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. He also serves as 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.

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.

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 and restorative justice practitioner with more than 20 years of experience serving at-risk youth in Hartford, Connecticut. As Lead Teacher at RISE Academy, she supports students who have faced significant trauma and social-emotional challenges, helping them rebuild confidence and reengage with learning. Beyond the classroom, Ashley has partnered with numerous nonprofit organizations as a grant writer, youth coordinator, and advisor, advancing initiatives that serve underserved communities. Through her restorative justice training and facilitation, she fosters healing, accountability, and empowerment for students and families throughout Hartford.

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.