OUR TEAM

Each member at FREE is passionate about what they do and helping the communities they serve.
​Whether a staff member, volunteer, or mentor, FREE only hires those who are genuine for the cause. ​
​It is the aim of FREE to be deliberate and unequivocal in our stance on important issues that we support.

FREE Staff

Dylan Hood, the founder of FREE, had an epiphany: Human beings make mistakes and most people who make mistakes deserve a second chance. Researching the concept of second chances and how they manifest in different ways, Hood became acutely aware of the millions of people who have made mistakes that resulted in incarceration. Many of these men and women were not given second chances but instead found themselves defined by their mistakes and trapped in the criminal justice system.

Jing Cheng is an experienced data analyst. She possessed a Master of Science in Business Analytics degree from UC Irvine and a Bachelor of Economics degree from Jinan University (a well-known university in China). She has developed analytical skills and mastered several analytical tools such as Python, R, SQL, Alteryx and Tableau. She enjoys find out insights from the data.

Sara Youngblood's passion for all aspects of Graphic Design and Marketing has positively impacted the growth and building of companies throughout my career. 
Dedicated to bringing brands to life through omnichannel marketing programs, my key focus is to exceed client and employer expectations.

I am Ericka Bell, I work with FREE as Resource Manager. I have been with FREE for three years. I have a Masters of Science degree in Organizational Leadership. As well as a Masters of Art degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology, both from Argosy University.

FREE Mentors

Lisa Gray, FREE Mentor

Christopher Harrison, FREE Mentor

Gerrell Tucker, FREE Mentor

Demetrius Cole, FREE Mentor

Michael Reed, FREE Mentor

Andre Avery, FREE Mentor

Volunteers & Interns

My name is Robert Ylagan and I am a senior at Fordham University in New York City where I major in Psychology with a minor in Economics. Originally from Texas, I moved to New York to discover my passions.

My name is Kaitlin Bassett and I am in the middle of my second year of the business school at Georgia College. I intend to attend law school and pursue a career in public defense, so the legal system and all its' flaws directly impact my line of work.

My name is Grace Huettel and I am a student at Scripps College. This year, I began to understand the profound implications of mass incarceration and recidivism in the United States.

I am a 22 year old Political Science and International Affairs Major with a Minor in English at the University of North Georgia. I have a strong interest in Travel and helping others.

My name is Krupa Patel and I am from Philadelphia PA. I am an incoming junior at the University of the Sciences, and currently working towards my bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutical Healthcare Business. I am very excited to be part of the committee for FREE and help raise awareness to this important issue.

My name is Sarah Kahn and I am a senior at Harvard University I have a concentration in Government with a joint in Psychology. My interest in Government began during the 5th grade when I learned about Walmart workers who produced the clothes being forced to work in deplorable conditions.

My name is Siboney Arias and I’m a first generation, Latinx womxn, from South Central Los Angeles. I am currently studying Art and Political Science at the University of California, Santa Barbara. I am invested in advocating for social justice change in several different ways.

My name is Muhammed Saad Haneef. I am from Houston Texas and am currently working towards earning my Bachelors in Accounting at the University of Houston. I plan to study law in the future and hope to take away a lot from working with this organization.

My name is Nick. I'm a Junior at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. I major in Political Science with a dual minor in History and Legal Studies. After spending a semester studying comparative Law and Criminology in Amsterdam, I discovered a passion in criminal justice reform.

My name is Richard Tinimbang. I am an experienced management professional who has worked extensively in private industry and is shifting my focus to working with non-profits in supporting areas of criminal justice reform.

My name is Luisa Romero and I'm a junior student athlete at Michigan State University majoring in Political Science. I'm really passionate about human rights issues and strongly believe that everyone deserves a second chance in society to become and exemplary citizen.

My name is Jillian. I'm a Criminal Justice student at the George Washington University in Washington DC graduating in 2021.

My name is Miguel Dickenson. As an artist from a young age, I have explored the worlds of film, photography, and creative writing. I am dedicated to extracting the organic beauty I see in everyday life and manifesting it into art—whether that be through a documentary, a photo essay, or a novella.

My name is Samantha Pascual and I am an upcoming intern for FREE. I am thankful to be given the opportunity to work for an organization that is towards helping others and giving second chances.

My name is Carolyn Shyong. I’m currently splitting time between the University of Chicago, where I'm double majoring in Statistics and Creative Writing, and suburban LA, where I'm from. I'm interested in data and storytelling, and how the intersection of art and science can effect change.

My name is Desiray Cruz and I am a student at the University of Central Florida. I am in my senior year at UCF and while attending school I am working on my photography and writing. I have a blog and photography business called Desi’s Blog and Photography that I am working on.

My name is Chenqin Pan. I am a student at University of North Carolina major in business and statistics with a minor in philosophy. I am interested in human rights issues and passionate about empowering formally incarcerated individuals and their families.

My name is Trisha Chakraborty. I am a first-year grad student majoring in Information Management. I have worked with Accenture Solution Pvt Ltd for 2 years where my work included collaborating with stakeholders to accomplish the business process by leveraging business and technology together.

My name is Sonya Azimi, and I am a sophomore at UC Berkeley. I am pursuing a degree in Business Administration. I look forward to a career in which I can disrupt the status quo and change the way success is often perceived.

My name is Taegan Humphries, a rising senior at Tennessee State University majoring in Political Science minoring in Africana Studies. I am twenty years old, first generation student product of a single. Detroit, Michigan household.

My name is Keisha. I am married and in school at Grace Christian University for Psychology and Criminal Justice. My goals are to help those grow. Our economy is facing so many struggles I want to change that. When I got invited to be an intern I knew it would happen. In my spare time I read, cook and game.

Kara Phillips is a junior at the University at Buffalo in Buffalo, New York. She is currently studying Communications with a minor in Spanish and Sociology, and is a member of the university’s Advanced Honors College. Through FREE Reentry, Kara hopes to create awareness of the services offered through this organization.

My name is Ashleigh Harding. I am a single mom to two little boys. I have spent the last few years working in health care where I have worked with people at their most vulnerable. I am currently working on my MBA with a certificate in Health Care Management.