ABOUT THE SUMMIT

This session highlights the real-world impact of JCOD’s initiatives through powerful success stories from program participants. Attendees will hear directly from community-based organizations that have grown, scaled, and transformed their services through the support of JCOD programs. From securing major funding to launching life-changing initiatives, these stories demonstrate how intentional investment and capacity-building can spark long-term change in under-resourced communities.

Experience a powerful short film created by a high school student from LACHSA that captures the journey of LA County’s groundbreaking all-female firefighting crew. Through a creative and heartfelt lens, this film celebrates resilience, representation, and reimagining who belongs in public service. Following the screening, join us for a Q&A with the filmmaker and special guests as they discuss the importance of visibility, storytelling, and breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Speakers Include:

Chief Anthony Marrone, Kendra Harris Chylier, Felicia Bryant (Asst Chief/Fire Marshall OC), LACTC Cadets, Film People, KK (LACTC), Dominique DiPrima (moderator)

Conversations with Harry O is a powerful dialogue series led by Michael “Harry O” Harris, a visionary entrepreneur, community builder, and cultural pioneer. Through open and thought-provoking conversations, Harry O shares his journey, insights, and experiences while engaging guests in meaningful discussions about resilience, leadership, and creating lasting impact. This conversation is designed to spark inspiration, challenge perspectives, and highlight the voices shaping our communities and future.

Speakers Include:

Michael "Harry-O" Harris – Co-Founder of Death Row Records + Founder & CEO, MRH Consulting

After serving over three decades in prison, Mr. Harris emerged as a national voice for justice reform, social enterprise development, and reentry success. He pioneered rehabilitative programs inside San Quentin, co-founded iconic music label Death Row Records, and now leads MRH Consulting with a focus on healing-centered systems and economic opportunity for justice-impacted people. As President of Strategic Partnerships, Harris has long had an eye for aligning powerful people and institutions for the greater good. He creates scalable business models that attract investors, philanthropists, and high-net-worth donors to fund initiatives that expand beyond the limitations of county and state budgets—driving innovation and accelerating systemic change.

Dominique DiPrima (Moderator)

Emmy-Winner Dominique DiPrima of KBLA Talk 1580

Watch as emerging nonprofit leaders from JCOD’s Incubation Academy take the stage to pitch their missions, models, and impact to a panel of funders and community partners. This high-energy session showcases grassroots innovation and bold solutions from organizations serving Los Angeles County’s most underserved communities. Attendees will witness the power of storytelling, vision, and purpose as these leaders compete for funding, partnerships, and continued support.

This panel brings together the County department heads, leaders from community-based organizations, and public health agencies for a collaborative conversation on building safer, healthier communities. Together, they will explore strategies to identify the services and support systems needed for justice-involved individuals, focusing on prevention, rehabilitation, and reintegration. Join us for an insightful dialogue on cross-sector solutions that promote public safety, equity, and long-term community well-being.

Speakers Include:

ASM Sade Elhawary, Sheriff Robert Luna, PD Ricardo Garcia, Judge Yvette Verastegui, DA Nathan Hochman and Robert Greene (moderator)

This dynamic session explores how artists, creatives, and entertainment leaders are using their platforms to drive social change. Through storytelling, performance, and advocacy, panelists will highlight the power of culture to challenge injustice, amplify marginalized voices, and inspire collective action. Attendees will learn how art and media can be tools for transformation—and how to harness creativity for community impact.

Speakers Include:

Danny Trejo, Actor

Danny Trejo is an iconic American character actor, activist, and entrepreneur known for his distinctive tough-guy persona and extensive career in Hollywood. A former inmate who turned his life around through a 12-step program, he has become a beloved cultural figure celebrated for his redemption story and philanthropy.

YG, Rapper and Producer

Keenon Dequan Ray Jackson, known by his stage name YG (short for "Young Gangsta"), is a prominent American rapper, songwriter, and actor from Compton, California. Known for his distinctive West Coast hip-hop sound, YG has carved out a successful career with his raw storytelling and dedication to his community.

Scott Budnick, Film Producer, Founder of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition

Scott Budnick is an American film producer best known for helping bring the Hangover trilogy to life. Beyond Hollywood, he’s a passionate social justice advocate: he founded the Anti-Recidivism Coalition to support formerly incarcerated young adults and now runs One Community, a production company that uses storytelling to drive real-world impact.

Judge Songhai Armstead (ret.), Director of JCOD

Judge Armstead is a longtime advocate for the underserved, and a justice system innovator. Before this appointment, Judge Armstead, a retired Superior Court judge, was the first leader of the Alternatives to Incarceration Office, which is now part of JCOD. Judge Armstead and her team drove the operational creation of JCOD after the Board established the department.

Rance Dopson, Producer, Founder of 1500 or Nothin

Rance Dopson is a four-time Grammy award-winning producer, working with top-tier artists across multiple genres, including Kendrick Lamar, Roddy Rich, Justin Timberlake and Chris Stapleton. He’s also the Founder of 1500 or Nothin, a team of prominent music producers, songwriters, singers, musicians and rappers.

This session focuses on innovative workforce development programs that serve as alternatives to incarceration, offering justice-impacted individuals a pathway to stability, purpose, and long-term success. Panelists will highlight career training models, employer partnerships, and systems-change efforts that prioritize healing over punishment. Attendees will explore how investing in career pathways can break cycles of incarceration and build safer, more equitable communities.

Speakers Include:

Candace Newman, Kelly LoBianco, Norma Garcia , Joseph Wise-Wiley, and Marjorie Morrison (Moderator)

This session examines the urgent housing crisis facing California and the bold advocacy efforts working to ensure housing is treated as a human right. Policy leaders, organizers, and grassroots advocates will discuss the systemic barriers to affordable housing, the rise of displacement, and community-driven solutions aimed at equity and justice. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the stakes, strategies, and collective power needed to create lasting change in the fight for housing justice.

Speakers Include:

Gita O'Neill, Alex Visotzky, Prophet Walker, James Zenner and Molly Rysman (Moderator)

This session will highlight the powerful work of organizations funded through the Care First Community Investment (CFCI) program. Each recipient will share how JCOD's investment has supported their mission, strengthened their capacity, and expanded their ability to serve their communities. Through storytelling and dialogue, participants will hear firsthand how local organizations are addressing urgent needs, driving innovation, and creating lasting change. This session is sure to uplift lessons learned, celebrate success, and spark inspiration for building stronger, and more equitable communities.

Speakers Include:

5-Eleven Hoops, Jail Guitar Doors, Dream Live Hope Foundation, The Sidewalk Project, Centro CHA , Flintridge Center, Advancing the Seed, Fear for Breakfast, Whole Systems Learning, The Social Impact Center and Adam Bettino (Moderator)

In collaboration with LA County Arts and Culture, Street Poets lead a powerful session where language becomes liberation. Through raw truth-telling and poetic expression, participants will harness the power of words to resist, heal, and reimagine what’s possible—writing our way toward freedom and collective transformation.

Speakers Include:

Street Poets

This screening explores how justice-impacted individuals use film to reclaim their voices, challenge misconceptions, and inspire change. Through powerful storytelling, these creators illuminate lived experiences and show how film can transform pain into purpose and narrative into impact.

Speakers Include:

Antwan Banks Williams, Thaisan Nguon, Rahsaan Thomas - San Quentin Film Festival (moderator)

Feel the rhythm and energy in this outdoor Afrobeats session, where movement, music, and culture come together to ignite joy and self-expression. Open to all, this high-vibe experience fosters connection, confidence, and community through the shared language of dance.

Speakers Include:

Chloe and Maud Foundation

Enjoy a special performance from graduates of the JCOD Incubation Academy.

Step into your power with this energizing outdoor boxing workout, designed to build strength, focus, and confidence through dynamic movement and technique. Suitable for all fitness levels, it’s a powerful way to build mental grit and shared momentum in a supportive, high-impact environment.

Speakers Include:

The Fighting Chance Foundation

Hear from the Alliance for California Traditional Arts.

Join us outdoors for a fun and community-building lunchtime jam session.

Join us for a dynamic outdoor community workout that blends functional movement with team-driven energy to elevate your physical and mental strength. This all-level session fosters unity, motivation, and a shared commitment to wellness in an inspiring summit setting.

Speakers Include:

Deuce Community

Join ONE TREE YOGA for a 45-minute outdoor yoga session offering a grounding experience that connects body, breath, and nature in harmony. This inclusive session welcomes all levels and highlights yoga’s power to build resilience, clarity, and community both on and off the mat.

Speakers Include:

TREE YOGA -Jana Johnson

Click here to view the Together We Thrive 2024 Summit Program

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