Weekly Speaker Series

Pamela Winn is an activist from Atlanta, GA and single mother of two sons that studied Biology at Spelman College, obtained three postsecondary 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.

Dan’s book, The Sing Sing Files, is a gripping account of his two-decade crusade to free six innocent men wrongfully convicted of murder. Through meticulous research and unwavering advocacy, Dan uncovered systemic failures that led to these grave injustices. His narrative not only chronicles the harrowing experiences of the innocent but also delves into the emotional toll on their families and the activists fighting for their release.

Meet Mark Loughney (@loughneyart) —a draftsman, painter, and Pennsylvania native whose powerful art journey began in the confines of a prison cell. Mark’s late-night sketches captured raw emotions and experiences that have since evolved into profound works of art. His series, Pyrrhic Defeat: A Visual Study of Mass Incarceration, first debuted at MoMA PS1 in the acclaimed exhibition Marking Time: Art In The Age Of Mass Incarceration.

Topeka K. Sam is the Founder of The Ladies of Hope Ministries (The LOHM) and a prominent advocate for the dignity and rights of incarcerated women and girls. Since her release from federal prison in 2015, she has led national legislative efforts, produced media content addressing female incarceration, and served as a board member for key justice reform organizations. Her work has been widely recognized...

Michal 'Knot' Palmer was sentenced to two life-plus-20-years under the CCE Super Kingpin Crack Cocaine Statute but used his time in incarceration to grow and transform. He pursued education in Business Organization and became a paralegal, mentor, and life coach. His spiritual journey in prison inspired him to give back and serve others.

Termaine Hicks spent 19 years in prison after being wrongfully convicted due to police misconduct, including being shot in the back, falsely accused, and having evidence planted against him. His conviction was overturned in 2020 after the Innocence Project uncovered exculpatory DNA evidence and exposed lies told under oath by a police officer. Now a national speaker, Termaine advocates against wrongful convictions, gun violence, and more.

Machli (Moclee) has over 20 years of experience in higher education, specializing in community engagement, mentoring, and advocacy. As a justice-impacted professional, he views failure as a powerful teacher, offering opportunities for renewal and reinvention. Driven by faith and a commitment to equity, he leads efforts to unlock barriers and expand opportunities for disadvantaged communities through strategic leadership and impactful initiatives.

Jesse Crosson was sentenced to 138 years in prison for a robbery and nonfatal shooting committed at 18, but he transformed his life through education, mentorship, and advocacy during his 19 years of incarceration. Earning a bachelor’s degree, a journeyman’s electrical license, and founding a mental health support program, he also wrote for national publications. In 2021, Governor Ralph Northam granted him a conditional pardon...

David Ayala, a Brooklyn native, transformed his life after returning from federal prison in 2006 at the age of 33. He holds advanced degrees in nonprofit management and has dedicated his career to criminal justice reform, including leading efforts to pass Florida’s Amendment 4, restoring voting rights to 1.4 million individuals with felony convictions. And he is the Executive Director of FICPFM (