Our Founders
The leadership of IRSJA is driven by the passion, expertise, and lived experiences of Dr. Jamila T. Davis and Angelo Pinto, Esq. Together, they bring a unique blend of academic insight, legal expertise, grassroots activism, and personal resilience to the organization, ensuring IRSJA’s programs and initiatives are innovative, impactful, and deeply rooted in justice and community empowerment.
Executive Director and
Co-Founder, IRSJA
Dr. Jamila T. Davis
Dr. Jamila T. Davis is an accomplished motivational speaker, social justice advocate, educator, and entrepreneur. Her personal experiences with the criminal justice system shaped her into a powerful force for change, and her work now focuses on empowering justice-impacted individuals, women of color, and at-risk youth.
During her 12 ½ years in federal prison, Dr. Davis turned adversity into opportunity, developing the Voices of Consequences Enrichment Series, a program designed to provide healing, education, and personal development for incarcerated women. This program is now recognized by the Bureau of Prisons as a time-credit approved curriculum under the First Step Act, further solidifying her expertise in restorative practices and trauma-informed care.
Dr. Davis earned her Ph.D. from Newburgh Seminary with a focus on using life coaching to disrupt the trauma-to-prison pipeline. Currently, she serves as a Community Practitioner-in-Residence at Seton Hall University and as a Research Fellow at Yale University, bridging academic theory with community-based activism. Her innovative leadership, ability to connect with marginalized communities, and focus on program development position IRSJA as a leading organization for social change, advocacy, and personal transformation.
Co-Founder, IRSJA
Angelo Pinto, Esq.
Angelo Pinto, Esq. is a civil rights attorney, policy expert, and community activist who has spent his career leading efforts to reform the criminal justice system and advocate for youth empowerment. Pinto’s expertise in policy reform, decarceration, and leadership development has had a national impact, contributing to the advancement of justice for marginalized communities.
A respected advocate for criminal justice reform, Pinto co-led prominent campaigns, including the national movement for justice for Breonna Taylor. His ability to connect community activism with policy reform ensures that IRSJA’s initiatives are aligned with the latest developments in public policy and advocacy. He also serves as Community Activist-in-Residence at Yale University, where he engages with students and faculty on issues related to social justice, advocacy, and leadership development.
Pinto’s strengths lie in bridging legal expertise with community action. His work focuses on decarceration strategies, youth advocacy, and public policy—empowering the next generation of activists and ensuring that individuals impacted by systemic injustice have the resources and support they need to rebuild their lives. His deep understanding of law, policy, and community mobilization positions IRSJA to lead innovative campaigns that promote systemic reform and restorative justice.