I was born into a world where hope seemed out of reach. My earliest memories are of separation, poverty, and a longing for family. At 13, I entered the foster care system, and by 18, I was incarcerated—caught in a cycle that had gripped generations of my family. For 25 years, I lived behind bars, surrounded by concrete and steel, but it was the invisible shackles of trauma and despair that weighed heaviest on my soul.

Yet, even in the darkest moments, I refused to let my circumstances define me. I discovered the power of education and the law, teaching myself to read statutes, write motions, and advocate—not just for myself, but for others who had lost their voices. I became a lifeline for those drowning in a system that too often forgets our humanity. I helped over 27 incarcerated individuals secure their freedom either through resentencing, the Board of Parole Hearings, or habeas corpus relief. I also won over 10 lawsuits on behalf of myself and others. While incarcerated, I graduated from Chaffey College with a 4.0 GPA and delivered the speech at my graduation. My pursuit of excellence has not been easy, and I have had many losses and/or setbacks. However, through every setback, I found a reason to keep fighting: the belief that my life could mean something more.

As Assata Shakur once said, “It is our duty to fight for freedom. It is our duty to win. We must love and protect one another. We have nothing to lose but our chains.” Those words became my mantra as I worked to throw off the shackles of my past and build a future rooted in justice and compassion. And I hold close the wisdom of Bryan Stevenson: “Each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done.” These truths remind me daily that redemption is real and that our humanity is never lost.

I was told that I would be 70 years old before I would have a chance at freedom. Nevertheless, God had different plans. I was released from prison on June 18, 2025. I immediately went to work establishing Menefield Superior Paralegal Services and enrolled at Cal State LA where I finished my first semester with straight A's. I spent my first birthday in society since I was 12 years old and I'm continuing to work on myself daily. In other words, I'm doing the hard to keep the freedom that God has blessed me with. I am currently working to earn my BA in Liberal Studies with a Minor in Criminal Justice in Fall 2027. I am scheduled to move into campus housing on 1/16/2026, which is huge for me because I've never had my own place to live, nor have I ever experienced the sweetness of living by myself. I expect many challenges, but I embrace them as a part of growing and developing.

After earning my BA, I plan to attend law school and ultimately take and pass the State Bar exam. This entails scheduling for and taking the law school admission test (LSAT) either December of this year or early 2027. I must also start applying for law schools once I finish the LSAT and receive my score.

Meanwhile, I am working tirelessly to build Menefield Superior Paralegal Services into a powerful vehicle for change—a business that not only sustains me but opens doors for those who cannot help themselves. My vision is to transform pain into purpose and create opportunities for justice-impacted individuals and families to reclaim their dignity and hope.

I cannot do this alone. Your support will help me cover law school applications, educational expenses, and the resources needed to continue building my business into a beacon of hope for others. Will you join me in building a future where redemption is real, and justice and compassion walk hand in hand? Every contribution is a vote for second chances, for hope, and for a world where love and justice can change lives.

Thank you for seeing beyond my past and believing in my future. Together, we can prove that redemption is real and that love and justice can change the world.