Meet Our Board of Advisory Stakeholders
(The BASH Team)
The Board of Advisory Stakeholders (BASH) is a diverse range of stakeholders that includes those impacted by incarceration, providers based in community- and custody-based settings, and members of the criminal legal system. The BASH and study team work together through all phases of the CA MEPS Hub to ensure the research remains relevant, appropriate, and responsive to the communities that the intervention is meant to reach and support.
Maria Rios | she/her
Community Works West, Oakland, CA
As a formerly incarcerated Hispanic woman from the Bay Area, Maria was once entangled in a fast-paced lifestyle. It took her several attempts to break free and start a new way of living. She is a mother to six beautiful children, and thanks to hard work and dedication, she is now present in their lives. The struggles of addiction took her down a long road of self-sabotage, but it is these experiences, this lived experience, that shaped her into the woman she is today. Being a reentry case manager has brought her much joy and fulfillment. She loves giving hope and assisting those in the same situation she once found herself in, and she hopes that her lived experience can help others feel understood and connected.
Rahkii Holman | he/him
Community Works West, Oakland, CA
Rahkii Holman is currently the program manager for a restorative reentry program, working with women and men returning home from jail and prison in the Bay Area. He facilitated the Victim Offender Education Group (VOEG) restorative justice curriculum at West Contra Costa County jail in Richmond, the Central California Women’s Prison and Camp Sweeney the juvenile detention camp in San Leandro. He graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in psychology and minored in Peace and Conflict studies with a focus on non-violence and restorative justice. He also facilitated a family unifying restorative justice program while at UC Berkeley. Rahkii believes that social and restorative justice are instrumental in liberation.
Rosie Trujillo | she/her
The Exception, San Bernardino, CA
Rosie is a mentor for a community-based nonprofit organization called The Exception. Before becoming a mentor, she was a participant in the programs. Prior to that, she struggled with alcoholism, was a single mother, battled drug addiction, and spent a significant part of her life living on the streets of Colton, a small city in San Bernardino County. She also spent time away from her family, in and out of jails, and even in prison. She strongly believes in the work done at The Exception and is committed to continuing to help the community by bridging the gap for reentry.
Ramon Ramos | he/him
The Exception, San Bernardino, CA
Ramon Ramos, founder and President of The Exception, has a powerful story of overcoming adversity. Born in San Bernardino, California, Ramon grew up surrounded by drug addiction and gang violence. By 15, he was homeless, battling meth addiction, and deeply involved in gang life. Determined to break free, he embarked on a journey of personal transformation that led him to establish The Exception, a nonprofit dedicated to holistic wellness and positive change.
Ramon's life embodies the organization's name, as he became "The Exception" to the harsh realities he once faced. With over 25 years of experience mentoring at-promise youth and those impacted by the justice system, Ramon is committed to making a positive impact. He fosters servant leadership and collaborates with community stakeholders, media, and government officials to advance outreach and expansion efforts.
He was recently appointed Chairman of the Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council Ad Hoc Committee in Riverside County, where he helps shape community-based approaches to youth justice services. He also founded the CBO Alliance of Riverside County, uniting organizations in addressing systemic challenges. Additionally, Ramon joined the BASH Advisory Board to support UCLA’s research efforts.
Kobe Moore | he/him
Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, Oakland, CA
Kobe is a dedicated advocate for criminal justice reform and racial equity, with extensive experience in both the public and nonprofit sectors. As a co-director of a nonprofit, he has worked to support underserved communities and champion social justice causes. Kobe serves on the Board of Directors for the ACLU of Northern California, contributing to advancing civil rights, particularly within diverse and marginalized communities.
Additionally, Kobe is a commissioner on the Racial Inclusivity and Social Equity (RISE) Commission for the City of Albany, California, where they focus on policies promoting racial equity and social justice at the local level. My experience includes working within the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, where Kobe has been involved in administration, providing a comprehensive understanding of the criminal legal system as well as systematically trying to change a broken system.
Drawing from their personal experiences and professional expertise, Kobe is committed to driving meaningful change, particularly in addressing systemic inequalities. Kobe’s work continues to inspire efforts toward a more inclusive and just society for historically overlooked or marginalized groups.
Steven Hensley | he/him
Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, Oakland, CA
Steven Hensley is a trailblazing advocate for justice reform whose life exemplifies resilience and transformative leadership. Incarcerated at 17 and spending over five years in prison after being transferred from juvenile hall to the adult justice system, he overcame significant adversity, including homelessness. Determined to redefine his future, he pursued higher education with unwavering determination, ultimately graduating from Fresno State University as the recipient of the prestigious President’s Medal, awarded to the top graduating student.
Now excelling as a law student at Berkeley Law, Steven leverages his personal experiences to dismantle systemic inequalities within the legal system. In a groundbreaking role as a certified law clerk for the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, he became one of the few—if not the only—individuals with a felony conviction to represent the prosecution, confidently appearing in court on its behalf.
Steven’s commitment to social justice extends beyond the courtroom. Serving on the Board of Directors for the ACLU of Northern California, he actively champions civil liberties and spearheads initiatives that drive societal change. Collaborating with organizations like Root & Rebound, he empowers formerly incarcerated individuals to reintegrate into society. As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community and married to his husband Kobe, Steven brings diversity and inclusivity to his advocacy.
By joining the project, Steven offers a unique blend of firsthand experience and academic excellence. He aims to contribute impactful research and develop innovative solutions that advance equity, accountability, and transformative justice.
John Wilson, CWDP, OWDS | he/him
Riverside City College, Riverside, CA
John Wilson has over 20 years of managerial experience in employment-based services, the last 14 in workforce development. He is currently the Apprenticeship Director at Riverside City College (RCC). In this role John, in partnership with LAUNCH, RCC Faculty and Staff, is developing registered apprenticeship programs which align themselves with current RCC pathways. RCC has developed and implemented Apprenticeship Programs in Automotive Technology, IT Support and Cyber Security, Early Childhood Education, Licensed Vocational Nursing and Registered Nursing since John joined the staff in August of 2020. Prior to joining RCC, John was the Career Services Specialist for the School of Continuing Education at Mt. San Antonio College where he was directly involved in developing workforce development programs.
Prior to Mt. San Antonio College John was the Business and Employment Services Manager for Coalition for Responsible Community Development which operates a City of Los Angeles WorkSource Center (AJCC) on the Los Angeles Trade Technical College campus. John was instrumental in starting the WorkSource Center and help bring it to prominence as the EWDD’s (Economic & Workforce Development Department) premier center in less than five years. He is a Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) and a Registered Offender Workforce Development Specialist (OWDS). John has been a member of LARRP since the meetings were conducted at the Corrections Department on Alameda Street in Los Angeles. John is a Regional Vice President for the California Employer Advisory Council and the Chair of the LA Metro Employer Advisory Council.
Michael Ortega | he/him
Kindful Restoration, Riverside, CA
Michael Ortega is a healthcare professional with more than a decade of experience in the substance use disorder and mental health industry. He places great emphasis on creating a safe and collaborative team environment and believes strongly in promoting healthy work cultures. Michael is a dedicated advocate for those who are marginalized and ensures that he provides excellent care to his clients. Over the years, he has worked in various positions, from an entry-level technician to program director. He is dedicated to providing compassionate and empathetic support to individuals and their families facing these challenges.
Michael is extremely passionate about this work. It’s a way for him to give back and truly be of service to others. He believes that helping those affected by addiction and mental health issues requires integrity and understanding. By approaching each situation with empathy, we can foster healing and growth. He is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and their families. He takes pride in his ability to handle staffing, create policies and procedures, and conduct ongoing training.