Vidal Cintron is a 33-year-old man born and raised in New York City to a family of Puerto Rican activists, poets, and musicians. His teenage and early adult years would be some of his most tumultuous times, teetering between his academic desires and the temptations of the streets. Ultimately he would harness his ambition, curiosity, and intellect to begin outreach work at Youth Justice Network a organization he was once a participant of as a justice-impacted individual. As a JIE Scholar he aims to further his knowledge of the systems he was subject to through research under the academic guidance of Columbia faculty and in collaboration with the rest of the Columbia student body.

Dorian Bess is Program Development and Engagement Director at the Social Justice Network. Her 18 years of lived experience with the criminal justice system allows her to bring a wealth of experience to her role. Dorian has transformed her journey into a career dedicated to supporting justice-impacted individuals through reentry services, mental health advocacy, and specialized care for women experiencing trauma and substance abuse.

Her dedication to this cause is further demonstrated by her ability to foster strong partnerships with local groups, as well as state and federal agencies, to create and implement programs that address education, mental health, substance use and reentry challenges. Dorian is not just a leader, but also a connector, known for her ability to build robust internal networks that drive meaningful change. Her work emphasizes the importance of communication and leadership in advancing initiatives that aim for systemic reform.

“My name is Mike Winans, and I am dedicated to criminal justice advocacy. As a system-impacted person, I feel it is my duty to be a voice for the voiceless. Currently, I serve as the NJ State Organizer for REFORM Alliance, an advocacy organization that aims to transform probation and bring forth parole reform nationwide. My role encompasses building a strong coalition of supervision reform advocates with the goal of creating real pathways to work and well-being for returning citizens.

“I consider it an esteemed honor to be accepted as a JIE Scholar. My goal is to obtain a degree from Columbia University, one of the world’s premiere academic institutions. Having the opportunity to learn from world-class professors, while building meaningful relationships with other students, is certainly a dream come true. I’m looking forward to the journey.”