Board of Directors
Kevin Waters
My name is Kevin C. Waters and I grew up in Gardena, California with my two sisters and one brother. Unfortunately I was introduced to the gang lifestyle at a very young age. This introduction pulled me away from magnet programs, friends and even family members. The attraction and immersion in such a negative lifestyle led me to a life of crime and eventually a 41-year to life prison sentence by the age of 18. I was blessed to use my incarceration wisely getting a degree and several certification. I was also able to connect with my humanity through various programs like Hospice and Victim Impact. Programs like these and many others have helped me to have healthy relationships with my family, friends and future wife. It has also led me to Co-found the Dream Live Hope Foundation, which focuses on supporting returning citizens and those who have been system impacted. My life is blessed, my mind is at peace, and my faith is stronger than ever!
Katharine DeShaw
Katharine DeShaw is a dynamic, results-oriented leader, consultant, public speaker, author, and teacher in philanthropy and non-profit management. A successful fundraiser and grant maker with expertise in start-up organizations, she is skilled in delivering nine-figure fundraising campaigns and developing intentional grantmaking programs in the arts, health, and social justice.
She has proven experience working with international leadership in entertainment, philanthropy, technology, business, and politics. NationBuilder will publish a memoir about her life in philanthropy in 2022 featuring a forward by Darren Walker, President of the Ford Foundation.
Her active consulting career includes working with clients across the country in the arts, environment, human services, social justice, and philanthropy sectors. Katharine has held senior leadership positions at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures (where she recently completed its $388M campaign), United States Artists; the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the Walker Art Center of Minneapolis, and Gay Men’s Health Crisis in New York City. From 2014-2019 she served on the faculty of the Getty Leadership Institute and designed its fundraising curriculum.
Emiliano Lopez
Emiliano Lopez is a formerly incarcerated justice advocate and artist based in Los Angeles, CA. He is the Founder of Project Protocol, a mobile app for people navigating reentry to rate and review their parole officer. Emiliano currently serves as Communications and Data Manager for Initiate Justice Action, a 501c4 that mobilizes the political power of people impacted by incarceration to advance progressive policies in California.
Emiliano previously worked as a production assistant at Lightbox Ent., We Rise 2019, and was a freelance photographer for Big Bowl of Ideas at SEIU Unions for all Summit. Emiliano also worked as a placement coordinator for the Amity Foundation, housing people coming out of incarceration, and was a program associate for Defy Ventures. While incarcerated, Emiliano completed paralegal training helping the Spanish speaking population obtain access to the courts.
M. Eliot Spearman, Sr.
He is a visionary who believes in encouraging and guiding those who want to help themselves. While working in the public sector he used his scholastic knowledge as a classical school criminologist to understand how one's family, environment, socioeconomic status, education, and ideologies can predispose one to criminality. He uses his influence to provide hope and self redemption to those wanting to make positive changes in their lives by leaving a life of criminality.
Stephen B. Walker
When I think about my greatest motivation in life, that title would be dedicated to my wife and family. From a young age, my family provided essential support during tough times. They spurred me to pursue my life purpose of advocating for society's underserved communities. My wife, Betty, showed me the importance of extending my gifts and talents outside the confines of limiting titles to reach my most significant potential. Carrying these teachings and values into my career caused me to be an avid wellness advocate for the Correctional sector and a devoted humanist.
Growing up in Los Angeles, I was a curious but under-engaged student and stellar athlete. With the dream of competing in the Olympics, I attended Junior College, participating in track at the collegiate level. After I experienced an injury that ruined my track experience, I joined the Marine Corps, where I was promoted twice and served as a jet mechanic and plane captain. Even as a successful military member, I experienced racism from my colleagues. Once, I physically confronted racism, which resulted in non-judicial military punishment. This situation fermented my determination for equitable and transparent justice.
After completing my Active-Duty term, I served the California Youth Authority as a Group Supervisor, later to be reclassified to Youth Correctional Officer. This time in my life proved pivotal as I matured and became a passionate advocate for human welfare. From Job Steward to Chief Job Steward, I worked my way up in the organization until I was elected as the local Chapter President. During my 13 years as Chapter President, I was unwavering in my support for maintaining focus on people over systems. I served in influential roles such as the Chair of Legislative Affairs and even the Director of Governmental Affairs.
Having experienced how agencies misplace priorities away from individuals, lives, and humanity to the maintenance of the operations of the Correctional system. I am committed to ending the system's ongoing harm to those in its care and service. It is an honor to serve as a board member of many impactful associations, including the Child Abuse Prevention Center, Black Youth Leadership Project, Desert Waters Correctional Outreach, Governor's Cup, Creative Acts and Foundation for Independent Voter Education, and the California African American Political Action Committee.
It’s been a humbling experience to share space and conversation in the White House, Congressional briefing, and multiple Correctional Behavioral Health and reform conversations. I am also the Chief Law Enforcement Consultant of the Correctional Climate and Officer Wellness Research Projects. I ideated and implemented materials for the California Correctional Mental Health Awareness training, among many other initiatives, including upcoming Correctional documentaries. My favorite aspect of my career has been engaging with people and uncommon thought processes while learning more about how to serve others best.
When away from the office, I lean into family and enjoy spending time with my wife, relaxing by reading a new comic book, and spending time with my granddaughters. Even when not working, I can often research and discover new ways to contribute to a more positive and productive Correctional environment. A system's only value is its inherent service to humanity. I am dedicated to reforming the Correctional system to benefit affected individuals and bettering society. Staff wellness, legislative and public resiliency, reformation, and education on the current impact of the Correctional system are the keys to effective and lasting change.