After college and a stint as an elementary school teacher, Annie Phoenix was looking for volunteer opportunities with prison education programs. But there really weren’t any education programs in Louisiana prisons. So, she decided to start one.

Annie co-founded multiple initiatives aimed at expanding education access to people who are incarcerated. Through her non-profit Operation Restoration, Annie and her team provide, educational tools, creative programming, and immediate social services to formerly incarcerated women.

Most recently, she was appointed executive director of the Jesuit Social Research Institute (or JSRI) at Loyola University New Orleans. Founded by Jesuit Fr. Fred Kammer, JSRI works to transform the Gulf South through analysis, education, and advocacy on the issues of poverty, race and migration. Along with JSRI and Loyola staff, Annie is spearheading a new educational program for incarcerated men in Louisiana.

Host MegAnne Liebsch talks to Annie about the new role and lessons she's learned along the way.

Learn more about JSRI's work: https://jsri.loyno.edu/

Check out Operation Restoration: https://www.or-nola.org/

Get in touch with Annie: [email protected]