Cofounder & President

Bryan “Luv” Jordan is a justice-impacted scholar, advocate, and cofounder of Guided By Purpose Reentry Initiative, Inc. A returning citizen himself, Bryan draws on lived experience to guide his work in building stronger, safer communities and supporting those transitioning from incarceration.

He is currently pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice at the University of New Haven, with aspirations of attending Yale Law School to further advance equity-driven criminal justice reform. His academic and professional journey reflect a commitment to both scholarship and action.

Bryan serves as Lead Researcher with the Challenging Discrimination in the Law Project at Yale Law School and at the Yale Institute on Incarceration and Public Safety, where he explores how race has shaped mass incarceration and how higher education can transform the lives of incarcerated individuals. Luv serves as a Reentry Navigator with Dwight Hall at Yale and is a consultant to other nonprofits dedicated to supporting justice-impacted people. Beyond this work, he is a research assistant with the Second Chance Educational Alliance and works directly in inner-city communities, developing conflict resolution and anti-violence programs aimed at reducing gun violence in underserved neighborhoods.

Through research, reentry support, nonprofit collaboration, and community engagement, Bryan is dedicated to dismantling systemic barriers and creating purpose-driven pathways to opportunity. His leadership embodies GBP’s core belief in second chances and the transformative power of education and advocacy. Contact: luv@guidedbypurposeinitiative.org.

Cofounder, Vice President & Anti-Violence Advocate

Jeffery “Sheim” Perry is a justice-impacted social justice activist, anti-gun violence advocate, mentor, and cofounder of Guided By Purpose Reentry Initiative, Inc. With over 30 years of incarceration, Sheim has transformed his lived experience into leadership, advocacy, and mentorship that continue to uplift justice-impacted people and their communities.

During his incarceration, Sheim helped develop numerous conflict resolution and anti-gang programs, while also serving as a mentor to countless incarcerated individuals. His work fostered peace, accountability, and personal growth, demonstrating the power of leadership even under the most limited conditions.

A graduate of CT State Community College and a trained Credible Messenger, Sheim has spoken as an anti-violence advocate for organizations including the NAACP, Project Longevity, Second Chance Reentry Initiative Program (SCRIP), and Community Renewal Team (CRT). He also works directly with underserved communities and inner-city schools to create conflict resolution and anti-violence programs aimed at curbing gun violence. Despite limited resources, Sheim continues to be a trusted point of contact for many returning citizens, connecting them to mental health support and employment opportunities. Contact: Sheim@guidedbypurposeinitiative.org

Cofounder, Director of Programs & Education

Carvaughn Johnson, though he remains incarcerated, is a peer mentor, conflict mitigation specialist, advocate, and cofounder of Guided By Purpose Reentry Initiative, Inc. For more than two decades of incarceration, he has demonstrated unwavering leadership and commitment to education, personal growth, and community building behind the walls.

As Director of Programs and Education and Assistant Volunteer Coordinator, Carvaughn has mentored and tutored more than thirty individuals in earning their high school diplomas, helping them pursue new opportunities and prepare for life beyond incarceration. His persistence as a vigorous self-litigant also led to the reversal of his convictions and sentence, with his anticipated release set for 2028.

Carvaughn’s work is rooted in a deep belief in second chances and the transformative power of education. Even while incarcerated, he continues to shape lives, build programs, and strengthen communities—embodying GBP’s mission of leadership and purpose-driven pathways to success.

Board Member

Ashley Shaw is a dedicated educator, certified restorative justice trainer, and community advocate with more than 20 years of experience serving at-risk youth and families in Hartford, Connecticut. As Lead Teacher at RISE Academy, she supports students who have experienced significant trauma, behavioral challenges, and social-emotional barriers, helping them rebuild confidence, strengthen relationships, and reengage with learning.

A skilled restorative justice practitioner, Ashley facilitates circles, trainings, and healing-centered conversations that promote accountability, conflict resolution, and community building. Her work focuses on creating supportive environments where young people and families can heal, grow, and thrive.

Beyond the classroom, Ashley has partnered with numerous nonprofit organizations as a grant writer, youth coordinator, and advisor, helping develop programs and secure resources that benefit underserved communities. Through education, restorative practices, and community engagement, Ashley remains committed to advancing equity, empowerment, and opportunities for youth and families across Connecticut.

Contact:ashley@guidedbypurposeinitiative.org

Board Member

Wanda Vasquez is a seasoned healthcare professional with 29 years of experience in operations management, leadership, and organizational development. As Senior Practice Manager at Connecticut Children’s, she is dedicated to improving access to quality healthcare and supporting underserved communities across Connecticut. Wanda is passionate about mentoring emerging professionals and fostering environments of continuous growth, collaboration, and excellence. Her leadership style emphasizes equity, compassion, and the development of strong, purpose-driven teams. Outside of work, Wanda enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and exploring new places—experiences that keep her grounded and bring fresh perspectives to her professional life. Through her commitment to service and growth, she continues to make a lasting impact on both her team and the broader healthcare community. Contact: wanda@guidedbypurposeinitiative.org

Managing Content Creator & Reentry Advisor

Maurice Blackwell is a justice-impacted advocate, educator, and community leader whose work is informed by more than two decades of lived experience with incarceration, reentry, and system involvement. After serving 24 years in prison, Maurice committed himself to advancing education, restorative justice, and opportunities for justice-impacted individuals and families.

As GBP's Managing Content Creator and Reentry Advisor, he helps shape organizational messaging, storytelling, educational content, and reentry initiatives that support community healing and successful reintegration. Maurice earned his Associate of Arts degree through the Yale Prison Education Initiative and currently serves as a College-to-Career Fellow while pursuing a Bachelor's degree at the University of New Haven.

A member of the Coalition for Community Healing Through Justice Reform (CCHJR) and leader within the Justice 4 Everybody Movement, Maurice is passionate about expanding educational opportunities, strengthening reentry pathways, and advancing policies rooted in dignity, accountability, and second chances. Through advocacy, mentorship, and community engagement, he continues working to create meaningful opportunities for those impacted by the criminal legal system.

Contact: maurice@guidedbypurposeinitiative.org

Lead Reentry Coordinator

Alex Brown, MSW is a formerly incarcerated advocate, political social worker, and grassroots organizer whose work is rooted in lived experience and a commitment to advancing opportunities for justice-impacted individuals and families. After spending 4.5 years incarcerated and much of her adult life under parole and probation supervision, Alex has dedicated her career to ensuring directly impacted people have a voice in shaping the systems that affect their lives.

As GBP's Lead Reentry Coordinator, she helps connect returning citizens with resources, support networks, and pathways to long-term stability and success. Alex holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree and a Master of Social Work from the University of Connecticut. She currently works in policy and advocacy with the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness and is passionate about elevating the voices of women impacted by incarceration while advancing meaningful reform through advocacy, coalition-building, and community engagement.

Contact: alex@guidedbypurposeinitiative.org