Dear FAMM:
Life is a series of hellos and goodbyes – and on June 23, it will be my time to say goodbye as president of FAMM.
I leave the organization, my home away from home for the past 14 years, with immense gratitude and optimism. I’m grateful to Julie Stewart for hiring me and later trusting me to take over as president in 2017. Julie was not only a great boss, but a loyal friend who visited me in prison and reminded me I had value and something to contribute. FAMM’s Board was nothing but encouraging to me, and I appreciate every one of them for their time and support.
I’m grateful to FAMM’s staff, past and present, who’ve always put the cause ahead of their personal interest. Of a million examples I could share, our team’s response to COVID-19 – working long hours to bring attention to those trapped in prisons even while their own lives were turned upside down – is something I will never forget. Their dedication made me a better advocate and a better person.
Last but not least, I’m grateful to you and all the members of our FAMMily, many of whom have loved ones in prison. Your stories, filled with both pain and perseverance, maintained the fire under me that was lit when I had to leave my young daughters to report to prison back in 2014. That fire never died. Thank you for trusting me with your stories, and please know I fought as hard as I could every day to make positive change.
While I am sad to leave, I am excited and optimistic about FAMM’s future. My friend, Roxana Rincones, who has been with FAMM since 2007, will serve as interim president until the Board chooses a full-time replacement. In the meantime, I know that Roxana and our incredibly talented team will continue FAMM’s essential work to bring justice and humanity to our nation’s sentencing and prison laws.
Whoever is at the helm – Julie, me, or my successor – the one constant at FAMM has been you. Please stay in the fight. Keep inspiring FAMM as you’ve inspired me.
