What would you do if you went to prison at 16 years old and emerged 15 years later as a champion for youth justice?
Eddie’s journey is one of the most powerful transformations I’ve heard. From a 16-year-old teenager facing manslaughter charges to a dedicated youth advocate and criminal justice reformer, his story demonstrates that change is transformative.
Eddie’s story begins with a 16-year-old who found himself in a situation that would change his life forever. The details of that night are complex and tragic, involving a confrontation that resulted in someone losing their life. Eddie was charged with manslaughter and sentenced to 15 years in prison.
What makes Eddie’s story so remarkable isn’t just the length of his sentence, but where he served it. After spending time in various facilities, Eddie found himself in the ADX Supermax in Florence, Colorado, one of the most restrictive prison environments in the country. He spent six years there, much of it in solitary confinement.
“I had to learn to not let them control my mind,” Eddie explained. “I was physically locked up, but I couldn’t let them control my mind.” This mindset shift became the foundation for everything that followed.
During his time in prison, Eddie began to focus on personal growth and education. He earned his GED and took advantage of every educational opportunity available. But more importantly, he began to think about how he could use his experience to help others avoid the same path.
“I started reflecting on life conversations I’d had,” Eddie told me. “Some things you can hear and you’re not mature enough to receive it. But being locked up sometimes, you have time to really think about things.”
When Eddie was finally released after 15 years, he faced the daunting task of rebuilding his life. But instead of just trying to survive, he chose to thrive. He got involved in community advocacy work, speaking out for people in the parole office and helping others understand their rights and opportunities.
Eddie’s work eventually led him to create One by One Ink, a nonprofit organization focused on helping young people make better choices. He also became involved with the Campaign for Fair Sentencing of Youth, working to end life without parole for children.
“I work with people across the country who are doing amazing things in their communities,” Eddie said. “These are business owners, artists, teachers, grandparents, parents—everything that we want to see when we want to see a community thriving.”
What struck me most about Eddie’s story is his unwavering commitment to using his experience to help others. He doesn’t just talk about change—he lives it every day. His work with youth advocacy and criminal justice reform is making a real difference in communities across the country.
“I take this work so seriously because most people think that we don’t care about safety,” Eddie explained. “My wife and my children – I want them to always be safe. That’s very important to me.”
Eddie’s transformation from a troubled teenager to a dedicated advocate is a testament to the power of second chances and the human capacity for growth. His story proves that our past doesn’t have to define our future, and that sometimes our greatest struggles can become our greatest strengths.
As our conversation came to a close, I was left with a profound sense of gratitude for having the opportunity to share Eddie’s story. His journey is a powerful reminder that no matter how dark things may seem, there is always hope, always a way forward, and always the possibility of a new beginning.