Panel Track: A Candid Conversation with Formerly Incarcerated Individuals

Go Back

Ms. Cunningham has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and master’s degrees in criminal justice and public administration. She served as a justice system practitioner and reentry professional for more than 30 years – holding the top leadership position in two of the largest community corrections agencies in America – Department of Criminal Justice-Parole (Texas) where she led a team of 2400 employees and managed a nearly $200 million budget and the Cook County Adult Probation Department (Chicago) which is in the largest unified court system in the world. She also performed related work in the private and not-for-profit space, including a period at the Vera Institute of Justice. Ms. Cunningham is currently pursuing credentials as a certified meeting planner and a certified association executive. She is a proud member of a number of professional organizations; recipient of numerous awards and recognitions; published in justice industry journals; actively supports three think tanks and task forces; and proudly serves on two volunteer board of directors.

Growing up in his South Philadelphia neighborhood, Tyrique Glasgow got caught up in life on the streets -- and was shot 11 times. But in 2011, after five years in prison, he returned home and began helping young people find another path. Now, on the block where he once sold drugs, his Young Chances Foundation runs a community center that’s a safe haven and source of support for the whole neighborhood -- providing free youth programs as well as food, basic necessities, and resources to hundreds of residents every week.

Tony Lewis, Jr. is an author, activist, criminal justice reformer, and reentry expert that has spent his adult life working tirelessly at the intersection of poverty, violence, mass incarceration, and trauma. His 23 years of servant leadership fostering community-based strategies to help prevent violence and increase public safety have brought much needed clarity and solutions to these complex problems. He has fought to create institutional change for those that require it most, while casting a bright light on their needs, hopes, and dreams. In the process, he has built coalitions and developed meaningful relationships with a wide variety of powerful stakeholders across the city and throughout the country. Mr. Lewis’ activism and advocacy has led to legislative/policy changes regarding children with incarcerated parents, voting rights for incarcerated residents, returning citizen hiring/housing, social equity, the arts, and gun violence prevention/intervention. He has been a leader locally and nationally around issues that have impacted communities of color the most. He has traveled the country lecturing about the collateral damage of mass incarceration and gun violence. He has organized efforts to address food insecurity, displacement, and access to opportunity. He has galvanized thousands across all demographics to take on personal responsibility to improve their circumstances and their communities. He has been a bridge and a translator of sorts between government and community. Mr. Lewis has been an example that transformational change is possible and continuous, no matter the circumstances. His work and advocacy have been featured on CNN, BET, The Breakfast Club, The Washington Post, and many media outlets. He resides in Washington, D.C., with his wife Jessica and their daughters Isabella and Sophie.