About Us
Michelle A. Diaz, she/her (Chairwoman) is a Sr. Director with the Justice and Joy National Collaborative (previously known as the National Crittenton). Ms. Diaz’s role is to provide support, leadership, and direction. Prior to her work at National Crittenton, Ms. Diaz worked as a Community Associate for the New York City (NYC) Department of Probation (DOP) with the Division of Juvenile Operations. She is also the National Chairwoman for the Executive Board at the Coalition for Juvenile Justice (CJJ) and the Chairwoman at the Canary Impact Fund. In 2016, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo appointed Ms. Diaz to the New York State Juvenile Justice Advisory Group (NYS JJAG). In addition to being a board member of the JJAG, Ms. Diaz joined their Executive and Youth Action Committee to uplift youth, families, and community engagement and partnerships. The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OFCS) commissioner, Sheila J. Poole, appointed Ms. Diaz to serve as a board member at the Ombudsman (OOTO) office. More recently, Ms. Diaz joined the Community Connections for Youth (CCFY) Inc. as a secretary and the Salzburg Global Seminar as a fellow for their Youth Violence and Safety program.
Connect with Michelle at michelle@canaryimpact.org
Michelle A. Diaz
Marlon J. Chamberlain, he/him (Vice Chair) is an advocate for people directly impacted by the justice system. Marlon brings over 20 years of lived and professional experience to his work as the Executive Director of the Illinos Coalition to End Permanent Punishments. Marlon has an established track record of creating effective coalitions. Previously, he was the Project Manager of the Alliance for Reentry & Justice with the Safer Foundation where he built a statewide coalition of over 50 organizations. He also served as the Community Organizer with the FORCE (Fighting to Overcome Records and Create Equality) Initiative. Marlon developed FORCE to become one of the strongest organizations led by people with records to advance issues, policies, and legislation at the state level – including passing the largest sealing expansion law in the United States.
Connect with Marlon at marlon@canaryimpact.org
Marlon J. Chamberlain
Patrick Rodriguez is the Co-Executive Director of the Georgia Coalition for Higher Education in Prison (GACHEP) and Director of Georgia State University’s Prison Education Project (GSUPEP). When he himself was incarcerated, he was a witness to the impact that education had on himself and his peers. This inspired him to build educational pathways for incarcerated people and support formerly incarcerated people in their educational journey throughout the state of Georgia. He is currently in the process of starting a new degree program in Atlanta’s United States Federal Penitentiary. He currently serves as the Director of Public Affairs for the National Executive Council at Columbia University and on the Advisory Board for the Georgia chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. He was named to Georgia Trend Magazine’s 40 under 40, Best Self Magazine’s 40 under 40 and most recently one of Georgia Forward’s Young GameChangers! When asked why he wanted to serve on the Canary Impact Fund’s Board, he said, “I’m ready to support the excellence of formerly incarcerated people and support them in their next steps in life!” Patrick is committed to encouraging others to take the first step toward change through his lived experience, academic excellence, and professional accomplishments.
Connect with Patrick at patrick@canaryimpact.org
Patrick Rodriguez
Hernán Carvente Martinez, he/him/they (Strategic Advisor) is the Interim Executive Director of the Alianza for Youth Justice, Founder of Healing Ninjas, Inc., a Youth Leadership Coach, and a Social Entrepreneur. Mr. Carvente-Martinez has worked with a myriad of industries including juvenile justice, child welfare, mental health, corrections, and philanthropy. He is passionate about developing and implementing sustainable community-driven solutions in partnership with youth and families. Most recently, he worked at the Youth First Initiative, where he supported state campaigns that focused on closing youth prisons and reinvesting money into community alternatives. He worked with directly-impacted young people in these campaigns by offering professional development support, coaching, and other resources. Mr. Carvente-Martinez also serves on the boards of Community Connections for Youth, and the Alliance for Youth Organizing. He is also a member of several philanthropic funds that support the leadership of directly impacted communities.
Hernán Carvente-Martinez
Former Team Members:
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Roy Waterman – Former (Founding) Member
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Leyla Martinez – Former (Founding) Member
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Kayode Oseni – Former Member
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Devons Simmons – Former (Founding) Member
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Steven Pacheco – Former (Founding) Member
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Tina Tinen – Former (Founding) Member
Olivia Walker, she/her (Social Media Director) is a graduate of East Carolina University. She is a marketing and brand strategist who works with high-level executives, nonprofits, and innovative startups to enhance their brand awareness and digital imprint. She also provides media training, brand development, and marketing strategies to entrepreneurs. Olivia also has a strong passion for mental health and wellness. She recently became the cofounder of The Beauty Therapy Project, a wellness community dedicated to connecting women through self-worth, personal development and growth. She believes in the power and strength of women and lives to inspire them on s served as a public speaker and has been a media guest appearing on national news outlets such as NPR, MSNBC, Fox News, CNN, Al Jazeera and CSPAN.
Olivia Walker
