Los Angeles📍
Reentry Health Advisory Collaborative
• Integrating Lived Experience With Policymaking •
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The members of the Reentry Health Advisory Collaborative (RHAC) represent a diverse group of individuals with lived experiences and a shared commitment to addressing the challenges faced by system-impacted communities. Each member brings unique perspectives and expertise in areas such as criminal justice reform, mental health, substance abuse counseling, and community advocacy. Together, they work tirelessly to create impactful policies, programs, and resources that aim to improve the lives of those affected by incarceration and help them successfully reintegrate into society. Through their combined efforts, The RHAC is dedicated to creating safer, healthier communities where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive.
Jason’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree from San Jose State University, an Associate of Arts in General Education from Hartnell Community College, and a Mental Health Rehabilitation Specialist Certificate through the Jump Start Fellowship, a program of Mental Health America of Los Angeles. His journey with PRPSN began in 2015, where he found an organization that valued his lived experience rather than seeing it as something to be hidden or dismissed. Prior to joining PRPSN, Jason served as a Job Placement Coordinator at the Independent Living Center of Southern California (ILCSC), assisting individuals with disabilities in securing and maintaining employment. Before that, he worked as a Case Manager at ILCSC, helping individuals achieve their goals related to housing, benefits, transportation, and independent living. One of Jason’s most fulfilling professional roles was his five-plus years with the Amity Foundation, where he served as a Peer Mentor in an in-custody Therapeutic and Teaching Community. There, he played a crucial role in guiding and supporting individuals as they prepared for reintegration into society.
Jason’s path to PRPSN was shaped by his own personal journey—having spent more than 27 years incarcerated from the age of 16, he understands firsthand the challenges of reentry and the critical need for peer-driven support systems. Today, he is committed to continuous growth and seeking opportunities to make a lasting, positive impact in his community. Through his work, he remains a beacon of hope, proving that transformation is possible and that lived experience is a powerful tool for change.
Sandy recently earned her Master of Social Work from California State University Northridge, an achievement that reflects her deep passion for advocacy and community support. With a strong commitment to social justice and mental health care, she works to ensure that individuals facing systemic barriers receive the resources and guidance necessary for successful reintegration into society. Her work at Project 180 allows her to engage with diverse populations, providing trauma-informed care, case management, and rehabilitation support for those affected by the criminal justice system.
Throughout her career, Sandy has been an advocate for individuals struggling with mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and the difficulties of re-entry after incarceration. She believes in the power of community-based interventions and holistic support services to foster long-term stability and empowerment. Her approach emphasizes compassion, resilience, and the importance of tailored care to meet the unique needs of each person she serves.
Beyond her professional life, Sandy is an avid traveler, finding inspiration in exploring new cultures and perspectives. She also has a passion for cooking, often experimenting with new recipes that bring her family together. As a dedicated moviegoer, she appreciates the power of storytelling and the ability of films to spark important conversations about social issues.
Looking ahead, Sandy remains committed to expanding her impact in the field of social work, striving to develop innovative programs that address the intersection of mental health and criminal justice. She hopes to continue advocating for policy changes that promote rehabilitation over punishment and ensure that underserved communities receive the care and opportunities they deserve.
Maria’s leadership is deeply rooted in lived experience. Having endured the oppressive weight of systemic injustice, she intimately understands the challenges faced by those directly impacted by incarceration. From an early age, Maria faced adversity—navigating poverty, discrimination, and the trauma of gun violence. The tragic murder of her best friend, Gilbert Braz, in 1996 was a pivotal moment that changed her life forever. Overwhelmed by grief, anger, and loss, she struggled with survival mode, carrying the pain of his unsolved case for years. Despite these hardships, Maria transformed her pain into purpose.
After experiencing incarceration herself, she committed to breaking cycles of violence and injustice, dedicating her life to empowering others. She is the Executive Leader of Pride In Truth, an organization that centers the voices and needs of those most impacted by unjust systems. Through her leadership, she works to dismantle barriers for system-impacted individuals and create spaces for healing, advocacy, and policy change. Maria’s activism extends beyond leadership roles—she is a hands-on changemaker. She has worked extensively in policy advocacy, alternatives to incarceration, and diversion programs, ensuring that individuals affected by the justice system have access to support and resources.
Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, she founded The Braz Project in January 2023, a community-driven initiative honoring Gilbert’s legacy by providing mentorship, violence prevention, and advocacy for at-risk youth. Through resilience and determination, Maria has turned her life’s hardships into a source of strength for others. She stands as a testament to the power of redemption, proving that those impacted by the system can not only rebuild their own lives but also uplift entire communities. Today, she continues her fight for justice, equity, and healing, ensuring that no one is left behind.
After seven impactful years at Coco, Gilbert took his talents statewide as the CA State TimeDone Manager with Californians for Safety and Justice. In this role, he played a key part in passing transformative justice reform bills that have improved countless lives across California.
Gilbert’s journey—from overcoming addiction and gang involvement to becoming a devoted father, husband, and community leader — is a powerful testament to the possibilities of change.
With a strong background in social work, Glenn has played an integral role in peer mentorship as a Senior Navigator at Homeboy Industries and through GRYD (Gang Reduction and Youth Development)—a Los Angeles mayoral initiative aimed at reducing gang violence through evidence-based prevention, intervention, and reentry programs. Additionally, he has worked as a Care Provider for Reentry Intensive Case Management Services (RICMS) under the Office of Diversion and Reentry (ODR). This program focuses on diverting individuals with serious mental, physical, or behavioral health needs from incarceration and into community-based care, with organizations like Homeboy Industries leading the way in transformative rehabilitation.
Born and raised in South Los Angeles, Glenn is deeply committed to equitable justice and is currently conducting an analysis on dismantling systemic racism through social work. His passion for advocacy, combined with his lived experience and academic excellence, continues to drive his mission of empowering marginalized communities and fostering lasting social change.
Sergio emphasizes the importance of acknowledging one's struggles as a source of strength rather than weakness. Through his own challenges, he has learned to transform hardship into resilience and helps others do the same, guiding them away from being defined by their circumstances or stigmas. With a heart full of hope, he aspires to be a motivational speaker, reaching wider audiences and empowering individuals facing addiction. His ultimate goal is to create a foundation that helps people reach their healthiest potential, mentally and physically, by offering resources and guidance that promote self-worth and growth.
When he’s not dedicating himself to his work, Sergio enjoys spontaneous mini vacations, traveling to new places, and sharing these experiences with friends and family. His personal journey continues to fuel his professional drive, and he remains steadfast in his belief that no one is beyond hope or redemption.
| Name | Location | Organization | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Califia Abwoon | Long Beach, CA | Board for Create Realistic Change Inc. | Chairwoman |
| Jack Morris | Los Angeles, CA | Saint Johns Ride Program | Author / Public Speaker |
| Tue Huynh | Los Angeles, CA | Fear For Breakfast | Founder |
| Yusef-Andre Wiley | South Los Angeles, CA | The Timeless Group | Paralegal / Consultant |