Introducing the 2026 Represent Justice Ambassador Cohort
A warm welcome to our 2026 Ambassadors!
Each Ambassador brings unique perspectives from their lived experience with the justice system. The cohort represents six of the nation’s top 20 states with the highest incarceration rates: California, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin, Texas, and Oklahoma. This alignment is intentional and reflects Represent Justice's commitment to investing in leaders whose communities bear the greatest weight of mass incarceration. By uplifting their stories, we challenge the perpetuation of harmful narratives and initiate change where it is most urgently needed.
Meet the 2026 Ambassadors:
Angie Frias — Nominated by A New Way of Life
Cesar Garcia — Nominated by a Represent Justice Ambassador
Julius Irving — Nominated by Community Spring
Courtenie Jackson — Nominated by Julius Jones Institute
Todd Jones — Nominated by a Represent Justice Ambassador
Marcus Kelley — Nominated by Detroit Justice Center
Leigh Scott — Nominated by Community Spring
Starling Thomas — Nominated by The Ladies of Hope Ministries, Inc.
Kenneth Webb — Nominated by a Represent Justice Ambassador
Cecilia Zavala — Nominated by JustLeadership USA
The Represent Justice Ambassador Program is a yearlong fellowship that equips directly impacted leaders with tools, training, and community to harness the power of film and storytelling as vehicles for justice and systemic change. Nominating partner organizations play a vital role in this work. Each Ambassador was nominated by a trusted organization or individuals working on the ground to transform the justice system. Working in partnership ensures we strengthen individuals and communities most impacted and who are creating the most effective solutions.
This newest cohort has kicked off their training, which will culminate in the summer of 2026 with a red-carpet premiere of their film projects in Los Angeles, California. Over the next year, Ambassadors will:
Develop a deeper understanding of building narrative power.
Gain skills in film writing and visual storytelling.
Prioritize self-care while unearthing stories related to trauma.
Design impact campaigns to amplify the effect of their final films.
We are honored to stand alongside these leaders and the organizations that championed their nominations. Together, we’re building infrastructure that shifts culture and drives systemic change.
