It's one thing to be released, but I was afraid of being accepted.

Do I have to live in fear?

Do I have to live in hiding?

Do I have to lie about where I've been?

I didn't want to live in authentic.

And so I just decided to take a chance.

And it is because of other individuals that seem and root themselves in humanity that I went from a prison cell to an

executive leadership position.

I'm Kimberly Atkins-Store, and this is Justice by Design, a podcast that recognizes

that justice doesn't happen on its own.

It comes from the dedicated work

of people, including you and me, doing what needs to happen to ensure that justice is available

to everyone. You know, in my years of being a reporter, there are few areas where often humanity is forgotten more than when talking about people

who have experienced or are experiencing incarceration. It's as if people are erased from society,

even if they have served their sentences, completed all of their

requirements, and just want to live and have the right to live, just like everyone else. Live, work,

thrive, take care of their families and their communities. But luckily, there are people who have dedicated their

lives and used their experiences to help people bridge that gap back into being full members

of our society, full citizens, and making sure that their humanity is centered and not an afterthought. And that's why I'm so

glad today to be joined by Tara Lawyer. Tara Lawyer is the president of Crop, an organization that

helps people who've experienced incarceration. Tara, thank you so much for joining me on Justice

by Design. I am so incredibly honored to be

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