis had articles published by the Education Trust and the Yale Daily Newson on the importance of HEP programs. Luis received a sentence commutation and was released from prison in June 2022. Since then, he has served as a curriculum evaluator for Dr. Mel Webb of the Trinity University of San Antonio, a consultant for the Connecticut Public Defender’s Office and the Center for Court Innovation, a guest lecturer for Quinnipiac and Southern New Hampshire Universities as well as the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). Luis currently resides in Connecticut and is FICGN’s Research Assistant.
FICGN’s administrative assistant keeps busy. As a certified peer support counselor, Brian facilitates a group of formerly incarcerated artists in association with Justice Arts Coalition. He frequently collaborates with ABO Comix, talking on panels and advancing the conversation regarding the currently and formerly incarcerated queer community. They have had essays, poetry, and comix published, and he continues to grow through words and conversations. While incarcerated, Brian worked five years as a one-on-one facilitator for the Thresholds Decision Making and Writing for Self-Awareness programs collaborating with fellow incarcerated individuals to create various new programs, including a quick decision group lesson, a parenting workshop, and a personal essay lesson plan. They are also deep in the process of writing a fictional young adult book series.
FICGN’s administrative assistant keeps busy. As a certified peer support counselor, Brian facilitates a group of formerly incarcerated artists in association with Justice Arts Coalition. He frequently collaborates with ABO Comix, talking on panels and advancing the conversation regarding the currently and formerly incarcerated queer community. They have had essays, poetry, and comix published, and he continues to grow through words and conversations. While incarcerated, Brian worked five years as a one-on-one facilitator for the Thresholds Decision Making and Writing for Self-Awareness programs collaborating with fellow incarcerated individuals to create various new programs, including a quick decision group lesson, a parenting workshop, and a personal essay lesson plan. They are also deep in the process of writing a fictional young adult book series.
Former Board Leadership
Susie is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Texas at Austin whose research seeks to improve the communication about and within communities directly impacted by the criminalization system. As an active/ engaged/ public scholar, she shares her work in a variety of forums including guest lectures on college campuses, public speaking engagements, organizational trainings, and panel discussions. For an example of Susie’s public speaking, please see this TedX event at Texas State University, where she earned her MA in Communication Studies.
As Director of Communications for the Texas Inmate Families Association, Susie uses her training as a rhetorician and first-hand experience with the criminalization system to help families of incarcerated people tell their stories and advocate for policy change.
Susie is also a founding member of FICGN and serves on the Board of Directors as Secretary.
Susie is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Texas at Austin whose research seeks to improve the communication about and within communities directly impacted by the criminalization system. As an active/ engaged/ public scholar, she shares her work in a variety of forums including guest lectures on college campuses, public speaking engagements, organizational trainings, and panel discussions. For an example of Susie’s public speaking, please see this TedX event at Texas State University, where she earned her MA in Communication Studies.
As Director of Communications for the Texas Inmate Families Association, Susie uses her training as a rhetorician and first-hand experience with the criminalization system to help families of incarcerated people tell their stories and advocate for policy change.
Susie is also a founding member of FICGN and serves on the Board of Directors as Secretary.
