Cassandra Cean-Owens is deeply committed to advocating for reform in the criminal justice system, drawing on her background as an attorney, licensed practical nurse, and someone who has been impacted by the justice system. With more than 20 years of combined experience in law and healthcare, she has devoted herself to impacting lives through education, mentorship, and advocacy.
In January 2024, she was promoted to the role of Director of Advocacy Learning and Development at REFORM Alliance, where she led efforts to create the Reform Advocacy Institute, focused on policy reform and advocacy education. At Columbia Law School, Cassandra is actively involved in the Paralegal Pathways Initiative (PPI) program as an ambassador and instructor, working towards providing career opportunities in law for justice-impacted individuals.
As a JIE Scholar, Cassandra aspires to strengthen her application as a candidate for Columbia University School of Nursing’s joint MDE and PhD program. Her ultimate goal is to integrate her passions for law, healthcare, and advocacy to create programs and drive meaningful policy changes that improve the lives, health, and well-being of justice-impacted individuals both inside and outside of prison.