HOST JACKIE TANTILLO - "You Can Do Anything, You Can Achieve Anything, If You Work Hard Enough" with Guest Human Rights Attorney And CAO Of REFORM Alliance Jessica Jackson

It was a pleasure to speak with Jessica and listen as she shared  all that she experienced as a high school drop out and single mother with a husband behind bars.   This major turning point in her life,  motivated her to complete her GED as well as complete college and law school, with honors, in order to help those similarly unfamiliar with the way the criminal justice system works. 

When you hear the compelling stories about both  Jessica and her mother, you'll say, 'the fruit doesn't fall far from the tree.'   Both women have been working tirelessly for decades in order to educate victims and their family members,  as well as inform  society to be more compassionate and aware and to update the parole and probation system.

Resilience is one of the words that Jessica uses over and over again when describing her mother Maria who is originally from  Stockholm, Sweden.  Jessica also describes her mom as "a pioneer in her field." Very early on in the AIDS epidemic, Maria was involved with helping patients and their families maneuver the scary waters of a frightening disease.  While in graduate school, Maria brought her days old daughter Jessica with her to class.  Jessica went where ever her mother took her, to HIV/Aids conferences, seminars, etc. "She showed us"  says Jessica, when referring to her mother, "by her actions, not her words, on how to live life." Jessica was adamant about how her mom had a "show them, don't tell them" philosophy about life. In other words, Maria was an  example by her actions, not her words. Jessica reflects, "I never once saw my mom give up."

Again, the parallels between mother and daughter are striking, Maria working with HIV/AIDS patients and Jessica with people in prison. Again, those whose lives were turned upside down, found a smart, caring and devoted women to make a difference in these unfortunate individuals lives.

When Kim Kardashian West wanted tutoring in law once aware of wrongfully incarcerated first time offenders, she went to Jessica Jackson for help.  On November 29, 2019, USA Today wrote "Kim Kardashian West came on board with the campaign after she heard about Alice Marie Johnson, a grandmother who had served 21 years of a life sentence for her first-ever drug conviction, and was moved to help. Kardashian West was instrumental in convincing Trump to grant Johnson clemency. " 

That's just one of thousands of cases that Jackson has had overturned and continues to fight in order to get families back together under one roof.

Both of these women with all that they have accomplished and continue  to accomplish is living proof that if you set your mind to something, anything and everything is possible. As Maria said to her daughter "you can do anything, you can achieve anything, if you work hard enough." 

REFORM Alliance Mission Statement:

REFORM Alliance aims to transform probation and parole by changing laws, systems and culture to create real pathways to work and wellbeing.

A justice system that holds people accountable and redirects back to work and wellbeing leads to stronger families and safer communities. Instead of keeping people trapped in a revolving door from probation/parole to prison — which costs taxpayers billions of dollars — we’re working to move people from the justice system into stability.

REFORM’s story starts with the unjust re-imprisonment of recording artist Meek Mill. The shocking two-to-four year sentence he received for popping a wheelie spurred the international #FreeMeek movement, which led to release on bail and eventually his freedom.

Although Meek had the resources and public platform to fight his case, his case is only one of millions. The vast majority of people trapped in the system don’t get their stories told, or have the resources to fight back. On January 23, 2019, a world-class group of philanthropists and activists came together to launch the REFORM Alliance to change this

REFORM Alliance
1675 Broadway, 21st Floor
New York, NY 10019-5820

If you would like to learn more about how to support REFORM, please contact us at [email protected].

#cut50-Co founder along with Van JonesAn organization designed to cut prison populations, but also wipe out the stigmas associated with being incarcerated because of the current criminal justice system. The family  member behind bars is not the only one negatively affected.

COO/CAO Reform Alliance; Fmr. Mayor & Council Member City of Mill Valley; WEF Young Global Leader; Co-founder of #cut50; Human Rights Attorney

"Should Have Listened To My Mother" is an ongoing conversation about mothers and the roles they play in our lives. And my guests answer the question, 'are you who you are today because of, or in spite of, your mother'? You'll be amazed at what the responses are.

"Should Have Listened To My Mother" would not be possible without the generosity, sincerity and insight from my guests. In getting ready to launch my podcast, so many were willing to give their time and share their personal relationships with their mother.

Some of my guests include Baritone Singer Christopheren Nomura, Pulitzer Prize Winning Journalist Tim Wacker, Activist Kim Miller, Freighter Sea Captain Terry Viscount, Film Production Manager Peg Robinson, Professor of Writing Montclair State University Dr. Bridget Brown, Tammy Steckler, attorney and family advocate @CUNY Law; NYC First Responder/NYC Firefighter Mark Heingartner, Child and Adult Special Needs Activist, Maryellen Valyo Cole and Roger Evens, Property Manager in New Jersey and so many more talented and insightful women and men.

I've worked in the broadcasting industry for over four decades. I've interviewed so many fascinating people including musicians, celebrities, authors, activists, entrepreneurs, politicians and more.

A big thank you goes to Ricky Soto, NYC based Graphic Designer, who created my logo for "Should Have Listened To My Mother".

Check out my website for more background information: https://www.jackietantillo.com/

Or more demos of what's to come at https://soundcloud.com/jackie-tantillo

Find audio versions of the podcast here: https://shltmm.simplecast.com/

Spotify Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/60j14qCcks4AP3JUrWrc2M

Link to website and show notes: https://shltmm.simplecast.com/

Spotify Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/60j14qCcks4AP3JUrWrc2M

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