Program Participants
NextWave Leadership Program: Supporting The Next Generation of Justice Leaders
The NextWave Leadership Program is Canary Impact’s youth-focused initiative, designed to support justice-involved leaders aged 18-25. This program addresses the unique challenges faced by young people disproportionately impacted by the criminal legal system, equipping them with the tools, mentorship, and community needed to transform their experiences into leadership and advocacy.
2025 Participants
Jacob Cohen (he/him)
Jacob Cohen is a computer science student based in Columbus, Ohio, and an active member of the Central Ohio Restored Citizens’ Collaborative (CORCC), where he serves as the marketing director and web developer. He has been involved in the reentry community in Columbus since 2024, volunteering at numerous community events to help justice-impacted individuals access essential resources. Jacob is humbled to have been selected for Canary Impact’s NextWave program, and is eager to use this opportunity to bring a positive change to the reentry community in Columbus and beyond.
Kaylen Frank (he/him)
Kaylen (Slim) Frank is a 22-year-old advocate and emerging leader from Texas, committed to turning pain into purpose through restorative justice. Grounded in peace-building and mentorship, he creates spaces where system-impacted youth can reclaim their stories, build leadership, and find power in healing. Drawing from his own experiences, Kaylen uplifts others through peer support, emotional intelligence, and accountability—believing that real change starts from within. He envisions a world where every young person has the tools, support, and community to thrive and lead with purpose.
Kayla Kessler (she/her)
Kayla Kessler is a 19-year-old from Hutchinson, Kansas. This year she has dived into her experience in juvenile justice and reform while currently justice impacted. Her main goal is to protect and advocate for those in the same areas of life where she felt hopeless. Kayla just wants to share with others that there is a path to success. It doesn't matter where you start, only where you finish!
Alberto Lopez (he/him)
Hi, I’m Alberto Lopez. I grew up in a colonia along the Texas border, where the weight of the criminal justice system and substance use disorder touched my family deeply. These aren’t abstract issues to me—they’re the reason I fight. Serving on the Opioid Affected Youth Initiative Youth Advisory Board sharpened my purpose: working alongside others who’ve walked this pain to build solutions that heal, not punish. Last year, I took that fire to New York—organizing for Mondaire Jones’ congressional campaign—where I learned to unite people across divides with one truth: everyone deserves a second chance. Now, I’m bringing these skills home to the Rio Grande Valley. My work isn’t just a job—it’s a promise: to turn struggle into strength, and to create ripples of redemption where they’re needed most.
Jordan Toney (he/him)
Jordan Toney, a 25 year old advocate for juvenile justice, grew up in Washington, D.C. Jordan excelled in school at an early age, earning most proficient and honor roll achievements through junior high and high school, but ultimately Jordan’s time outside of school led to his incarceration in early 2018. Jordan was able to return to his community and deliver on his promise to graduate high school, also furthering his education and obtaining a bachelor of science degree in Business. Jordan has been an advocate of reform in many sorts since coming home, speaking and collaborating with many government officials and agencies to improve the narrative surrounding incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals.
Ferre Woodmore (she/her)
Ferre Woodmore is a 21-year-old advocate and dedicated student whose lived experience in the foster care and juvenile justice systems fuels her work for change. She is passionate about uplifting youth, challenging systemic barriers, and creating spaces for healing and empowerment. A full-time psychology student and mother, Ferre brings strength, compassion, and purpose to everything she does. She believes every young person deserves the chance to be seen, heard, and supported. Her journey is a powerful reminder that resilience can spark real and lasting impact.