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In this edition of the Alliance for Higher Education in Prison Staff Spotlight, we celebrate the accomplishments and community engagement of some amazing team members!
Here's what Natalie had to say about the Rockwood fellowship, which was created to deepen the pipeline of formerly incarcerated leaders in higher education in prison by centering the justice-impacted leaders advancing change:
What was your interest in this fellowship?
“I saw this as an opportunity of a lifetime, a chance to step into professional and leadership development at a level I had never imagined for myself. At first I did not picture myself as someone who would be chosen, but I realized I had the capacity to grow into this space. I came to understand that I had earned the chance to be here, to walk alongside these remarkable leaders, and to contribute while learning with them.”
Is there something in particular that really struck you about Rockwood that you're particularly excited to be a part of?
“The peer approach is so important. Often, it’s our peers who let us know that we are fit, that we do belong, that we are qualified. This space is going to allow me to be genuine and authentic, to quiet the voices of inadequacy and imposter syndrome… and I’m really excited about that.”
What are you looking forward to in terms of the activities of the fellowship?
“I’m really excited for the chance to spend the next nine months networking and learning alongside my peers, to be immersed with them in week-long settings, to remove internal barriers, and to share our gifts. It is our collective energy that will continue to grow and radiate out into the field.”
Is there anything else you’d like to add about what this fellowship means to you?
“This is an opportunity to prepare myself for what comes next in my journey. I know I am being shaped for the continued great work we will do together as a community. My heart, my commitment, and my clarity of mission are unwavering, and I trust this will help me prepare for what lies ahead for me, for the people I walk beside in this work, and for those who are yet to come.”
Basecamp, an event hosted by Transformative Education Collective, is a national summit and retreat for carceral educators, faculty, administrators, staff, and allies in Tehachapi Mountain Park, California.
Together with other attendees, they took part in reflective learning and peer support aimed at strengthening their work, fostering self-care, and addressing systemic inequities in higher education.
