Alice Johnson

Alice Marie Johnson, a criminal justice reform advocate and author, was a federal prisoner before becoming a non-profit leader. Johnson, who is also an ordained minister, focuses her advocacy on issues such as mandatory sentencing and ensuring the inclusion of female voices in reform discussions. Her life’s mission is centered around promoting love, compassion, and redemption for the individuals in our nation’s justice system. Her experiences and journey towards advocacy have been detailed in her memoir, "After Life: My Journey from Incarceration to Freedom." Johnson's case received worldwide attention when Kim Kardashian advocated for her release from a mandatory life sentence without parole for a first-time nonviolent drug case. After 21 years in federal prison, Johnson was granted clemency in 2018 by President Donald Trump, and her sentence was commuted from life imprisonment without parole to 21 years. In August 2020, President Trump issued a full pardon to her.

Upon her release, Johnson made a promise to the individuals she left behind in prison that she would continue fighting for their freedom. To fulfill this promise, she launched Taking Action for Good, where she serves as CEO. Johnson strongly advocates clemency and pardons for deserving individuals and policy changes that focus on redemption and rehabilitation instead of punishment. As a part of these efforts, Johnson has successfully advocated for more than 100 clemency and pardon applicants, and 46 individuals have received a second chance due to these efforts. Her compelling story has been perceived as a “catalyst” for the passage of the First Step Act, the most significant criminal justice legislation in recent history.

Johnson is a Stand Together Ambassador and partner, inspiring and mentoring for Café Momentum interns. She has been featured in media platforms like UN Women's "Courage to Question" series in 2019 ahead of International Women's Day and “Courage To Question Ep 4: Alice Marie Johnson" on YouTube.