Podcasts about clean slate initiative

Chanda Smith Baker hosts a conversation with Sheena Meade, highlighting her journey from being a teen mom and facing domestic violence to becoming an advocate for criminal justice reform. Sheena shares her experiences with incarceration, including a $87.26 bounced check leading to arrest and the impact on her life. Sheena is the CEO of the Clean Slate initiative, which aims to automatically clear records for eligible individuals, with 12 states adopting such laws and 15 million people benefiting. The conversation emphasizes the need for bipartisan support, narrative change, and community involvement in criminal justice reform. Discover how her work with The Clean Slate Initiative is changing lives and transforming communities. www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker www.cleanslateinitiative.org Sponsored by: Greater Twin Cities United Way https://www.gtcuw.org/

“Don't do the crime if you can't do the time.” But how long after serving their prison sentence should we punish people? And in an economy fueled in large part by the prison industrial complex, what kind of crimes should warrant keeping a person unemployed, unhoused, and in a cycle of poverty? This week, host Sarah Jones talks to Sheena Meade, the director of the Clean Slate Initiative, about the barriers Americans face when they're no longer behind bars. You can follow Sarah Jones, see pod updates, and respond to AWHY prompts @yesimsarahjones on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. This podcast was produced in collaboration with The Meteor.

In a compelling episode of #SundayCivics, L. Joy brings Sheena Meade, CEO of the Clean Slate Initiative, to the front of the class to shed light on the transformative impact of providing second chances through policy reform. This conversation couldn't have been more timely, as the need for systemic change continues to be a pressing issue in our society.

This week on Everyday Injustice we have Erik Altieri, the Interim Director of Campaigns for the Clean Slate Initiative. The Clean Slate Initiative passes and implements laws that automatically clear eligible records for people who have completed their sentence and remained crime-free, and expands who is eligible for clearance. Their vision: “People will no longer be defined by their records and will have the opportunity to contribute to their community, have a fair opportunity to work, get an education, and achieve their full potential.” Listen as Everyday Injustice talks with Erik Altieri about the impact of low level convictions and the difficulty of getting jobs, housing, benefits and even being able to attend universities and colleges.

Sheena Meade On Getting Arrested Over A $87 Bounced Check, The Clean Slate Initiative, + MoreSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent events have compelled nonprofit organizations to change the way they get work done, how they deliver their services, and what they do to achieve a more just and equitable society. So, The Business of Giving has connected with those organizations that are doing this exceptionally well in a segment we call: The Paths Forward. Because there is more than just one way.

The following is a conversation between Sheena Meade, Chief Executive Officer of Clean Slate Initiative, and Denver Frederick, the Host of The Business of Giving.

Sheena Meade, CEO of the Clean Slate Initiative, discusses part of the debate over criminal justice reform dealing with criminal records. A "Clean Slate" law would automatically expunge many convictions from criminal records after a set number of years of the person not having any further criminal problems.

More than 30 million people in the US are eligible to have their arrest and conviction records cleared -- but most people who qualify either can't afford it or simply don't know it's an option. In this gripping talk, second chance advocate and 2023 Audacious Project grantee Sheena Meade makes the case for "clean slate" laws that streamline this complicated process, increasing access to work, housing and education opportunities for millions of people. Learn how her team at the Clean Slate Initiative has already helped pass these laws in six US states and how they're now working to unlock record clearance for millions more, so everyone can get a true shot at becoming their best selves. (This ambitious plan is a part of the Audacious Project, TED's initiative to inspire and fund global change.)

More than 30 million people in the US are eligible to have their arrest and conviction records cleared -- but most people who qualify either can't afford it or simply don't know it's an option. In this gripping talk, second chance advocate and 2023 Audacious Project grantee Sheena Meade makes the case for "clean slate" laws that streamline this complicated process, increasing access to work, housing and education opportunities for millions of people. Learn how her team at the Clean Slate Initiative has already helped pass these laws in six US states and how they're now working to unlock record clearance for millions more, so everyone can get a true shot at becoming their best selves. (This ambitious plan is a part of the Audacious Project, TED's initiative to inspire and fund global change.)

More than 30 million people in the US are eligible to have their arrest and conviction records cleared -- but most people who qualify either can't afford it or simply don't know it's an option. In this gripping talk, second chance advocate and 2023 Audacious Project grantee Sheena Meade makes the case for "clean slate" laws that streamline this complicated process, increasing access to work, housing and education opportunities for millions of people. Learn how her team at the Clean Slate Initiative has already helped pass these laws in six US states and how they're now working to unlock record clearance for millions more, so everyone can get a true shot at becoming their best selves. (This ambitious plan is a part of the Audacious Project, TED's initiative to inspire and fund global change.)

Sheena Meade, CEO of the Clean Slate Initiative, joins Daniella to discuss her arrest and journey as an activist; key barriers justice-involved individuals face in reentering society; and commonsense policies state and federal lawmakers can pass to provide more second chances. Daniella and Colin also talk about a dangerous Texas court ruling on medication abortion, and MAGA extremists' racism and prejudice in Tennessee and Florida.

In this episode, Ana and Jeffrey discuss Ana's career journey, how she was drawn into the criminal justice reform, and how she's ended up going further than she even could have dreamt. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WROp4iIBFFs Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Learn more: Recording date: 2/28/23 Ana: https://twitter.com/anarzamora https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-zamora-6180ab17/ The Just Trust: https://www.thejusttrust.org/ https://twitter.com/thejusttrust https://www.facebook.com/TheJustTrust/ https://www.instagram.com/thejusttrust/ Other resources: https://www.openhousesf.org/ Ana: Until I crossed over into philanthropy in 2018, I spent my career fighting on the front lines of criminal justice reform—as an organizer, advocate, and campaigner. I've been in the trenches of this work when we lost way more than we won. I know the deep, painful sting of losing a major campaign that you've thrown your whole heart into. I also know what it feels like to be part of progress. It's these experiences that built my advocacy chops and taught me that the pathway to real change is crooked, rife with setbacks, and that no map exists to help you traverse it. My journey began in an administrative role with the California Appellate Project, an organization that provides legal services to people in California facing execution. There I learned about the harm and stigma that our punitive, unforgiving system has on communities and families, including my own. I then spent the next ten years working at the ACLU, ultimately as director of criminal justice reform. Using integrated advocacy, I worked to advance issues including sentencing reform, reducing use of the death penalty, legislative and administrative reforms around wrongful convictions, and greater prosecutorial accountability through voter education and engagement. During these years, I also served in leadership roles in two California ballot measures: as Deputy Campaign Manager for Yes on 34 in 2012 and as Campaign Manager for No on 66 in 2016. And I launched the first ever statewide prosecutor accountability campaign, simply called: “Meet Your DA.” In my advocacy life, I was deeply frustrated with the extreme lack of resources in our movement—especially for organizations with directly impacted leaders. I saw philanthropy as a critical unlock and eventually moved into a new role as director of criminal justice reform at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), which became one of the largest funders of frontline criminal justice reform work in the country—a $143 million portfolio in just under three years. My team at CZI backed key wins like Measure 110 in Oregon to decriminalize all drug possession; helped defeat Proposition 20 in California, which sought to roll back key justice reforms; funded the Clean Slate Initiative, supporting record-clearing policies for millions of people in Pennsylvania, Utah, Michigan, and other states; and, importantly, supported countless reform and organizing efforts led by directly impacted groups, in states often passed over like West Virginia, Kentucky, and North Carolina. In my personal life, I am proud to serve on the Board of Directors of Openhouse in San Francisco, which serves LGBTQ+ seniors. It's an honor and a privilege to now lead The Just Trust—where I get to wear all of my hats and channel the stings of losses, the glory of wins, and the hope that I feel from across this powerful, diverse, ever-evolving fight for justice, safety, and wellbeing.

In this episode, the “Our Voice” podcast goes on the road to Salt Lake City, Utah, to capture the perspectives of those participating in the Clean Slate Summit: Free Expungement Clinic – hosted by the Utah Jazz, The NBA Social Justice Coalition, Clean Slate Utah, and Rasa Legal. Guest host Mrs. Sheena Meade – CEO for the Clean Slate Initiative – is joined by Destiny Garcia – Executive Director of the Clean Slate Initiative Utah. Listen in as our esteemed host and guest dive deeply into the topic of removing barriers to mobility for people seeking a second chance after coming into contact with the criminal legal system.

In this episode, the “Our Voice” podcast goes on the road to Salt Lake City, Utah, to capture the perspectives of those participating in the Clean Slate Summit: Free Expungement Clinic – hosted by the Utah Jazz, The NBA Social Justice Coalition, Clean Slate Utah, and Rasa Legal. Guest host Mrs. Sheena Meade – Executive Director for the Clean Slate Initiative – is joined by Mr. James Cadogen – Executive Director of the National Basketball Social Justice Coalition.

In this episode, the “Our Voice” podcast goes on the road to the nation's capital, Washington, DC. Special guest host Mrs. Sheena Meade – Executive Director for the Clean Slate Initiative – welcomes Ms. Holly Harris – President and Executive Director for the Justice Action Network. The Justice Action Network is one of the largest organizations in the country to bring together progressive and conservative partners and collaborate with law enforcement, business, civil rights, victims' rights, and faith-based groups to make our justice system fairer and more effective. Listen in as these two influential criminal justice reform leaders address a question fundamental to ending America's mass incarceration problem. What is justice on the federal level?

The “Our Voice” podcast travels to Atlanta, Georgia, in this episode. Hosts Sheena Meade–Executive Director for the Clean Slate Initiative, and Neil Volz–Deputy Director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, welcome Brittany White–formerly incarcerated person, Decarceration Director for Live Free, and Organizing Fellow at The Institute to End Mass Incarceration. In August of 2022, The Institute to End Mass Incarceration at Harvard Law School and the Harvard Radcliffe Institute announced the joint appointment of Brittany as a visiting practitioner in residence for the 2022–2023 academic year. The announcement of this prestigious appointment came just before President Biden announced an executive order pardoning all prior federal offenses of simple marijuana possession. As a formerly incarcerated person–who served five years in state prison for trafficking marijuana–Brittany shares her thoughts on the Biden pardons. She also talks about how she has overcome “survivor's guilt” to become an influential criminal justice reform strategist with national influence.

Stand Up is a daily podcast that I book,host,edit, post and promote new episodes with brilliant guests every day. Please subscribe now for as little as 5$ and gain access to a community of over 800 awesome, curious, kind, funny, brilliant, generous souls Check out StandUpwithPete.com to learn more Maura Quint  is a humor writer and activist whose work has been featured in publications such as McSweeneys and The New Yorker. She was named one of Rolling Stone's top 25 funniest twitter accounts of 2016. When not writing comedy, Maura has worked extensively with non-profits in diverse sectors including political action campaigns, international arts collectives and health and human services organizations. She has never been officially paid to protest but did once find fifteen cents on the ground at an immigrants' rights rally and wanted to make sure that had been disclosed. She was the co founder and executive director of TaxMarch.org  She is now the Wealth Tax Campaign Director at the Americans for Tax Fairness Rebecca Vallas is a senior fellow and co-director of The Century Foundation's Disability Economic Justice Collaborative, where she leads TCF's work to achieve economic justice for people with disabilities and their families. Vallas joins TCF after seven years at the Center for American Progress, during which she helped to build and lead CAP's Poverty to Prosperity Program, in a range of roles, including as the program's first policy director and managing director, and later as vice president. During her time at CAP, Vallas also helped to establish CAP's Disability Justice Initiative—the first disability policy project at a U.S. think tank—as well as the organization's criminal justice reform work. Listen to her podcast "Off Kilter"   Much of Vallas's policy and advocacy work flows from her years as a legal aid lawyer. In partnership with her legal aid alma mater, she co-developed the “clean slate” model of automated, automatic criminal record-clearing that is now law in Pennsylvania, Utah, Michigan, Connecticut, Delaware, Virginia, and advancing in additional states—while advancing national momentum for removing barriers to economic opportunity for justice-impacted individuals and families. In 2019, she co-founded the Clean Slate Initiative, a national organization supporting state efforts to adopt clean slate policies. Vallas previously served as the deputy director of government affairs for the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives, working to protect and strengthen the Social Security disability programs, including as co-chair of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) Social Security Task Force. Forever a legal aid lawyer at heart, Vallas spent several years representing low-income individuals and families at Community Legal Services in Philadelphia, where she began her work as a Skadden Fellow, and was the inaugural recipient of the National Legal Aid and Defender Association's New Leaders in Advocacy Award. Vallas has authored dozens of policy reports on antipoverty policy, income security, disability policy, access to justice, and criminal records/reentry policy; testified before Congress and state legislatures on numerous occasions; and been cited and quoted in media outlets across the country. She is also the creator and host of Off-Kilter, a nationally distributed podcast about poverty, inequality, and everything they intersect with. Vallas serves on the Board of Directors of the National Academy of Social Insurance and is a member of the Academy's 2020–2021 Economic Security Study Panel. Vallas was twice named to Forbes magazine's “30 Under 30” for law and policy, and later to Emory University's “40 Under 40.” She received her law degree from the University of Virginia and graduated summa cum laude from Emory University, where she received a bachelor's degree in psychology. In a past life, she was an operatically trained mezzo soprano. She's the proud mother of three rescue kitties. Check out all things Jon Carroll Follow and Support Pete Coe Pete on YouTube Pete on Twitter Pete On Instagram Pete Personal FB page

Following decades of failed tough-on-crime policies in the United States, between 70 million and 100 million Americans now have some type of criminal record, standing in the way of basics like jobs and housing for a huge swath of the nation's citizens. But a policy that's been gaining bipartisan steam in the states over the past five years, known as “Clean Slate,” has started to chip away at that gargantuan figure, by enabling people to have eligible records automatically wiped after they remain crime-free. In a special episode of Off-Kilter recorded at the Clean Slate Initiative's first annual convening in Detroit, Rebecca sat down with several of the leaders in the Clean Slate movement to talk recent wins in the states, how people's lives are being changed for the better, and the road ahead for criminal record-clearing with tough-on-crime rhetoric on the rise.  This episode's guests: Sheena Meade, managing director of the Clean Slate Initiative; Sharon Dietrich, litigation director at Community Legal Services in Philadelphia; Noella Sudbury, executive director of Clean Slate Utah; Josh Hoe, policy analyst at Safe and Just Michigan; and Zaki Smith, one of the leaders of the Clean Slate New York campaign. For more: Learn more about and get involved with the Clean Slate Initiative at cleanslateinitiative.org Here's a deeper dive on the rise of automatic record-clearing Learn more about Clean Slate PA, Clean Slate Utah, and Clean Slate Michigan Learn more about Zaki's mural campaign for second chances

Following decades of failed tough-on-crime policies in the United States, between 70 million and 100 million Americans now have some type of criminal record, standing in the way of basics like jobs and housing for a huge swath of the nation's citizens. But a policy that's been gaining bipartisan steam in the states over the past five years, known as “Clean Slate,” has started to chip away at that gargantuan figure, by enabling people to have eligible records automatically wiped after they remain crime-free. In a special episode of Off-Kilter recorded at the Clean Slate Initiative's first annual convening in Detroit, Rebecca sat down with several of the leaders in the Clean Slate movement to talk recent wins in the states, how people's lives are being changed for the better, and the road ahead for criminal record-clearing with tough-on-crime rhetoric on the rise. This episode's guests: Sheena Meade, managing director of the Clean Slate Initiative; Sharon Dietrich, litigation director at Community Legal Services in Philadelphia; Noella Sudbury, executive director of Clean Slate Utah; Josh Hoe, policy analyst at Safe and Just Michigan; and Zaki Smith, one of the leaders of the Clean Slate New York campaign. For more: Learn more about and get involved with the Clean Slate Initiative at cleanslateinitiative.org Here's a deeper dive on the rise of automatic record-clearing Learn more about Clean Slate PA, Clean Slate Utah, and Clean Slate Michigan Learn more about Zaki's mural campaign for second chances

Sometimes those with a criminal history are unfairly discriminated against as they try to get housing, a job, and back into civil society. The R Street Institute's Jillian Snider talks with Boyd about the Clean Slate Initiative, which could help those with criminal records get a hand up. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy Friday Aurora! Tune in for exciting upcoming events. It's been a super long week but we all made it! Here's what's going on this weekend: - Get ready for On The Wall Hip Hop Fest. There will be cars, music, food and a good time! Be sure to take lots of pictures! - September the 28th from 5 to 6 pm is this month's Social Justice Committee Meeting, hosted by the office of State Rep. Barbara Hernandez. Special guests will be Cabrini Green Legal Aid on the Clean Slate Initiative. To register click this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUkcemvpj0pHNDSCxlZ_ySZ_aXR-lR1Ea5T - Our friends of the Quad County Urban League are hosting their Annual Equality Gala on October 30th of this year. The theme is Transformation: Reunite, Reconnect & rebuild. For more information or to purchase tickets visit this link: https://www.qcul.org/2021-annual-equality-gala That's it for the news! Have a great and wonderful weekend. Stay tuned for all we have coming, I promise you, it will be something never witnessed by human eye's. Get to know us and check out all of our videos by subscribing to our YouTube Channel. Click this link: https://www.youtube.com/c/GoodMorningAuroraPodcast The second largest city's first daily news podcast is here. Tune in everyday to our FB Live from 8 am to 9 am. Make sure to like and subscribe to stay updated on all things Aurora. Twitter: goodmorningaur1 Instagram: goodmorningaurorail Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6dVweK5Zc4uPVQQ0Fp1vEP... Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../good-morning.../id1513229463 Anchor: https://anchor.fm/goodmorningaurora #aurorail #positivevibes #positiveenergy #downtownaurora #kanecountyil #bataviail #genevail #stcharlesil #saintcharlesil #elginil #northaurorail #auroramedia #auroranews #goodmorning #goodmorningaurora #news #dailynews #subscribe #youtube #podcast #spotify #morningshow #morningnews #weekend --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/goodmorningaurora/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/goodmorningaurora/support

Taco Tuesday crawl tomorrow, coffee, a cold brew w/ cream and sugar and a hot honey oat latte. Fancy. With us today we have our friend Barraza Esmeralda of Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry to talk hunger action and community events! Let's get it! - First things first, tomorrow the 28th from 5 to 6 pm is this month's Social Justice Committee Meeting, hosted by the office of Representative Barbara Hernandez. Special guests will be Cabrini Green Legal Aid on the Clean Slate Initiative. To register click this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUkcemvpj0pHNDSCxlZ_ySZ_aXR-lR1Ea5T - Registration is open for the NAMI 5K, A Run For Mental Health! This will take place Saturday October 2nd and there are options for virtual or in-person participation. Take part in something fun and motivating! For information and registration visit this link: https://nami5k.com/ - Nov 5 will be the First Friday for November and friend of the show Josue Paiz will be showcasing art titled: For The Love Of Frida at Charlie's Silver Spoon Creamery located at 6 E Downer Place. Shouts out to our friend Josue and to Charlie's Creamery. The flyer will be shared on our social media. - Lastly, don't forget about the Citizen's Police Academy hosted by the Kane County Sheriff's Office. This free 10 week course provides first-hand knowledge of how policing works in our community. This is held Wednesdays from October 6th thru December 15th from 6 to 8 pm. You can register online by visiting this link: https://www.kanesheriff.com/ What a great way to start off the week! We learned a lot, had some laughs, and remembered why we're doing what we're doing. It's all for the benefit of others. We still need subscribers on YouTube. Check out the full spectrum of Aurora, subscribe and stay tuned to what's coming next. Click this link to subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/GoodMorningAuroraPodcast The second largest city's first daily news podcast is here. Tune in everyday to our FB Live from 8 am to 9 am. Make sure to like and subscribe to stay updated on all things Aurora. Twitter: goodmorningaur1 Instagram: goodmorningaurorail Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6dVweK5Zc4uPVQQ0Fp1vEP... Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../good-morning.../id1513229463 Anchor: https://anchor.fm/goodmorningaurora #aurorail #positivevibes #positiveenergy #downtownaurora #kanecountyil #bataviail #genevail #stcharlesil #saintcharlesil #elginil #northaurorail #auroramedia #auroranews #goodmorning #goodmorningaurora #news #dailynews #subscribe #youtube #podcast #spotify #morningshow #morningnews #monday #mariewilkinsonsfoodpantry --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/goodmorningaurora/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/goodmorningaurora/support

This week, Busy & Caissie welcome a guest co-host, their friend & American Horror Story star, Leslie Grossman! They discuss how they are each doing their best. Topics include old Hollywood tricks for dealing with farts, anti-vaxxer angst, literally taping your own mouth shut, why celebrities can't stop bragging about not bathing, how Sarah Paulson is the best and so much more. Then, Sheena Meade, the executive director of The Clean Slate Initiative, drops by to talk about a series of moments in her life that would eventually lead her to a calling that is changing the lives of so many, for the better. SPONSORS: OliveAndJune.com PROMO CODE: BEST Sakara.com/Busy PROMO CODE: BUSY FunctionofBeauty.com/best www.foriawellness.com/best PROMO CODE: BEST EachAndEvery.com/BEST PROMO CODE: BEST30 AthleticGreens.com/busy

Stand Up is a daily podcast. I book,host,edit, post and promote new episodes with brilliant guests every day. Please subscribe now for as little as 5$ and gain access to a community of over 800 awesome, curious, kind, funny, brilliant, generous souls If you are interested in saving money on cannabis get a prescription right now from Veriheal.com/Pete The Earth is flat, the World Trade Center collapse was a controlled demolition, planes are spraying poison to control the weather, and actors faked the Sandy Hook massacre … All these claims are bunk: falsehoods, mistakes, and in some cases, outright lies. But many people passionately believe one or more of these conspiracy theories. They consume countless books and videos, join like-minded online communities, try to convert those around them, and even, on occasion, alienate their own friends and family. Why is this, and how can you help people, especially those closest to you, break free from the downward spiral of conspiracy thinking? In Escaping the Rabbit Hole, author Mick West shares over a decade's worth of knowledge and experience investigating and debunking false conspiracy theories through his forum, MetaBunk.org, and sets forth a practical guide to helping friends and loved ones recognize these theories for what they really are. Perhaps counterintuitively, the most successful approaches to helping individuals escape a rabbit hole aren't comprised of simply explaining why they are wrong; rather, West's tried-and-tested approach emphasizes clear communication based on mutual respect, honesty, openness, and patience. West puts his debunking techniques and best practices to the test with four of the most popular false conspiracy theories today (Chemtrails, 9/11 Controlled Demolition, False Flags, and Flat Earth)―providing road maps to help you to understand your friend and help them escape the rabbit hole. These are accompanied by real-life case studies of individuals who, with help, were able to break free from conspiracism. Rebecca Vallas is a senior fellow at The Century Foundation, where her work focuses on economic justice. Vallas joins TCF after seven years at the Center for American Progress, during which she helped to build and lead CAP's Poverty to Prosperity Program, in a range of roles, including as the program's first policy director and managing director, and later as vice president. During her time at CAP, Vallas also helped to establish CAP's Disability Justice Initiative—the first disability policy project at a U.S. think tank—as well as the organization's criminal justice reform work. Much of Vallas's policy and advocacy work flows from her years as a legal aid lawyer. In partnership with her legal aid alma mater, she co-developed the “clean slate” model of automated, automatic criminal record-clearing that is now law in Pennsylvania, Utah, and Michigan and advancing in additional states—while advancing national momentum for removing barriers to economic opportunity for justice-impacted individuals and families. In 2019, she co-founded the Clean Slate Initiative, a national organization supporting state efforts to adopt clean slate policies. Vallas previously served as the deputy director of government affairs for the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives, working to protect and strengthen the Social Security disability programs, including as co-chair of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) Social Security Task Force. Forever a legal aid lawyer at heart, Vallas spent several years representing low-income individuals and families at Community Legal Services in Philadelphia, where she began her work as a Skadden Fellow, and was the inaugural recipient of the National Legal Aid and Defender Association's New Leaders in Advocacy Award. Vallas has authored dozens of policy reports on antipoverty policy, income security, disability policy, access to justice, and criminal records/reentry policy; testified before Congress and state legislatures on numerous occasions; and been cited and quoted in media outlets across the country. She is also the creator and host of Off-Kilter, a nationally distributed podcast about poverty, inequality, and everything they intersect with. Vallas serves on the Board of Directors of the National Academy of Social Insurance and is a member of the Academy's 2020–2021 Economic Security Study Panel. Vallas was twice named to Forbes magazine's “30 Under 30” for law and policy, and later to Emory University's “40 Under 40.” She received her law degree from the University of Virginia and graduated summa cum laude from Emory University, where she received a bachelor's degree in psychology. In a past life, she was an operatically trained mezzo soprano. She's the proud mother of four rescue kitties. Pete on YouTube Pete on Twitter Pete On Instagram Pete Personal FB page

Off-Kilter continues our Second Chance Month series with two of the directly impacted leaders driving transformational change on second chance policies and rights restoration in the states, who also happen to be a powerhouse husband-wife team: Desmond Meade, executive director of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, best known for the visionary Amendment 4 campaign that restored the right to vote for 1.4 million people with felony convictions in Florida—and Sheena Meade, one of the leaders in the Amendment 4 campaign and now the managing director of the Clean Slate Initiative, a bipartisan national movement to expand record-clearing and make it automatic to put second chances within reach for everyone, not just folks who can afford a lawyer.