Our Team

Meet the team of
Oregon Justice Network Advocates.

We are an alliance built and staffed by criminal legal system impacted people advocating for the well-being of people affected or at-risk of being affected by carceral systems. Our work centers around youth mentorship, advocacy, and supported reentry.

Shawn

Shawn, the founder of the Oregon Justice Network (OJN), is a dedicated researcher, social justice writer, grant writer, and youth advocate. His personal journey began with a 25-year prison sentence at the age of 18 for involvement in a mugging that tragically resulted in a fatality, despite Shawn having no direct physical or verbal contact with the victim and no knowledge that the crime would lead to death. This experience profoundly shaped his understanding of trauma, delinquency, the criminal legal system, incarceration, and the challenges of re-entry into society. Through his development and leadership of OJN, Shawn spearheads the Juvenile Advocacy and Mentorship (JAM) program, which focuses on mentoring underserved and system-involved youth. His expertise in this area is supported by his degree in Prevention Science and extensive training in trauma-informed care, restorative justice practices, and effective communication. Shawn’s core belief is that resilience is cultivated through authentic relationships, both with oneself and with others. In addition to his advocacy and mentorship work, Shawn is also an yoga and meditation instructor. These practices have played a key role in his personal growth and healing, and he finds joy and balance in nature, exercise, and spending time by the river. 

Chris

Christopher, who recently returned to his community after spending over two decades in the Oregon penal system, has overcome numerous hardships and adversity. Instead of allowing these challenges to define him, he has become determined to bring about positive change within his community. Christopher’s greatest passion lies in helping troubled youth and individuals released from prison, as he recognizes the struggles they often face. He has dedicated himself to being a mentor and advocate for those who lack access to the necessary resources and support systems for success. His unwavering commitment is evident in his tireless pursuit of positive outcomes, with a focus on at-risk youth and formerly incarcerated individuals. Christopher’s dedication is a testament to the potential for transformation and redemption that exists within every human being. His experiences have shaped his understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized individuals, and he is determined to provide them with the necessary support and guidance to thrive. Christopher’s story exemplifies the resilience and strength found in those who rise above their circumstances to positively impact the world.

Cesar

Driven by life experiences of overcoming profound challenges, their passion lies in bringing hope and change to individuals trapped in lives of darkness and hopelessness. With thirty years spent navigating the juvenile and adult correctional systems, struggling with addiction, and involvement in a gang lifestyle, they have defied the odds and dedicated their life to rebuilding the community they once took from by working with individuals facing the same struggles they have overcome. Understanding the weight of these adversities and the absence of resources or advocates, they have committed themselves to being a beacon of hope for others. Their philosophy emphasizes that to change anything, one must change everything—a lesson they wish had come earlier in life. This belief has fueled their involvement in youth mentorship, their certification as an Oregon State Foster Parent, and their devotion to youth advocacy, all aimed at offering young people the chance to transform their lives. Having experienced firsthand the crippling effects of addiction and gang involvement, they strive to help others break free from those chains. Their work at a residential treatment center, their role in the Jail Ministry at Umatilla County Jail, and their active participation in their church and recovery communities enable them to deliver messages of hope while aiding in the creation of support networks and productive release plans for clients and inmates. They firmly believe that there is hope beyond the darkness, a hope every person deserves. The key is helping individuals recognize their value, believe in themselves, and take that leap of faith toward a better future.

Zandro

Zandro Lerma holds a Master of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) with an emphasis in Chicano Studies from Oregon State University. His curiosity about why some Mexican youth tend to be violent led him to explore the concepts of cultural and structural violence-often invisible forces that contribute to direct, visible violence. Zandro aims to use this knowledge to help youth recognize these underlying factors, empowering them to make conscious decisions to avoid violence and seek alternative methods for resolving conflicts.