Advisors
A results-oriented leader with over 15 years of experience in the criminal justice reform and social services non-profit sectors, Rachel brings a wealth of expertise in operations, fundraising, and program development. Currently pursuing a PhD in Criminal Justice at the University of Cincinnati, Rachel has a proven track record of leading and growing non-profit organizations, fostering innovation, and securing significant funding.
Dr. Alix M. McLearen is a licensed clinical psychologist, federal law enforcement officer, and seasoned executive with decades of experience in corrections. Appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland in 2022, she led the National Institute of Corrections, shaping correctional policies for over 750,000 professionals across the country. Dr. McLearen has held numerous leadership roles in the Bureau of Prisons, including Chief Psychologist, National Administrator of the Women and Special Populations Branch, and Senior Deputy Assistant Director of Reentry Services. She has been a trailblazer in improving reentry practices, creating programs for vulnerable populations, and advancing innovative solutions in correctional settings.
Belen brings a unique blend of legal expertise and firsthand experience to the Alliance for Incarcerated Women. A successful entrepreneur, with a passion for criminal justice reform, Belen leverages her sharp legal acumen and strategic thinking to advocate for incarcerated women.
Currently, Belen serves as the CArice Director at the Law Offices of Paul Petruzzi, a renowned federal criminal defense firm in Miami. Her insights have also been featured in various media outlets, further amplifying her voice for reform. Belen has assisted numerous individuals with
early release and navigating complex legal matters.
Tiana Smith is a Senior Policy Analyst with The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice
Center, Corrections and Reentry Division. She provides technical assistance for the OJJDP-funded program addressing the needs of incarcerated parents and their children, helping states enhance visitation policies and implement supportive programs. Tiana also has lived experience, as her msther was incarcerated during her childhood, leading her to age out of the child welfare system. She holds a BA in Human
Services from La Roche University and an MS in Criminal Justice Administration from Point Park
University.
Amanda Woolford is the Director of Women’s Services for the Maine Department of Cortections, with nearly 20 years of correctional and case management experience.
She has led organizational change through several administrations and implemented innovative strategies that have positively impacted the lives of both juvenile and adult offenders. Amanda holds a BS from Northeastern University and an MS from Boston University, and she is a champion for ethical, dynamic, and cutting-edge correctional practices and passionate about gender responsive and trauma informed approaches.
Wandjell Harvey-Robinson, a resilient advocate, founded The Freedom Child Foundation to support children with incarcerated parents. Her own experience with parental incarceration at age 8 fuels her mission. At 19, she successfully lobbied the FCC to reduce prison phone rates, a indmark achievement. She also championed Illinois House Bill 6200, lowering call rates to $0.07 per minute. The Freedom Child Foundation, currently focused on Houston, offers support to these children. Wandjell’s work has gained recognition from various organizations and media outlets.
Dr. Meyer is an Associate Professor of Medicine and Public Health at Yale and directs the Infectious Disease fellowship program. Board-certified in Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases, and Addiction Medicine, she leads an NIH-funded lab focused on HIV prevention and treatment for women, particularly those involved in the criminal legal system, drawing on her experience as an HIV care provider at Connecticut’s only women’s prison and jail.
Julie Abbate is the National Advocacy Director at Just Detention International, with over 30 years of experience in correctional law and policy. She previously served as Deputy Chief in the Civil Rights Division at the U.S. Department of Justice, where she helped lead national efforts to prevent custodial sexual abuse. Julie is a certified PREA auditor and a longtime advocate for the rights of incarcerated individuals, holding degrees from the University of Michigan and Howard University School of Law.
With over 25 years of leadership experience, Julia specializes in driving systemic change and developing future leaders.
Leveraging expertise in interconnected challenges and lived experience in the criminal justice system, Julia delivers impactful results for organizations seeking to reform criminal justice.