OUR TEAM
In 2014 Deborah Daniels and former Alabama Supreme Court Justice Drayton Nabers Jr. cofounded the Offender Alumni Association (OAA) in Birmingham, Alabama.
Two years later, OAA became an official 501(c)3 non-profit.
Board of Directors
Brian Gunn | President| Birmingham Planning Commission
Ralph Hendrix | Programming Committee | UAB Community Corrections
Alford Jerome Dees, II, Esq. | Member | J.D. Walker & Associates
Ron Hamner | Member | U.S Dept of Veterans Affairs
Adlai Trone | Member | Entrepreneur
STAFF
Deborah Daniels, Executive Director & Cofounder
Deborah has championed many causes in Alabama, as well as actively serving on numerous committees and task forces focused on reducing recidivism of former offenders. Despite having been a repeat offender herself, she has evolved as a vocal change agent for empowering former offenders. It is her belief that having access to the necessary resources, tools and support most former offenders are more likely to transition back to society successfully and become productive citizens. She firmly believes the missing component to reforming the criminal justice system is positioning offenders for positive change and empowerment to maintain the change. With our incarceration being our nation’s leading crisis, Deborah is equipped to understand what is needed to make a significant difference.
Dena Dickerson, Program Director
Dena is a positive example of successfulness after incarceration. Previously serving as a case manager for a men’s homeless shelter, she acquired greater insight for the need of assistance for former offenders. She believes that others, through their lived experiences, are uniquely purposed to provide support, assistance and encouragement to newly released offenders in becoming successful and productive citizens.
Dena’s analogy of the role of OAA helping former offenders: It’s almost like coming to the edge of the forest and the person wants to come to the other side because everything is so beautiful...and they just can’t make that step...and you just reach your hand in and say “I got you..”
Contact: dena1oaa@gmail.com | 205-434-3423
Toni Barnett, Administrative Director
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Carmone Owens, VIPP Supervisor
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OAA New Destiny - Gadsden, Alabama
Felecia Dixon
Felecia is a justice-impacted person with experiences of recidivism and reentry. Battling with recovery and fore runner carrying this message to those next to pick up the baton and pass it on.
Demetruis English
I enjoy doing what I’m doing because it feels good to help someone on this journey called freedom!
I believe in second chances, because I am a second chance recipient!
OAA Savannah - Savannah, Georgia
Julius Campbell
Julius Campbell is one of the newest members to the Deep team. As a Life Navigator, his lived experience is a welcomed piece to this diverse village. Julius is a passionate servant- leader, motivational speaker, and mentor who brings with him a host of relevant and relational skill sets that will aid in our commitment to encourage, educate, and empower our youth. He is a Minister, Founder Executive Director of OAA Savannah, and a TEDTalk speaker.
Listen to Julius’ TEDxDecatur Talk, “The People vs Recidivism: Helping Returning Citizens Succeed.”
Out of prison, into the fire, back to prison. It doesn't have to be that way. Julius Campbell, who spent over a quarter of a century in the Georgia prison system before his recent release, shares invaluable insights into the causes of recidivism and what we the people -- as individuals and as communities -- can do about it. After 26 years of incarceration, Julius has returned home a better rather than bitter man. His transformation while in the criminal justice system was driven by his earnest desire for rehabilitation and his faith. During his time in prison he pursued higher education, graduating from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary with a Bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministry. In addition, he has added a host of necessary skill sets to his tool belt (i.e., mentoring, compassionate coaching, and motivational speaking). Since his release he has continued in his passion of encouraging, educating, and empowering others to finish strong.
Marie Jones
The mistakes I made, I do not want to make again. It has pushed me to the path that I am on now and my purpose, helping others, especially women and children. Becoming a mother at the age of 12 gave me what I needed to assist those mothers that are shattered and struggling to be understood, encouraged, and inspired to be as great as they can be, leaving their past behind. I am grateful to be a part of this great organization, one that believes in second chances, giving back and being a part of the solution, while elevating voices of those directly impacted by the criminal justice system.