our team
(C.O.O.) Chief Operations Officer, Shawn A. Barksdale - Virginia, Texas & Nevada
Shawn A Barksdale, a resilient individual and former Returning Citizen, emerged from the confines of early-life incarceration with a commitment to rewriting his narrative. Despite losing civil rights before exercising them, Shawn's life's second half became a testament to transformation.
Determined to break the cycle, Shawn pursued education fervently, earning a diploma, taking college courses, and mastering trades. His consistency in personal growth extended to social help classes, defying the status quo and vowing never to return to confinement.
Post-release, Shawn continued his education, delving into business intricacies while becoming a certified peer recovery specialist and championing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Shawn's dedication culminated in an ecosystem that serves the community, where his true passion lies in empowerment.
His podcast, "Ten Minutes of Truth," not only educates but empowers communities by delivering information often overlooked by society. Restored civil rights opened a dialogue with Returning Citizens, law schools, and a dedicated audience.
Aligned with influential organizations like the ACLU and LWV, Shawn passionately lobbies for the freedom of all. His journey epitomizes empowerment, and through his endeavors, Shawn inspires not only the Returning Citizens but society to reclaim their narratives and embrace the strength within.
Shawn A. Barksdale & Senator Joe Morrissey Discuss Parole & Voting
The Ten Minutes of Truth podcast had the pleasure of interviewing Senator Joe Morrissey. Besides an In-depth conversation on parole and voting.
We came to find out the Senator is a huge fight fan. He even let me try on an authentic pair of Muhammad Ali sparring gloves. www.tenminutesoftruth.com
Shawn A. Barksdale - Speaker At Georgetown University Law School
THE BLUEPRINT FOR RETURNING CITIZENS
Shawn shared his GPS FOR SUCCESS/THE BLUEPRINT! Here is a snippet of Shawn's presentation at the University of Georgetown Law School on November 2, 2023.
Shawn talked about what carried him through incarceration and how he built the foundation long before his release.
CONNECTING WITH THE COMMUNITY
Shakil Ali - Forensic Support Specialist
Shakil Ali is a dedicated advocate for change and personal transformation, leveraging his extensive expertise as a National Peer Support Specialist, Certified Life Coach, and Forensic Support Specialist. With years of experience guiding individuals through life’s most challenging transitions, Shakil has become a beacon of hope for those seeking to rebuild and reclaim their lives.
As a counselor in the groundbreaking program The Second Lap, Shakil works closely with returning citizens—individuals re-entering society after incarceration—helping them navigate the complexities of their second chance at life. The program is designed to address the unique challenges faced by returning citizens, such as employment barriers, rebuilding family relationships, and developing life skills to thrive in their communities. Shakil’s role goes beyond traditional counseling; he provides mentorship, accountability, and a safe space for participants to rediscover their potential and purpose.
Drawing from his background as a forensic support specialist, Shakil understands the intersection of the criminal justice system and mental health, which enables him to offer tailored guidance for each individual. His approach integrates empathy, practical strategies, and evidence-based techniques, ensuring participants feel empowered and equipped to overcome obstacles.
Shakil’s certification as a life coach further enhances his ability to inspire personal growth, helping individuals set meaningful goals and take actionable steps toward achieving them. As a peer support specialist, he connects with participants on a deeper level, sharing lived experiences and fostering a sense of community and trust.
Through his work with The Second Lap and his broader commitment to personal development, Shakil Ali continues to make a lasting impact, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and transformation. He embodies resilience, hope, and the belief that everyone deserves a second chance to build a fulfilling and purpose-driven life.
Tess M. Shipe
Tess M. Shipe is a Mental Health Professional and Advocate for Prison Reform
Tess is a highly experienced mental health professional and a dedicated advocate for prison reform, particularly in the areas of mental health and substance abuse. She graduated summa cum laude from James Madison University in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Family Issues. Tess was also a member of the National Honor Society, reflecting her academic excellence and commitment to her field of study. Her strong academic foundation laid the groundwork for a successful career spanning over 28 years in the mental health field.
Tess has extensive experience in providing mental health treatment, crisis intervention, and substance abuse rehabilitation. Throughout her career, she has worked in various settings, including prisons and community mental health agencies, where she has developed a reputation for her ability to manage complex cases and provide effective, compassionate care. Her expertise is particularly focused on addressing the mental health and substance abuse challenges faced by incarcerated individuals, a population she has dedicated much of her career to supporting.
As a long-time advocate for prison reform, Tess has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the unique challenges that individuals with mental health disorders and substance abuse issues face in the criminal justice system. She has been a strong voice for improving mental health care within correctional facilities and is actively involved in collaborating with lawmakers, nonprofits, and justice system stakeholders to promote policy reforms aimed at enhancing the care and rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals.
For over 13 years, Tess has created and facilitated innovative mental health and substance abuse programs within Virginia's prison system. Her programs are designed to reduce recidivism, improve rehabilitation outcomes, and enhance the overall well-being of inmates. Tess has also developed and implemented specialized training for correctional staff, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to support individuals struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues.
In her leadership roles, Tess has served as the director of five mental health agencies, where she managed teams of therapists, counselors, and caseworkers to provide comprehensive mental health services. In these positions, she was responsible for overseeing program operations, budget management, staff training, and ensuring compliance with both state and federal regulations. Tess is currently serving as a Program Manager, where she continues to lead initiatives aimed at improving patient care and operational efficiency in mental health services.
Throughout her career, Tess has demonstrated core competencies in program development and evaluation, crisis intervention, staff management, and advocacy for policy change. She has consistently shown her ability to design and implement evidence-based programs that address the unique needs of vulnerable populations, particularly those involved in the criminal justice system. Tess is deeply committed to ensuring that individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues receive the care and support they need, both inside and outside of the prison system.
Mark Overby
Mark is a returning citizen who spent 22 years navigating the challenges of the penal system. His journey began just six months after graduating high school when he enlisted in the Air Force. Thrust into an intimidating environment designed to break even the toughest individuals, he transformed from an impulsive, aggressive young man into a disciplined, confident, and hard-working individual.
Mark shares a powerful message of accountability, introspection, and forgiveness, speaking from the perspective of someone who has lived the reality of incarceration and successfully rebuilt his life. His story—marked by moments of violence, humor, and personal growth—reveals the resilience required to rise above the harsh conditions of prison and emerge as a leader and a contributing member of society.
Today, Mark emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence and humanity in building meaningful relationships and supporting others who are also navigating life after incarceration. His perseverance extends to his success in the trucking industry and the stock market, demonstrating that the qualities needed to thrive in personal growth, financial stability, and societal reintegration are deeply interconnected.
Mark Overby’s story is a testament to the power of transformation and serves as an inspiring example of what is possible when determination meets opportunity.
Kenny Sockwell
Kenny is a proud Dallas native from the Oak Cliff area, I am a former gang member and hustler who transformed my life after serving a 4-year prison sentence. Today, I am an entrepreneur, mentor, and the founder of the initiative What Men Do.
What Men Do was inspired by a song from the rapper Stic Man and driven by the urgent need to address the challenges faced by our youth. Many young men are navigating life without guidance, mistaking surface-level traits for true manhood, and lacking the tools to grow into strong, responsible individuals.
This initiative is about redefining manhood—helping young men mature into responsible adults and empowering grown men to live with purpose, direction, and productivity.
At its core, What Men Do is built on timeless values:
Each One, Teach One. Together, We’ll Reach One.
Building Brothers to Reach Brothers.
Through mentorship, education, and community-building, What Men Do is fostering a brotherhood that uplifts and transforms lives, one man at a time.
S. Toure - Tech Support Coordinator
As a Technical Project Coordinator, I specialize in managing end-to-end meeting operations while delivering comprehensive technical support and ensuring quality assurance across various organizational initiatives. My role blends project management expertise with hands-on technical execution, enabling seamless collaboration, efficient problem-solving, and the successful implementation of complex projects.
I am adept at coordinating cross-functional teams, streamlining workflows, and leveraging technical tools to optimize performance. My approach emphasizes precision, proactive communication, and a commitment to excellence in every phase of project delivery.
Education:
• Rutgers University - Newark
Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science
Skills & Experience:
• Over 3 years of experience building and deploying software applications, with a strong focus on usability and innovation.