Who We Are - From Bars to Bridges
Our Vision
Our vision is to lead a movement—driven by youth voices—that transforms the way communities understand parole and reentry, building a culture of empathy, inclusion, and support.
Our Approach
At From Bars to Bridges, we believe that storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for change. Our approach is rooted in raising awareness about the realities of parole by amplifying voices that are too often overlooked.
- Empowerment: We center the voices of those directly impacted by the justice system, creating space for their stories, struggles, and successes to be heard. We believe real solutions come from listening to lived experience.
- Public Education: We use our platform to inform the public about what parole really looks like—its restrictions, its emotional toll, and the obstacles people face during reentry. Our blogs and articles aim to make complex issues relatable and accessible to all.
- Breaking the Stigma: By bringing these personal experiences to light, we challenge the stigma that surrounds formerly incarcerated individuals. We want people to see not just a system, but the people behind it—people who deserve understanding, support, and second chances.
- Youth-Led Advocacy: As a student-led initiative, we use our voices to advocate for compassion and awareness. Our work shows that young people can play a meaningful role in justice reform by listening, learning, and leading with empathy.
Our Team
Mia Marciano
Mia Marciano
Mia Marciano
Hi! My name is Mia Marciano, and I’m 16 years old. I founded From Bars to Bridges because I believe everyone deserves a real second chance. This initiative was born out of a deep desire to shine a light on the often-overlooked struggles of people navigating parole and reentry. Through this work, I aim to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and stand up for those working to rebuild their lives.
Adi Shemesh
Mia Marciano
Mia Marciano
Hi! I’m Adi Shemesh, a 15-year-old student and the Vice President of From Bars to Bridges. I’m proud to be part of a movement that shines a light on the challenges faced by individuals on parole and those reentering society. Our mission is to promote understanding, fight stigma, and support second chances for everyone.