A Conversation with Alicia Cepeda Maule: Championing Justice through Digital Engagement at The Innocence Project

In this compelling episode of The Teacher's Forum Podcast, David is joined by a remarkable former student turned change maker, Alicia Cepeda Maule. Alicia has embarked on an incredible journey from her college graduation to becoming the first Digital Engagement Director at The Innocence Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to exonerating the wrongfully convicted and reforming the criminal justice system.Alicia begins by taking us back to her educational roots, sharing her experiences and insights as a graduate of Brown University with a degree in Africana studies. Her academic journey and commitment to social justice were pivotal in shaping her future endeavors. She also discusses her diverse career, as a social media and community editor at MSNBC and as a digital organizer on President Barack Obama's 2012 reelection campaign. In our conversation, Alicia delves into the crucial work undertaken by The Innocence Project and how she has spearheaded the organization's exponential growth in audience engagement, revenue, and advocacy for those wrongfully convicted. Notably, she shares her instrumental role in developing the digital strategy that led to the halting of executions for individuals like Rodney Reed in Texas and Pervis Payne in Tennessee. Furthermore, Alicia provides invaluable insights into the flaws and challenges within the criminal justice system, shedding light on the systemic issues that continue to disproportionately impact black and brown communities across the United States. She discusses the importance of staying engaged with criminal justice reform, even amidst a seeming decline in interest since 2020. Join us for a deep dive into Alicia's journey, and her impactful work at The Innocence Project.For more information on Alicia and the Innocence Project visit innocenceproject.org, on X (formerly Twitter) @innocence, and on Instagram and Tik Tok @innocenceproject. Send us a text with your thoughts or ideas, and follow and subscribe to The Teacher’s Forum so you don’t miss future episodes.Join the Conversation:[email protected]@theteachersforum.bsky.socialX (formerly Twitter) @theforum1993Please subscribe, share and leave us a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Help us amplify the voices and issues of K-12 educators all over the world.