People
Mia Barksdale
Mia Barksdale is committed to personal growth and creating opportunities for others to thrive in their academic and personal journeys. Throughout her career, Mia has worked at the Osborne Association and NYC Police Department as a 911 Dispatcher, where she honed her skills in crisis management, youth engagement, and advocacy. Passionate about social justice and education, she brings a compassionate approach to her work, drawing on her extensive experience to connect with diverse populations. Mia received her B.S. in Criminal Justice from Mercy University in 2021. Mia currently serves as the Coordinator of Onboarding Services and is one of the primary points of contact for prospective students. In this role, she supports individuals transitioning from incarceration into education and workforce training programs, ensuring each student receives a personalized onboarding experience that meets their specific needs.
Nat Marc
Nat Marc (they/them) is a native New Yorker with a strong passion for arts and education. Nat's experience ranges across many fields, working in higher education for over five years, and with the NYC Department of Probation's Neighborhood Opportunity Network (NeON) for the last three years.
Jassmine Nandkishwar
Jassmine Nandkishwar holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from CUNY York College. As she steps into the role of Grants Finance Analyst at the Institute, she is eager to contribute to the positive impact on the lives of the students served by the organization.
Tamara Mae Moore
Tamara Mae Moore is a dedicated and highly motivated educator with over 7 years of experience working with students in low-income communities. Her interest in people's stories led her to conduct interviews in Los Angeles and New York City, aiming to share individual narratives as a reminder to persevere towards goals despite challenges.
Tamara joined the Institute as Senior Coordinator of Instruction in July 2024. Prior to the Institute, she pursued her M.A. in Human Development and Education at New York University and began teaching at CUNY Lehman College in August 2022. At Lehman, she also served as an advisor for the Step Up Program, guiding students through job applications, resume creation, LinkedIn profiles, and conducting weekly check-ins to monitor their academic progress and performance.
In her current role, Tamara is dedicated to supporting the development and delivery of high-quality educational programs tailored to the unique needs of justice-impacted individuals.
Kenyadah Blanks
With over nine years of extensive administrative experience, Kenyadah Blanks assumes the role of Executive Assistant to the Executive Director at the Institute. Her adeptness in scheduling, customer relations, and project management, cultivated during her tenure at the University of Delaware and in previous positions, solidifies her as a valuable addition to the team. Kenyadah's unwavering commitment to efficiency and professionalism guarantees smooth coordination and unwavering support for the Institute's overarching mission.
Cameron Cassar
Cameron (he/him) serves as the Program Coordinator for the Navigator Certificate Program, where he plays a pivotal role in facilitating educational opportunities for individuals impacted by the criminal legal system. Over the past five years, Cam has dedicated himself to the intersection of peacebuilding, social transformation, and trauma healing, contributing his expertise across various roles within NGOs and higher education institutions.
Andre Ward
Andre Ward is a seasoned national advocate and activist with over 15 years of dedicated experience in criminal justice reform. He is currently a doctoral candidate of Social Work at the University of Southern California. Ward's expertise spans various domains, including Advocacy, Policy Practice & Implementation, Program Development, Workforce Development, Restorative Justice, Case Management, Research, Relationship Management, Youth Engagement, Counseling and Clinical Supervision, Cross-Functional Team Management, Problem Solving and Analysis, Therapeutic Interventions, Quality Assurance, and Financial Budgeting and Planning.
Ruchi Shah
Ruchi Shah (she/her) joined the Institute in January 2024. Her responsibilities as part of P2CP include coordinating and tracking students' admissions and financial aid statuses to make higher education pathways more accessible for individuals within the criminal legal system
Marlon Grant
Marlon became a valuable addition to the Institute in September 2023, assuming the role of Financial Grants Analyst. He was drawn to the Institute for Justice and Opportunity by his unwavering commitment to providing second chances.
Diana Tavarez
Diana Tavarez is a Digital/Literacy Tech Associate for the Supports Program at the Institute for Justice and Opportunity, where she assists the Tech Coordinator in organizing tech classes and managing essential data operations. CompTIA A+ certified and college educated, Diana is dedicated to advancing her career in the IT industry through ongoing education and professional development. With a background in customer service and experience with FEMA, Diana combines empathy and technical expertise to support and inspire students in their tech learning journeys. Born and raised in the vibrant concrete jungle of New York City, She enjoys exploring the city's diversity.
Arianna Martinez - Perry
Arianna Martinez-Perry (they/she) is a proud New Yorker, hailing from the vibrant borough of the Bronx. Their educational journey began at Bard High School Early College, where they accomplished the remarkable feat of graduating with both a high school diploma and an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts. Continuing their academic pursuits at Bard College, Arianna focused on Human Rights with a particular emphasis on criminal justice, surveillance, and black history, ultimately earning a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Ben Harker
Ben Harker joined the Institute as the Manager of Data & Information Systems in March 2023, where his responsibilities include managing all student data via Salesforce, assembling grant reports for funders, using data to evaluate program effectiveness, and more. He has worked in reentry for over four years, with the bulk of his experience being in program management and administration.
Javier Irizarry
Javier Irizarry is the Tech Coordinator for Support Programs at the Institute for Justice and Opportunity. Additionally, Javier is a seasoned IT professional with over 10 years of experience in supporting multi billion-dollar corporations. He is also a passionate social worker with a B.A in Psychology and over five years of experience as a domestic violence senior case manager and counselor.