Stories of
Change
Real voices, real experiences, real power. Hear from the justice-impacted leaders transforming Arizona.
Every story shared builds power. Help us amplify these voices.
Donate NowFrom Incarceration to Advocacy
Marcus spent 8 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections, where he witnessed firsthand the failures of our criminal justice system. Upon reentry, he faced barriers to employment, housing, and opportunity. Instead of giving up, he found purpose.
Through We Stand AZ's Justice Leadership Academy, Marcus transformed his lived experience into powerful advocacy. He has now testified before the Arizona legislature twice, sharing his story to shape criminal justice reform policies.
"My experience taught me the system is broken," Marcus says, "but it also showed me that change is possible when people with lived experience lead."
Share Your Story
"My experience taught me the system is broken, but it also showed me that change is possible when people with lived experience lead."
— Marcus T.
More Stories
Justice-impacted leaders sharing their experiences and impact through We Stand AZ programs.
Spending 8 years incarcerated taught me more about justice than any law degree ever could. Through the Justice Leadership Academy, I learned to channel my lived experience into policy advocacy. Now I testify before lawmakers about the human impact of their decisions.
Marcus T.
Justice-Impacted Leader, Policy Advocate
I came to We Stand AZ thinking my story didn't matter. But I learned that my experience was my power. Sharing my journey through our storytelling program helped me heal and connect others to the reality of reentry challenges.
Diana R.
Program Graduate, Community Organizer
Being part of this community changed everything. For the first time, people actually listened to me—not as a statistic or a criminal, but as an expert on my own life. That recognition shifted my entire trajectory.
James M.
Leadership Academy Fellow
Why Stories Matter
Challenge Stereotypes
Personal narratives break through the stigma and stereotypes that justice-impacted people face. Stories humanize the issue and shift public perception.
Drive Policy Change
Lawmakers listen differently when they hear directly from people affected by the laws they create. Stories translate lived experience into political power.
Inspire Community
When justice-impacted people see others like them advocating and creating change, it ignites hope and possibility. Stories inspire movement.
Our Storytelling Platforms
Video Testimonies
In-depth video interviews where leaders share their full journey—challenges, resilience, and vision for change.
Watch Videos →Written Essays
Thought-provoking pieces where justice-impacted writers reflect on their experiences and advocate for change.
Read Essays →Podcast Series
Conversations where leaders discuss lived experience, policy, organizing, and the power of collective action.
Listen Now →Your Story Matters
If you have lived experience with the justice system, your voice is powerful. We want to help you share your story.