Fines and Fees Justice Center Florida State Director Ashley Thomas is a trailblazer for change with a passion for policy reform. She’s working hard to advance state and local campaigns to reform the imposition and collection of fines and fees in Florida, specifically dealing with driver’s license suspensions due to unpaid court debt. Tune in to hear how fines and fees are addressed in the justice system, and learn how driver’s license suspension impacts Floridians and Florida’s economy.

Dr. Carrie Pettus-Davis devoted most of her career to improving the lives of formerly incarcerated people. Her five key approach prepares them to be job ready and job steady for when they complete their sentences. Pettus-Davis believes that if we want to influence the children of our country, as well as our community, we need to make sure the parents are thriving so children won’t be affected. The Institute for Justice Research and Development does just that. Their mission to advance science, policy, and practice to improve the well-being of individuals, families and communities impacted by the criminal justice system involvement. Creating a movement towards smart decarceration to produce effective, sustainable and equitable criminal justice reforms.

Today, more than 22.7% of children in Florida live in “food insecure” homes. No Kid Hungry Florida is working to eradicate this statistic for good by providing innovative hunger solutions to communities across the Sunshine State. The organization recently hired long-time child advocate Sky Beard as its new Florida Director. She’s using her experience and connections to create partnerships and new programs that give youth 18 and under more access to meals year-round.

In 2019, Desmond Meade was featured in TIME magazine’s Top 100 Most Influential list for his leading efforts to empower and civically re-engage local communities in Florida. Meade has seen his fair share of hardship and struggle. He was incarcerated, homeless, but later turned his life around and earned a law degree. Now he’s the President of Florida Rights Restoration Coalition and last year lead the efforts to pass Amendment 4 – One of the largest expansions of voting rights in Florida’s history. Listen to his conversation with SalterMitchell PR President Heidi Otway as they discuss his journey from felon to nationally-recognized activist.

George LeMieux’s passion for politics began at an early age when a pivotal moment made him realize that being a part of public office can be truly impactful. LeMieux went on to lead Charlie Crist’s successful gubernatorial campaign and serve as Chief of Staff to the governor before being appointed as Florida’s 34th Senator in the 111th Congress. In 2012, he founded the LeMieux Center for Public Policy at Palm Beach Atlantic University and today, he enjoys his new role as author. Tune in to hear his conversation with SalterMitchell PR President Heidi Otway as they discuss his political career, how the LeMieux Center engages students through powerful speakers and research, and his first book, “Florida Made: The 25 Most Important Figures Who Shaped the State.”