President

Our Founder and President, Josh Puckett is an innovator in personal development, team leadership and programming. He began his leadership journey behind bars where he founded our sister organization The Adolescent Redemption Project a year before the 2020 elections with the goal of flipping the Michigan Supreme Court to Democratic control in preparation of an upcoming case that would eventually free him from prison. Yet, political leadership is not where his heart is, Josh has written and facilitated programs in his communities for decades. His programs are not just being used by TARRP but continue to be used in prisons across the state of Michigan to reform some of the most hardened individuals in our state system. He has brought education and hope to hundreds of individuals through living out his goal of making our society a safer, more empathetic and enjoyable place for youth affected by trauma. Helping them to thrive no matter what level of society they come from.

Josh is a state certified Trauma Informed Peer Led Reentry Specialist, Gang Interventionist, and published author. Josh as degrees in Business Administration, and Arts. As well as collegiate certifications in Public Administration, Business Management, and Small Business Administration. With a passion for growth, and lifelong learning he also has vocational training in Horticulture and Greenhouse Management. When not growing young minds, he enjoys puttering around in the gardens of his home.

Vice President/Treasurer

Aref is a native New Yorker of Yemeni descent, having earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (1998) and Bachelor of Arts in Near-Eastern and Asian Studies (1999), from Wayne State University, Detroit. While residing in Michigan since 1982, Aref was an entrepreneur formerly owning numerous businesses in the Detroit metropolitan area including Pancho Villa’s LLC, Aqua Exotics, Instinct Bar and Grill, Janitorial Services Unlimited, and Danaj Investments LLC.

Aref is Program Director for Steps2Change an initiative of For the Community (FTC) established in 2017. Steps2Change will provide youth mentorship and job placement for the formerly incarcerated. As Vice President/Treasurer for The Adolescent Redemptive & Restorative Program (TARRP), teaches gang intervention, civic engagement training, and power of grind success courses to youth and as jail diversion in the counties that contract TARRP.

Currently a collaborator with Michigan Liberation as a volunteer core member for Care not Criminalization, and he is a mentor in the Kingsmen Group, a national organization that helps guide federal prisoners upon their release. As a part of Detroit Action he has been trained in building power within impoverished communities to foster positive change in its citizens. With Michigan United, and Nation Outside he has helped them facilitate programs, prepare events for returning citizens and assisted in assessing their members to ensure effectiveness and program quality.

Aref, formerly incarcerated In the Federal Bureau of Prisons for 15 years, has mentored and facilitated classes for Reentry. Was one of the executive committee members while in FCI-Sandstone. Overseeing over forty individuals on the general reentry group at the institution. Facilitated interfaith classes for the Chaplain and a liaison between the chaplain and the visiting Rabbi Gershom that came into the institution.

Secretary

Dakota, a resilient and dedicated advocate, is creating a ReEntry Program for the Native American chapter in the Nation Outside NonProfit organization in Detroit, MI. Raised in a traditional and non-traditional Native American culture, Dakota’s Mother and ancestors faced severe sexual, physical, and mental abuse at boarding schools, negatively impacting the trajectory of her life. Throughout her incarceration, she addressed the lack of religious and spiritual support for Native Americans, highlighting systemic issues within the prison system. Post-incarceration, Dakota focuses on trauma inflicted by boarding schools, advocating for sexual abuse survivors, and creating support systems for children of incarcerated parents, while continuing her education and public advocacy efforts

Education Director

Educational Leadership Ÿ Staff Development

Program Management - Transformational & Instructional Leadership - Strategic Planning

Educational Qualifications

Master of Arts - Educational Leadership Western Michigan University

Bachelor of Arts - Family Life Education Spring Arbor University

Associates - Computer Systems Tech. Microcomputer Technology Inst.

With over 20 years of leadership experience, in his current employment with the state of Michigan he is responsible for the oversight and management the Martin Luther King, Jr. - César Chávez - Rosa Parks (KCP) Initiative in Michigan. This initiative includes seven programs designed to support academically or economically disadvantaged students from sixth grade through graduate studies, aiming to enhance college completion and career success in a knowledge-based economy. Established in 1986, the KCP Initiative provides opportunities for Michigan’s disadvantaged citizens to pursue higher education and achieve career success.

During his time with the MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS as the EMPLOYMENT READINESS INSTRUCTOR He was responsible for facilitating and delivering training of Workforce Development strategies and Employment Skills to incarcerated men for seeking, securing, and sustaining employment upon release from prison. Emphasis was placed on exposure to career exploration, job fairs, as well as education and training opportunities that are available to returning citizens. A significant amount of time is spent on changing stereotypical beliefs. Conversations about fair and equitable hiring practices and how to use the Fidelity Bonding and Work Opportunity Tax Credit laws to their advantage are had. Students also receive introductory level instructions in Digital Literacy and Financial Literacy.

As a COLLEGE SUCCESS COACH & ADJUNCT INSTRUCTOR In partnership with Jackson College, he coordinated efforts to assist a cohort of first semester Jackson College students with navigating the college experience by strategically identifying and delivering a variety of support services. Assist students by guiding them in developing personal accountability for their decisions and an understanding of how those decisions impact their success. Utilize a First Year Seminar curriculum to tailor training opportunities through hands-on activities that build appreciation for teamwork, commitment to community service and a sense of belonging. Provide career guidance and planning that empowers college students to develop and accomplish their personal, academic, and professional goals.

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS FROM HIS VAST RESUME OF EDUCATIONAL EXPERINACE ARE:

SPRING ARBOR UNIVERSITY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Responsible for overseeing Spring Arbor University extension sites in Battle Creek, Grand Rapids, and Kalamazoo. Facilitates and supports a collaborative team environment with the expectation for extensive participation, and accountability at the sites for nurturing rapport with faculty, staff, and students. Accountable for building relationships with business and industry at each site location to enhance community relations and develop educational partnerships for providing site-based or sponsored business and industry related educational opportunities.

Oversees student registrations and is accountable for population recruitment and growth, as well as facility/classroom scheduling. Responsible for site facility management including consultation and coordination with facility lessor.

ALBION PUBLIC SCHOOLS PRINCIPAL & REACH COORDINATOR

Exercised leadership in the promulgation of the Team Management Concept to formulate and implement a school-wide educational program. Supervised the assignments and duties of all staff and provided direction to most efficiently expedite the functions of the building operations. Coordinated the In­service orientation and training of teachers with special responsibility for staff administrative procedures and instructions. Established and maintained a program of public relations to keep the public informed of the activities and needs of the school, affecting a wholesome and cooperative working relationship between the school and the community. Established and managed the school building’s budget.