Alyssa joined as the Executive Assistant for Initiate Justice after graduating from UC Riverside with academic distinction, obtaining her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology – Law and Society. She is also a graduate of the Institute of Impacted Leaders (LA Cohort). She first got involved in community organizing and advocacy with Underground Scholars at UC Riverside, where she spent her time providing direct and indirect support to individuals and families experiencing the effects of mass incarceration and institutionalized oppression, using her own lived experience of trauma and incarceration within her family to advocate for others with similar circumstances. She believes real change happens when you mobilize the power and potential of those most directly impacted by mass incarceration. She is responsible for providing high-level support to the Executive Director, managing projects, and communicating with contractors, funders, and community partners.