Leigh Scott
Leigh Scott is a formerly incarcerated individual from Gainesville, Fl. whose purpose is fostering transformative change within the Gainesville community, especially for those impacted by the justice system. My journey is defined by communication, work ethic, and compassion to create positive impact. Life's hardships have only deepened my conviction that our time is precious, best spent uplifting others and improving our shared world. It is a profound privilege to work alongside my community.
I am a founding board member and the Director of Community Outreach for Released Reentry, Alachua County's first reentry hub and it is led by justice-impacted individuals. I am dedicated to establishing comprehensive reentry services, utilizing my strong public speaking skills, honed during my extensive radio career, to advocate for these vital services and raise awareness among local officials. I am also a proud co-founder of the Justice Impacted Collaborative, further amplifying our collective voice.
My commitment extends to GRACE Marketplace, Gainesville's largest homeless shelter, where I advanced from an advocate to Director of Volunteers and Service Providers. My approach blends lived experience, passion and compassion, enabling me to connect authentically with individuals in need, as well as with donors and political leaders.
I am the creator and host of Uncarcerated, a podcast that tells the stories of people returning home from incarceration through a holistic, trauma informed lens.
As a Fellow at Community Spring, I co-founded Links not Locks, an initiative addressing behavioral health challenges and reducing incarceration. Our team also developed a groundbreaking proposal to enhance behavioral health services at the first responder level in Alachua County, aiming to significantly reduce incarceration rates.
My expertise in leadership, organization, and community outreach has allowed me to make a substantial impact. I am passionately driven by effective systems change, rooted in deep compassion, and I am excited by opportunities to expand my service, particularly through the Represent Justice fellowship.
Leigh’s ambassadorship is supported by our nominating partner, Community Spring.
