Babz Rawls Ivy is the Editor-in-Chief of Inner-City News, a Black-owned, award-winning publication that amplifies Black voices and stories both locally and globally. She also hosts LoveBabz LoveTALK on 103.5 WNNH-LP Community Radio, where she connects with newsmakers in Greater New Haven through engaging and thought-provoking conversations.
A recognized blogger, social media influencer, and public speaker, Babz holds an M.P.A. from Baruch College, CUNY, and is a certified Spiritual Director. She is deeply involved in community leadership and is the founder of The Freed Woman Fund, which supports Black women reentering the community after incarceration.
Since the age of 15, LaResse Harvey has been an advocate. In 2024, she became a SAMSHA/GAINS How Trauma-Informed Responders Improve Criminal Justice Systems. She is part of a research team at Brown University studying the benefits of yoga and meditation in prisons. Through her policy advocacy, Ms. Harvey was inducted as a Connecticut Hall of Changer in 2020, recognizing her 20 years of successful reentry. As the founder and board chair of Once INCarcerated Anonymous, a CT-based 501c3, Ms. Harvey has made significant strides in the area of Housing Justice for formerly incarcerated people. LaResse Harvey holds five college degrees, including a bachelor’s degree in social work. Her career spans over two decades as a certified behavior specialist and she has developed 50 successful programs for women and girls.
With her award-winning book Buttons Journey My First Two Years Living with PTSD, Ms. Harvey does both public and private “Meet the Author” events. In the past few years, this book has helped hundreds of women and men who are survivors of sexual abuse, prison, and trauma talk, get help, and receive care. As a result, the ‘Pave Your Pain Into Power’ guided journal was created to help others surviving trauma and addressing triggers. LaResse exemplifies what it means to Pave Your Pain into Power!
We rely on the generosity of our community to make this event a success. Your donations help us cover speaker honorariums, provide meals, giveaways, and offer resources and support to justice-impacted women. Whether you can give a little or a lot, your contribution makes a difference
We looking to collect the following for participants
- New/Slightly Used Purses or Bookbags
- Cosmetics
- Soap
- Sanitary Napkins
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush/Toothpaste
- Make-up
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Hand Sanitizer
To Schedule a Pick-up of Dropoff of In-Kind Donation Please Reach Out:
Dr. Janet Garcia-Hallett – jghjusticealliance@gmail.com
Or
Libby Protzman – libby@winningwaysct.org
