At 17, Joel was sentenced to Life Without the Possibility of Parole. While incarcerated, he committed himself to a life of nonviolence and focused on personal growth, taking college classes and leading self-help groups. Legal changes brought about by organizations like Human Rights Watch and the Anti Recidivism Coalition gave Joel a chance for release. Inspired by how the work of activists changed his life forever, he became active in criminal justice reform, working to change laws and bring hope to thousands of people in prison, and even testifying before the legislature. After his release in 2015, Joel completed his B.A. in Liberal Arts and worked in transitional housing. Now, he brings that passion for change and justice to his work at Mass Liberation, using his education and experience to motivate and inspire Returning Citizens.