Andre Ward

Andre Ward is a highly experienced national and international advocate, activist, and leader in transformative education, with over 15 years of commitment to criminal, social, and educational justice reform. He is currently working towards a Doctorate in Social Work at the University of Southern California, with an expected graduation date of May 2025. 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.

As the former Associate Vice President of Policy at the Fortune Society’s David Rothenberg Center for Public Policy (DRCPP) since October 2019, Ward has demonstrated executive leadership in guiding research and public policy initiatives that impact the criminal justice system. He excels in developing public policy and research strategies, staying abreast of economic and social issues, and engaging with stakeholders across various sectors. His commitment to the field extends to roles such as Associate Vice President of Employment and Education Services at Fortune, Director of Programs at Common Justice, and Director of Workforce Development at The Osborne Association.

Ward’s educational journey includes a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Lehman College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Medgar Evers College. He has further honed his skills through professional development programs, including executive education certificates in Non-Profit Leadership and Executive Leadership. A prolific speaker, Ward has delivered impactful presentations at numerous institutions, shedding light on criminal justice reform, social work, and the role of education in transforming communities. He has been recognized for his contributions with awards such as the Citizen of the Month Citation from the New York City Council in 2012 and the Kings County Court Public Interest Award in 2023. Ward’s unwavering dedication to justice and advocacy continues to make a lasting impact on the national stage.