Interview: Brandy Diaz, Phoenix Project Graduate and Phoenix Odyssey Employee
by Nina Zhao Brandy is a graduate of the Phoenix Project program in the women’s facility. She now works at Phoenix Odyssey, where she is a Peer Navigator, leads event planning, and helps us with administrative work. In my interview with her, Brandy told me about her experience in the Phoenix Project and about what […]
Interview: Tyson Ferrara On “Getting Out of the Mud”
by Nina Zhao “It takes a community.” Tyson has a lot to pass on to future generations who have been through what he’s been through. In my interview with him, Tyson Ferrara reflected on his upbringing, his experiences, and where he is now. Early Days: Cycling in and out of Prison Tyson got involved in […]
Interview: Franklin Diaz of New Man Cuts Barbershop
by Nina Zhao Franklin Diaz, now 35 years old, first discovered hair-cutting about 20 years ago, when he fell in love with the craft and saw the opportunities it could bring him. Franklin went to prison in July of 2018, shortly after he opened his barber shop in May of 2018. He was released in […]
Interview: Jose Tapia of TSP Cache Hair & Barber Salon
by Nina Zhao After serving 27 years at the Rhode Island ACI, Jose Tapia was released in March 2020 to a completely different life. He is now the founder, owner, and operator of TSP Cache Hair & Barber Salon. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jose to learn more about his story. TURNING […]