Meet The Team

Samual Nathaniel Brown is an artist, educator, philosopher, spoken word poet, and organizer who was paroled from Lancaster in December 2021 after serving 24 years in California State Prisons. He has matured spiritually and physically, using his transformation to help others through social-emotional learning. Samual founded the 10P Program in New Folsom Prison in 2014, promoting emotional literacy and positive change, which has expanded to additional prisons and boasts a significant waitlist at Lancaster State Prison. He developed educational partnerships with California State University in Sacramento, McGeorge School of Law, and various non-profits, co-led a victim-offender mediation program, and produced a documentary on childhood trauma behind bars. A carceral scholar, he graduated with honors in Social Science, Sociology, and Communications. He has co-founded organizations, aimed at breaking cycles of harm and dismantling systemic racism. He is a two-time state champion in spoken word poetry, a children’s book co-author, and a justice award recipient. He also authored ACA8, a bill to end involuntary servitude in California prisons which passed in the senate June 2024 and will be on the ballot in November 2024, so vote YES on Prop 6! Samual is dedicated to community work focused on breaking cycles of violence and promoting healing.

Hope Shorter has a love for people and goal to inspire and help those in need. She has extensive background in music and creative advocacy work. Over the past 15 years she has graced stages around the world, placed her original song compositions in multiple films and TV Shows, Tyler Perry’s "Why Did I Get Married" and "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" to name a few. Her humanitarian works stems from long time relationship with the AIM 4 the heart foundation, as an artist activist modeling positive creativity through writing music and performance, Hope gardeners a unique edge as our Administrative Director here at the 10P program. 

In her spare time, Hope enjoys nature, playing music working on recipes for her upcoming vegan cookbook and her fashion line, coming fall of 2024.

Tasha Danvers is a 2 time Olympian and Olympic Bronze Medalist. She is an international speaker, author, mentor, and success coach for private and corporate companies who want to achieve next-level results. Tasha has two Bachelor Degrees, one Masters Degree, and is currently working on a Doctorate Degree in Holistic Life Counseling. She reached the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro (the second highest mountain in the world), and was an ambassador for Jaguar motor company's sports foundation. Tasha has been a Graduation Keynote Speaker for  the University of Southern California's Black Graduation, Croydon College in London, and presented for large brands such as Coca-Cola, GAFAM, Facebook, and Linkdin. She is a proud mom to her son Jaden and is very passionate about inspiring people to follow their passions and pursue their dreams while making a difference.

Cat Clark-Perkins, BSHS (she/her/hers) is the CEO of Catron Academy Learning Institute in South Los Angeles. A survivor of domestic violence and mother of two, with over thirty years of experience in public service in Los Angeles County/Courts/Sheriffs, Cat volunteers as a facilitator and holds positions on multiple boards. Catherine is an experienced trainer, coach, advocate, and leader in the community.

During her teen years she was sexually assaulted at gunpoint. This was the beginning of her life battling trauma. Cat is a Certified Peer Reentry Specialist and DV advocate. She is also a Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice Los Angeles Chapter Coordinator. Cat is also an entrepreneur and Life Coach. Cat is a founding member of the Sister Circle which focuses on addressing issues that affect women living in low-socio economic communities. Cat is the treasurer for Cease Fire Committee and peace ambassador. Cat advocates and sits on the Board of Directors of Victim Services From The Inside Out with Porsche Taylor and facilitates the 10P Program in the Lancaster State Prison with Sam Brown.

Angela's journey is one of resilience and redemption. Born and raised in an underserved community plagued by gangs and crime, she found herself entangled in a web of bad choices, ultimately leading to a 15-year prison sentence. However, her time behind bars became a catalyst for transformation.  After serving a decade of her sentence, Angela emerged with a newfound determination to break the cycle of criminality. Drawing from her own experiences, she embraced a responsible mindset and dedicated herself to helping others navigate away from the path she once trod.With six years of experience facilitating rehabilitative programs, Angela has become a beacon of hope for those seeking a way out of the grip of crime. She utilizes her past as a powerful tool to connect with individuals struggling with pro-social living, guiding them towards a path of success and fulfillment. Angela's passion lies in community building, and she eagerly embraces the future as she continues her mission to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Joell Reed is an IT professional with Child Welfare Digital Services (CWDS). I have a passion for volunteerism in the areas of community and justice, with 15 years of experience. I have worked with organizations such as, NAACP where I served as Secretary and chair of the Prison Board, Justice Reform Coalition (JRC) working with families of incarcerated individuals, Sacramento Family Food Bank working the Mothers and Infants’ program, Homeless Connect working with the Homeless Census and Outreach programs. I developed a strong sense of commitment and responsibility working within the community and advocating for families. Looking forward to continuing working in advocacy within 10P.

Janet Ramirez recently paroled from CCWF on Feb. 1st, 2024 after serving 10 years of a 15-year to life sentence. Her story is one of tragedy and redemption, as she found herself in a toxic relationship that ultimately led to her incarceration with a life sentence. At just 24 years old, she was a mother to two young children and overwhelmed by the challenges of her circumstances.  Deeply effected by Adverse Childhood Experiences and raised without a model of healthy relationships, Janet's journey is one of growth, resilience, and the pursuit of a better future for herself and her family. Janet has not only put in the work required to reclaim her own narrative, but she now works incessantly at helping others to do the same.

Founder and president of C. Harris Companies, Inc., where she designed and delivered countless⁶
processes that changed hearts, minds, attitudes, and behaviors in government organizations, corporations, and universities. She is a skilled facilitator, professional keynote speaker, trainer, executive coach, and consultant.  She leads the planning and implementation of strategies in diversity and inclusion, conflict resolution, leadership development, cross-cultural communication, and team building. 

Cathy explores their challenges and assists in improving their individual and organizational performance, corporate culture, morale, productivity, team and personal effectiveness. She’s known for her ability to move people beyond their personal biases and assumptions toward one another and engage in dialogues that build healthy, working relationships.  She is focused on demolishing the walls of inequities, and fostering inclusion in the workplace with no artificial barriers to success She specializes in leadership development, communication and dialogue skills, team building and conflict resolution.
Through experiential, highly interactive and engaging processes and presentations, Cathy deals easily with sensitive issues and encourages participants to do the same. She encourages unity, harmony and cohesiveness with a friendly, natural and fun style. Her impact is positive and long-lasting.  
Cathy led major organizational change initiatives for businesses and government organizations.  John Ortego, the director of USDA’s National Finance Center, said Cathy’s work "… has been a factor in creating a unified, productive, and positive workforce and atmosphere." After major improvements in equity, performance and morale, officials in Washington, DC commissioned Cathy to provide training for USDA managers and supervisors from 11 USDA agencies. She facilitated Train-the-Trainer and other diversity and inclusion processes for corporations and at the Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA) for five consecutive years.

Aaron Showtime Taylor is a play by play sports commentator who served 26yrs 3months and 3wks inside the California Dept of Correcctions and Rehabilitation. Since his release, he's worked for the Venice Basketball League, the American Basketball Association, the Golden State Warriors, and is a staunch advocate for the Incarcerated Americans, Formerly Incarcerated Americans, and the victims and survivors of crimes in America. He's been seen on NBA Countdown w/Maria Taylor, the Kelly Clarkson Show, the 42nd Annual Sports Emmy Awards; he's hosted a TedX 2022 event, and he goes back inside of prisons to host Basketball games and motivational speaking.

From prison to elected office, Brian Hawkins is a dedicated public servant with a passion for improving the lives of his constituents. Born and raised in Southern California, Hawkins has deep roots in the community he aims to represent. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to public service and a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Hawkins began his journey in public service as a pastor, serving his community with compassion and dedication. Currently, he continues his public service as a councilman on the San Jacinto City Council in Riverside County, California. Through his role, he works diligently to address local issues, advocate for community needs, and ensure transparency and accountability in government.  

With a background in business and civic leadership, Hawkins brings a unique perspective to the table. He understands the importance of promoting economic growth and job creation, while also prioritizing the well-being and welfare of all community members. He is a firm believer in the power of collaboration and finding common ground to achieve meaningful results.  

Recognizing the pressing challenges faced by his district, Hawkins has made it a priority to champion progressive policies that tackle issues such as education reform, healthcare access, climate change, affordable housing and income inequality. He firmly believes that affordable healthcare and quality education should be accessible to all, and that bold action is needed to address the urgent threat of climate change.  

Hawkins is known for his ability to build bridges and forge alliances across party lines. He understands the significance of working with stakeholders from all backgrounds to find innovative and effective solutions to complex problems. He values diversity, inclusivity, and equal opportunity for all, striving to create a future where everyone has a fair shot at success.  

As a dedicated volunteer for the 10P Program, Robert specializes in teaching emotional literacy classes. He brings a wealth of expertise, backed by multiple certifications in the rehabilitation space, to his role as an educator and advocate. His mission to assist incarcerated individuals and others in understanding trauma and mastering their emotions, is deeply personal and professional.

Robert's journey to this work is rooted in profound personal experience. At 19, he faced a 19-year sentence and served nearly 17 years. This experience has not only shaped his perspective, but also fueled his commitment to change and growth, both for himself and others.

Beyond his advocacy and teaching, he is the proud owner of 2FaceLLC. He is also an active investor, continuously seeking opportunities to expand his impact and support community initiatives.

Brian "Bizzy B" Cooper attended Northwestern University, majored in journalism/communications, has been a driving force in the world of music, artist management and Film Production since 2008. His deep passion for Eastern philosophy, culture, and the Arts enriches his creative approaches as a writer.

COMING SOON

Kevin Paul is a dedicated advocate for service, prison reform, children's well-being, education, and financial empowerment. His journey, marked by personal challenges and a period of incarceration, has fueled his mission to create positive change in society. Through mentorship, advocacy, and a commitment to generational wealth, Kevin strives to empower individuals and build a brighter future for all.