Finding New Purpose: My Journey from Criminal Justice Reform to Tech Policy

After nearly a decade working in criminal justice policy, I made a bold career pivot into the world of technology policy and artificial intelligence (AI) governance. This change didn’t happen overnight—it was the culmination of personal experiences, professional realizations, and a desire to find innovative solutions to complex societal challenges.

The Beginning: From Teacher to Advocate

My journey into public service began in the classroom through Teach For America . As a teacher, I witnessed the harsh realities of the school-to-prison pipeline firsthand in Miami-Dade County Public Schools . I saw students, some as young as 14 or 15, arrested on campus for minor infractions that could have been addressed with counseling or conflict resolution. Watching promising young lives derailed by systemic inequities left me with a profound sense of urgency. I realized that if I wanted to make a real difference, I needed to understand the legal system from within—so I went to Georgetown University Law Center .

A Decade of Impact

After earning my Juris Doctor, I dedicated my career to addressing the injustices I’d seen as a teacher. I worked on juvenile justice reform, foster care advocacy, and criminal justice policy at the local, state, and federal levels. I traveled to over 15 states, collaborating with lawmakers, advocates, and communities to implement policy changes. I was privileged to advise the U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Department of Transportation on critical initiatives and contribute to systemic reform efforts.

However, despite the progress, I often found myself haunted by the pervasive reality of police violence, particularly against Black people. As a Black man, the constant news of lives lost at the hands of law enforcement felt like a relentless weight. The work became deeply personal and, at times, overwhelming. While I have immense respect for those who continue to fight for justice in this space, I began to feel that I was operating too close to my own identity—and it was taking a toll on me. I saw my mental health slipping and realized I was drinking far too much. I was in a rut and it was like I was lulled into it slowly over time.

The Need for Innovation

In addition to the emotional strain, I started to feel a growing sense of stagnation in the field. The conversations around criminal justice reform, while necessary, often felt cyclical. There was little space for bold innovation or fresh approaches. For someone like me—driven by curiosity and a hunger for learning—this led to a creeping sense of dissatisfaction. When I am bored, I get restless. When I’m restless for too long, I get depressed. The more I found myself uninspired by the work, the clearer it became that I needed a new professional challenge.

A Leap into Tech Policy and AI Governance

Last March I was accepted to Harvard Kennedy School where I am a Harvard's Center for Public Leadership Fellow (Gleitsman fellow with Hope Osborn , David Riveros García , Tzur Goldin ). As I reflected on what would come next, I was drawn to technology policy and AI governance. This field felt like the perfect intersection of innovation, societal impact, and intellectual rigor. It was “new” and “hot,” constantly evolving in ways that would force me to stay sharp and adaptable. I was excited by the chance to work on issues that, while still grounded in civil rights and justice, offered new frameworks for thinking and problem-solving.

For the first time in a long while, I felt alive with purpose. The prospect of diving into the rapidly changing world of tech policy has energized me in ways I hadn’t experienced in years. I am engaging with a new passion that makes me want to wake up each morning and tackle the challenges ahead. I truly believe AI Governance to be the pressing issue of our generation with the ability to entirely disrupt our society for both good and bad.

Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future

My pivot to tech policy doesn’t mean I’ve turned my back on criminal justice reform. On the contrary, I carry the lessons and experiences from that chapter with me every day. I’ll always be passionate about justice and equity. However, I’ve learned that it’s okay to embrace change and seek new ways to make an impact. This shift has reignited my sense of purpose and reminded me that it’s possible to honor where you’ve been while pursuing something new. I’m hopeful that this chapter of my career will not only challenge me but also contribute to shaping a more equitable and ethical future for technology.

And for the first time in years, I feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

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