Maurice L. Ward is the founder of J.I.I.V.E - Justice Impacted Individuals Voting Effectively. He tirelessly advocates for political, environmental (Urban Agriculture), climate, and racial justice for those affected by the justice system. After serving 12.5 years, including 6 years in Stillwater prison, he now works as a Community Peer Recovery Specialist (Supervisor), providing over 2900 Client Care Appointment hours. Maurice is currently pursuing a Masters of Advocacy and Political Leadership degree at Metropolitan State University. He aims to leverage his personal experiences and drive impactful change for individuals in recovery from the justice system.
Aarron E. Santos is a dedicated Patent Examiner at the United States Patent and Trademark Office, where he has worked since 2020. He specializes in evaluating patent applications, determining novelty, and applying technical and legal expertise. Previously, Aarron served as Director of Operations at Columbia Building Services, enhancing operational efficiency and profitability. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of St. Thomas, where he was recognized for his academic excellence. Aarron's engineering projects include designing a patented lapdesk stand and contributing to an autonomous snow plow. In his free time, he enjoys voter education, tennis, chess, and family activities.
Sharon E. Brooks is a dynamic leader with extensive experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). She founded and led Peace of Hope, Inc. for a decade, implementing equity initiatives and managing educational projects across Minnesota. Sharon is skilled in policy, communications, and content management, and has a foundational understanding of the Minnesota Building Code and human resources systems.
A member of several prestigious organizations, including the League of Women Voters and NAACP, Sharon has created impactful programs in corrections and consistently maintained high client satisfaction in DEI practices. She holds a Master of Arts in Advocacy & Political Leadership and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Policy & Administration. Sharon is committed to fostering success through collaboration and strategic planning.
Crystal McClure is a Minnesota native growing up in Prior Lake. After graduating from Rasmussen College, she began a career in real estate. As a real estate professional, Crystal has seen the impact stability can have on a family and she enjoys sharing her passion for homeownership and using real estate to establish generational wealth. Crystal spent a considerable portion of her childhood with her family in South Minneapolis and after witnessing the murder of George Floyd on social media and the following outrage by Minnesotans and the world, Crystal’s eyes were opened. She had been unaware of the social injustices and systemic racism occuring in a neighborhood she is so fond of. Since then Crystal has made it her responsibility to educate herself on the disparities within Minnesota and her goal to help bridge gaps that exist in the justice system, homeownership, and more through volunteering and community outreach.
Jarmel Perry is a dedicated and dynamic leader, currently serving on the board of Justice Impacted Individuals Voting Effectively (JIIVE) and holding the CEO position at Make it Home. In addition to these roles, Jarmel is a prominent figure at the Incarcerated Workers Organizing Committee (IWOC), where he plays a significant leadership role. As an activist and a justice-impacted individual, Jarmel is passionately committed to driving positive change and making a meaningful difference in the community. His work spans across various organizations, reflecting a deep commitment to advocacy, social justice, and the empowerment of marginalized communities.