Nate Cody is a dedicated Criminal Justice student at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, an aspiring lawyer, and an intern at The National Reentry Network for Returning Citizens. Tune in to his podcast as he shares his thoughts, key takeaways, and future aspirations on criminal justice, reentry, and the path ahead.

Antoine Coleman’s story is one of resilience, redemption, and purpose. A native of Washington, D.C., he faced immense challenges from a young age—growing up without parental support and navigating the harsh realities of the streets during the turbulent 1990s. Incarcerated at just 21 years old and sentenced to life, he spent nearly 22 years behind bars before being released under the Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act (IRAA). Now, he dedicates his life to advocacy, using his experiences to mentor and inspire young people. Through speaking engagements at schools like Brookland Middle, Anacostia High, Georgetown, and even Harvard, Antoine finds fulfillment in guiding the next generation toward a better path. His mission is clear: to turn his past struggles into a source of hope and transformation for others.

Michael Johnson, Senior Policy Analyst at DC Fiscal Policy Institute, is driven by a personal mission to break down barriers for returning citizens. With firsthand experience of the challenges families face due to incarceration, he advocates for policies like the Second Chance Amendment Act to create pathways to employment, housing, and stability. For Michael, success is measured by how much we improve the lives of those reentering our communities upon release from a state institution.