MEET OUR TEAM
The Douglass Project attracts individuals with a passion for justice and a desire to work together for the betterment of all. We welcome partnerships with other organizations, incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people, volunteers, and the interested public. Click each person’s photo to read their short bio.
Leadership Team
Dr. Marc Howard | Founder & President
Alessandra Rose | Administrative Director
Jon-Adrian “JJ” Velazquez | Program Director
Julia Reinach | Program Associate
Eleanor “Nell” Haney | Special Projects Manager
David Schultz | Operations Manager
Karyn McConnell | Interim Executive Director
Community Ambassadors
We are currently in the process of hiring community ambassadors for our various sites. Please check back soon!
Ray Boyd | Connecticut
Lana Mendis | Ohio (Cleveland)
2025 Fellows
Douglass Project Fellows are diverse, engaged, and curious early-career professionals who are committed to using their intellect, lived experience, and passion to build a more just, compassionate, and equitable society.
Fellows work closely with the Douglass Project during the summer months and then throughout the year on project-based assignments in areas including development and advancement, program development and delivery, and communications. They attend seminars and workshops to learn about and contribute to the public discourse around criminal justice reform.
Please click here to apply to obtain more information about the Douglass Fellows program.
Brooke Groce
Wilfredo Laracuente
Alyssa Schmidt | Senior Fellow
Cheri Alcantar
Katy Beiner
Hanna Figueroa-Velazquez
Board of Directors
Founded in 2020, we surround ourselves with experts and contributors with various skills and experience who work together to fulfill our vision. As our programs and influence expand, we will add strategic additions to our board.
