Pathways Forward: A Real Talk On Reentry & Recidivism

Amanda is the founder of Civil Survival Project, an organization that teaches advocacy skills to formerly incarcerated individuals, for which she was awarded the Sally P. Savage Leadership in Philanthropy Award from the Washington State Bar Association and the Washington State Bar Foundation. 

In addition to founding DuBois Levias Law Group, one of Seattle’s longest standing women-owned law firms, Amanda is the author of the award winning Camille Delaney mystery series.

Amanda is a longstanding member of the boards of Civil Survival, Freedom Education Project Puget Sound and Purpose Dignity Action in Seattle.

Dr. Felisa Bryant is the Executive Director of The IF Project, a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to centering the voices and experiences of currently and formerly incarcerated individuals—particularly women and girls. With over 15 years of leadership in the nonprofit and reentry sectors, Dr. Bryant has extensive expertise in organizational management, strategic planning, program development, and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

As a formerly incarcerated woman herself, Dr. Bryant leads with both lived experience and professional insight. She is deeply committed to amplifying the stories and needs of those whose voices are often silenced or overlooked, holding space and responsibility for those coming after her. Building on The IF Project’s 17-year legacy of programs co-created with incarcerated women, Dr. Bryant champions community-informed solutions that address the complex barriers to successful reentry.

In addition to her leadership at The IF Project, Dr. Bryant serves on the Crime and Justice Advisory Committee at Seattle University, the Board of Directors for the Community Foundation of Snohomish County, and as Board President of Arms Around You, an organization providing reentry resources and support services to justice-impacted individuals.

Dr. Bryant holds a PhD in Psychology from Grand Canyon University, where her research focused on the reentry experiences of formerly incarcerated women, and a Master of Science in Psychology from the University of Phoenix. She continues to be a tireless advocate for equity, healing, and opportunity for those furthest from access to power and resources.

Rachel Kjack is the CEO of Unincarcerated Productions with over 25 years of experience in corporate and nonprofit leadership, workforce development, and social justice. With a background in media production and organizational development, Rachel is dedicated to building career pathways for justice-impacted individuals, especially in the creative industries. She has led programs in prisons across California and Washington, developed reentry-focused educational initiatives, and partnered with like-minded organizations to champion second-chance hiring. A Walla Walla native who grew up next to the Washington State Penitentiary, Rachel’s work is deeply rooted in community, storytelling, and systemic change. She is currently co-producing “Concrete Mama – The Podcast” out of WSP, which is charting at the top of Apple podcasts, as well as working on several other media projects with and for the justice impacted community.

Rory Andes is a combat veteran, writer, and advocate for improving the lives of the incarcerated. Currently serving as the Assistant Director at Just Us Solutions, LLC, he has firsthand experience of the challenges faced by individuals at all stages of legal intersections. Rory is dedicated to coordinating reentry resources, guiding clemency efforts, and managing daily company operations to support system-impacted individuals.

After serving two tours in Iraq with the U.S. Army, Rory returned home to an unstable environment, leading to personal challenges and eventual incarceration. During his time in prison, he discovered a profound connection between the experiences of combat and the challenges of incarceration, recognizing the importance of adequate support systems following traumatic events. He emphasizes that true recovery and success are achievable when these experiences are comprehensively understood and addressed.

Rory proudly volunteers his support to multiple nonprofit organizations. His work with the Prison Mathematics Project has been transformative, both experientially and academically. Having been the recipient of the PMP’s commitment to education, he’s deeply passionate about supporting what they do today.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Rory is a technophile, trivia enthusiast, and music lover. He values humor, empathy, and genuine human connection, striving to build networks that foster understanding and support for those navigating the complexities of reentry and rebuilding lives.

Ruth Utnage is a small business owner, reentry coordinator, and transgender woman who discovered her purpose while serving an eleven-year prison sentence. During her incarceration, she organized Washington State’s first-ever Pride event behind bars, advocated for LGBTQ+ rights, and published multiple articles. Ruth holds a degree in Business Management, is certified in web development and small business management, and brings a passionate voice to conversations about identity, trauma, and systems change.