WHAT'S IN A NAME?

Every name has a meaning. The name Gemma refers to ‘a bud ready to grow independently’. Appropriately, this name was chosen by the incarcerated women who originally founded The Gemma Project, a jail and prison reentry program to assist incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women with successful reintegration. While reentry should be mainstream for all incarcerated individuals who are returning to their communities, this important programming is still spotty across the United States, and isn’t always designed with consideration for each individual's needs. Cynthia Chase, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Gemma Project, has spent 25 years working within the criminal legal system as a dedicated leader and tireless advocate, including as Mayor of Santa Cruz, California. Cynthia highlights the importance of amplifying the voices of justice-involved women and uncovering the stories that challenge societal perceptions.