After my husband was murdered | Dionne Wilson | TEDxSanQuentin 2016
In 2005, Dionne Wilson’s police officer husband was killed in the line of duty. She wanted his killer found and sentenced to death. Speaking from the stage at San Quentin State Prison where her husband's killer sits on Death Row, listen to Dionne's story. As the Survivor Outreach Coordinator for Californians for Safety & Justice, Dionne Wilson speaks with crime survivors all across California. Through the Insight Prison Project, Dionne also meets with men and women convicted of violent crimes and has found that restorative justice practices are far more effective at stopping crime than vengeance has ever been. Through this work, Dionne has discovered a newfound passion for life and love of people that didn’t seem possible after her own husband was murdered. She now advocates for services that break the cycle of violence: trauma recovery for victims, drug treatment, mental health services, education, and job training.
Undefinable relationship | Michelle Gunderson + Sheila Pessinguia | TEDxWashingtonCorrectionsCenterforWomen 2015
Life is a journey that constantly changes and can shift direction at any time. How we handle the changes along the way can significantly shape our future. I once heard a saying that defines a time in my life that really did take an unexpected shift in direction: “Stand up for what you believe in, even if you are standing alone.” It is something that I try and remember each and every time I am faced with challenges in life. Michelle Gunderson is 34 years old. She was born in Seattle, Washington and grew up loving the outdoors. Camping is one of her favorite pastimes. Michelle is competitive and finds great joy while playing sports. She is a nationally certified Braille transcriber. She is a leader, a problem solver, and a motivator. Michelle is a warrior. She has the ability to persevere through any circumstance. Sheila Pessinguia grew up in the Pacific Northwest, completed my bachelor’s degree in Sociology at the University of Arizona and my master’s degree in Criminal Justice at the University of Cincinnati. I am currently employed as a Juvenile Probation Supervisor.
Resiliency and recovery | Jennifer Storm | TEDxMuncyStatePrison 2014
Jennifer Storm, Pennsylvania’s Victim Advocate, shares her personal story of healing from sexual abuse, followed by self-destructive drug and alcohol addiction, in “Resiliency & Recovery.’’ Her journey of recovery has resulted in a career dedicated to helping other victims through public service. As the state's Victim Advocate, Ms. Storm is responsible for representing the rights and interests of crime victims. Her duties include notifying crime victims of potential for inmate release and movement with the correctional system, as well of offering the victims an opportunity to provide testimony and other assistance.
A journey of forgiveness | Ellen Rutledge | TEDxIronwoodStatePrison 2014
From the perspective of a mother whose son was murdered in 2008, Ellen Rutledge speaks on the topic of her journey of forgiveness, which is the ultimate gift to herself. Ellen Rutledge began her second career in the clerical field at Ironwood State Prison after resigning from the Palo Verde Unified School District where she worked as a Paraprofessional in Special Education for nearly 30 years, beginning with the elementary grade levels and progressing to the high school senior level. Since the murder of her son, she has been compelled to speak out on topics that reflect her journey through the grieving and forgiveness process. She is actively involved with the planning of the Crime Victims’ Service conducted annually during the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week at Ironwood State Prison in conjunction with Chuckawalla State Prison.