Whose foot is on my neck? | Gloria Bridget | TEDxIronwoodStatePrison 2014
Gloria Bridget has been working in the criminal justice field for over 10 years as a Case Manager for The Female Offender Treatment and Employment Program, Transitional Counselor for the Re-Entry program at Ironwood State Prison, and as well as a Motivational Speaker. She has assisted thousands of people, including offenders, change their lives and reintegrate into society. Because of Gloria‘s professionalism, expertise, training, and commitment she is able to overcome many of the challenges that are presented to her. Using her education, life experiences, and networking she is committed to enhancing peoples‘ lives every day.
Damaged petals | Bertrand Thompson | TEDxIronwoodStatePrison 2014
Bertrand Thompson's poem explores how underdeveloped minds plagued by the effects of abnormal conditioning can create a lapse in reasoning, which gives rise to the alarming rates of juvenile and adolescent incarceration. Like a lot of our youth, Bertrand Thompson was once caught up in the gravitational pull of the streets. He got involved with drugs, alcohol and associated himself with like mentalities. For years he cultivated the kind of behavior that served as and contributed to the perplexing problems plaguing our neighborhoods. These days in his striving, he utilizes his experience and knowledge to conduct the kind of consciousness that demonstrates beneficial change as he strives to regain the trust of our communities and help bridge the social gap between the incarcerated and society.
The importance of fathers | Correctional Officer Calvin Williams | TEDxIronwoodStatePrison 2014
Single father of 3 children, Correctional Officer Calvin Williams of Ironwood State Prison speaks about the importance of being a father. Calvin Williams is a widower and a single father of three wonderful children. A spiritual man, he believes we should love God, our family, and all God's creations, including ourselves. He also believes we should all work for what we get. He is a peace officer and is employed at Ironwood State Prison.
Prison to school pipeline: education as transformation | Douglas Wood | TEDxIronwoodStatePrison 2014
Inside prison, education can be the pathway to transformation. Dr. Douglas E. Wood is Director of the Aspen Institute’s Criminal Justice Reform Initiative. From 2011-2018, he was a program officer at the Ford Foundation on the Youth Opportunity and Learning team and for nearly two years served as Acting Lead of the foundation’s global Higher Education for Social Justice initiative, managing grants in the U.S., Colombia, Peru, Chile, Southern Africa, Egypt and China. He also funded a myriad of programmatic grants focused on criminal justice reform at the national, state and local levels including investigative journalism, theater and documentary film. Prior to joining Ford, he was Executive Director and Chief Education Officer of the Tennessee State Board of Education, chair of the Basic Education Program Review Committee that oversees Tennessee’s $3.2 billion K-12 budget, a member of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, a gubernatorial appointee to the Education Commission of the States, a Fellow at the Elliott School of International Affairs, The George Washington University, executive director and principal investigator of the National Academy for Excellent Teaching, Teachers College, Columbia University, and Associate Dean at Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts, The New School. Dr. Wood began his career as a public school teacher and while a graduate student at Harvard, worked as a consultant with the Urban Superintendent’s Program, the World Bank’s Office of East Asian Affairs, and taught at the John F. Kennedy School of Government. Dr. Wood received the 2018 Alumni Council Award for Outstanding Contributions to Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and is a board member of the Partnership for College Completion. Dr. Wood holds a B.A. degree in History from Wofford College, a master’s degree in English from Middlebury College, and a master’s and doctoral degree from Harvard University. He is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and holds the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters from Middlebury College.
When time doesn't heal all wounds | Dr. Robert K. Ross | TEDxIronwoodStatePrison 2014
Robert K. Ross, MD, President and CEO of The California Endowment, gives a compelling overview of the role that exposure to childhood trauma plays in the lives of troubled and chronically ill Americans. Robert K. Ross, M.D., is president and chief executive officer for The California Endowment, a health foundation established in 1996 to address the health needs of Californians. Prior to his appointment in July 2000, Dr. Ross served as director of the Health and Human Services Agency for the County of San Diego from 1993 to 2000, and Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Philadelphia from 1990 to 1993. Dr. Ross has an extensive background in health philanthropy, as a public health executive, and as a clinician. His service includes: medical director for LINK School‐Based Clinic Program, Camden, New Jersey; instructor of clinical medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; and faculty member at San Diego State University’s School of Public Health. He is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Pediatrics, served on the President’s Summit for America’s Future and as chairman of the national Boost for Kids Initiative. Dr. Ross received his undergraduate, Masters in Public Administration and medical degrees from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Dr. Ross was a Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholar from 1988 to 1990, focusing on urban child health issues. Dr. Ross has been actively involved in community and professional activities at both the regional and national level. He serves as a Member, President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans, a Board member of the California Health Benefit Exchange Board, Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors; Co‐Chair, Diversity in Philanthropy Coalition; Board member, USC Center on Philanthropy and Public Policy; and has served as a Board member of Grantmakers in Health , National Vaccine Advisory Committee, the National Marrow Donor Program, San Diego United Way and Jackie Robinson YMCA. He has received numerous awards and honors including the 2011 Public Health Champion award from the UCLA School of Public Health, 2011 Latino Health Alliance Champion Award, 2011 California Association of Human Relations Organization Civil Rights Award, 2009 Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles Access to Justice Award, and the Council on Foundations’ 2008 Distinguished Grantmaker of the Year Award. He has also been named by Capitol Weekly as one of California’s most influential civic leaders in health policy, and he was recently named by the NonProfit Times as one of the 50 Most Influential Non‐Profit Leaders in America. In 1999 he was named by Governing Magazine as a national Public Official of the Year for his leadership in innovative health and social services delivery. During his tenure at The California Endowment, the foundation has focused on the health needs of underserved Californians by championing the cause of health coverage for all children, reducing childhood obesity, strengthening the capacity of community health centers, improving health services for farm worker and ex‐offender populations, and strengthening the pipeline for bringing racial and ethnic diversity to the health professions. In the Los Angeles region, he has provided leadership to support the re‐opening of the Martin Luther King Jr. Medical Center and the revitalization of Charles Drew University. In 2010, The California Endowment launched a 10‐year statewide commitment investing $1 billion to advance policies and forge partnerships to build healthy communities and a healthy California. Recently, he has helped bring greater philanthropic attention to the health and well‐being of young men of color across California and the nation. Dr. Ross and his wife Robin have four children, and he serves on the Vestry Board at the St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.
Facing fear | Sean Wilson | TEDxIronwoodStatePrison 2014
As a kid, Sean Wilson had big dreams....but he gave up on those dreams because of fear. But he discovered the power of education while he was incarcerated, and now has a 4.0 GPA and lives free of fear. Sean Wilson was born in 1989 in Los Angeles into a loving family. Behind his guarded exterior, you‘ll know him by his playfulness, distinct laugh, and generous heart. He is the only athlete you‘ll meet that doesn‘t watch sports, so don‘t ask. Music is his sports, as he is a self-proclaimed rap enthusiast. One thing most people don‘t know about him is he can draw. With a 4.0 GPA, he will be graduating this June with an associate‘s in business management and plans to further his education in the arts. His free time is spent exercising, listening to music, and planning for the future. He wants to learn to produce creative sounds in music that people love.
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.
Grateful for the opportunity to be in prison | Marquise Clark | TEDxIronwoodStatePrison 2014
Marquise Clark was born and raised in Los Angeles, the fourth of ten children: seven boys and three girls. He says he has a unique personality behind his many layers and has a kind heart. He has always been energetic and loves helping others when he can. Marquise is a former youth offender who is currently enrolled in college. His short-term goal is to get his associate degree in business before he goes home. He is in a bittersweet situation of being in Ironwood State Prison. The transformation of a gang member to a law-abiding citizen is in progress after it clicked that Marquise wanted a better life for himself. He knows education is his way out and is grateful for the opportunity.
Second chances | Richard Branson | TEDxIronwoodStatePrison 2014
Sir Richard Branson bootstrapped his way from record-shop owner to head of the Virgin empire. Now he's focusing his boundless energy on encouraging his Virgin group of companies to employ people freshly released from prison, and even some who are still inside and working towards release. "Everybody deserves a second chance," he says.
Infinite possibilities | Mark Taylor | TEDxIronwoodStatePrison 2014
"If we as a nation can find the compassion to show troubled youth that our country values them and is willing to invest in them, then I can assure you that the vast majority of these young men and women all rise above the existential challenges they face while they simultaneously carve out brighter, more promising futures, and, by doing so, they will teach us a little something about the transformative power of hope." Mark Taylor was born in Lakenheith, England, raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and settled in San Diego, California, at the age of 15. Since his incarceration, Mark has 5 Associate level degrees from Palo Verde College, graduating with honors (Summa Cum Laude) and a 4.0 GPA. Additional achievements include a United States Library of Congress Braille Transcriber certification, Alcohol & Drug Studies Specialist I & II certifications, and an Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) Team Coordinator certification. Upon his release, he plans to transcribe Braille, counsel drug addicts and gang members, and advocate for fair and just policies and laws.
Armed or equipped? | Spencer O. | TEDxMonroeCorrectionalComplex 2014
Every prisoner who occupies a bunk in our prisons is being armed for failure or equipped for success. Our current paradigm of warehouse incarceration arms those reentering our communities with the equation for failure; higher education inside prison equips those same people with an equation for success. Spencer emphasizes the importance of education in prison by sharing some of his transformative journey. Caring, kind, driven and joyful: just a few of many words I identify with. I'm a lover and a fighter: I love people and enjoy creating positive social connections, and I'm not inclined to back down from a constructive challenge. I have a strong entrepreneurial spirit that I utilize every day to foster an atmosphere of enthusiasm and success for myself and everyone around me. I believe life is about learning, growth and prosperity in every area: spiritual, relational, physical and mental—I do my best to live each day accordingly. Life truly is beautiful!
Ready, willing and enabled | Sean Hosman| TEDxMonroeCorrectionalComplex 2014
In order to address "the ways we think about prison and how that can change prison," the focus must be on how we think about prisoners and prison staff, and employing the most advanced and scientifically-proven methods for creating sustainable behavior change in both. Professionals, or Pros, should be the only ones dealing with Convicts, or Cons. Cons we have, Pros are what we need. Sean Hosman is a leading voice in criminal justice advancements through his advocacy of --and expertise in—implementing evidence-based practices in U.S. probation and corrections. An active and engaging presenter and trainer, Sean has 15 years of experience working with over 85 public and private juvenile and adult justice agencies. He has expert knowledge in the areas of automated risk and needs assessments, case planning systems, evidence-based practices, principles of effective intervention and motivational interviewing. Sean received his law degree from Brigham Young University. He is a member of the Utah State Bar, The Colorado State Bar and the American Bar Association. He is also a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers and has participated as a member of the Board of Directors of the International Community Corrections Association and a corporate member of the Board of the American Probation and Parole Association.
Maximum opportunity | Ryan Quirk | TEDxMonroeCorrectionalComplex 2014
Maximum security units have long been places of containment. With the majority of the offenders housed in maximum custody one day releasing to the community, there is both a need and an opportunity to provide therapeutic programming. The Washington State Department of Corrections is currently offering such programming in a manner that demonstrates that safety and security need not be compromised. Ryan Quirk, Ph.D., is a psychologist who has worked with the Washington State Department of Corrections since 2009. He is the supervising psychologist for the maximum custody units located in the Monroe Correctional Complex. In the units, Ryan works with a multidisciplinary team to provide programming and other opportunities to offenders in an effort to decrease recidivism. Such interventions are also designed to assist in offender transition to less-restrictive settings, including the community. It is his hope that individuals pursuing a career as a mental health professional will consider working in the field of corrections.
Yoga and meditation | Subtle practices for change | Rosa Vissers | TEDxMonroeCorrectionalComplex 2014
What changes occur when we practice yoga and meditation? And how can these practices be used to support prisoners' successful rehabilitation? In 2010, Rosa Vissers made a life-changing decision for herself—she became a volunteer with the organization Yoga Behind Bars. Her commitment to service, her love of yoga and her career experience as an international dancer combined to make a great foundation to her becoming the organization's development and communications director in 2013. Fueled by her convictions, Rosa believes that together, we can create a compassion revolution.
The power of sustainability | Nick Hacheney | TEDxMonroeCorrectionalComplex 2014
From the unique perspective of a worm farmer behind bars, Nick shares how sustainable programs have the power to unlock untold potential. Nick has been a resident of Monroe Correctional Complex for the past 11 years. He is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys hunting, fishing, camping and hiking. A self-described environmentalist, he has been known to hug a tree or two. After taking a permaculture class a few years ago, Nick shifted his career track into sustainable practices and is currently employed as a worm farmer.
Examining executive clemency | Nicholas Brown | TEDxMonroeCorrectionalComplex 2014
Nick Brown speaks to how our country has historically viewed clemency and pardons and presents thoughts about how we can move forward with a new approach. Nick is a graduate of Harvard Law School, an army veteran and is currently the principal legal advisor to the Governor of Washington state, Jay Inslee. He advises the Governor and his senior staff on an array of legal matters. His primary responsibilities include: Managing the Governor's judicial appointment process; advising the Governor on clemency and parole decisions; providing policy and political guidance, reviewing legislation; and serving as the lead ethics advisor.
The value of the voices behind prison walls | Kim Bogucki | TEDxMonroeCorrectionalComplex 2014
A discussion on the unique collaboration of convict and cop working side by side to reduce incarceration in younger generations; done by using voices from both inside and outside the prison walls. Detective Kim Bogucki has more than 25 years of experience with the Seattle Police Department. She is currently assigned to the Community Outreach Unit. She has two goals: foster community outreach and reduce the cycle of crime. Six years ago, Kim co-founded the IF Project after forming an unlikely partnership with prison inmates that led to the development of an innovative program that utilizes writings and experiences from inside the prison walls to affect positive change. She also launched another nonprofit organization: Tithe One on which aims at re-messaging anti-bullying and creating communities of kindness.
Houses of healing | Kathleen Macferran | TEDxMonroeCorrectionalComplex 2014
Are we really safer when we put those who harm others behind bars and forget about them? Explore turning our prisons into houses of healing and creating connections that lead to greater safety for our communities. Kathleen Macferran holds a vision for a peaceful, just and sustainable world. She works as a certified trainer and assessor for the Center for Nonviolent Communication and offers communication, conflict resolution and restorative justice system exploration to organizations and individuals. She is a lead trainer for the Freedom Project, an organization that strengthens community safety by supporting the transformation of prisoners into peacemakers. Kathleen is on the faculty of Seattle Central Community College. In addition, she has spent two decades as a music conductor and seven years as a public school teacher.
Turning prisons into schools | John L. | TEDxMonroeCorrectionalComplex 2014
Amidst high incarceration and recidivism rates, John believes we can do better. His vision for transforming prisons into schools will challenge and inspire. John's mother and father would say he was a good kid. His siblings would affirm he's a great brother. His friends would declare he's loyal to a fault. Those who don't know him mention that he's deeply flawed, but those who know him well attest his flaws are outweighed by the depth of his character. He would say he's all of the above and so much more.
The future of our society | Jarrelle M. | TEDxMonroeCorrectionalComplex 2014
Children are the future of any and every society. Not some children, but all. Jarrelle shows that our present investment in our youth dictates the future return. Jarrelle is a purpose-driven young man, intent on progressive change and positive future. Not only is he a dedicated husband to an amazing wife, he also is a proud (and protective) older brother to five younger siblings. Having spent the greater part of his life unaware of his own voice and the positive impact it has, Jarrelle strives to uplift and inspire those around him. He is currently enrolled in numerous college and independent-study courses.