Our Team.

CEO
maha@rbij.org

Maha Jweied is the CEO of the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice. She is an international expert on access to justice and has dedicated her career to advancing legal and policy reform to improve systems of justice.

Prior to joining RBIJ, Maha worked with several organizations that partner with the business community to advance access to justice policy and practice in the United States, Europe, and across the globe, including the National Legal Aid & Defender Association, Kids in Need of Defense, and the Pathfinders for Peaceful, Just and Inclusive Societies. She also spent nearly a dozen years in the federal Executive Branch and led the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Access to Justice and served as the Executive Director of the White House Legal Aid Interagency Roundtable. Maha also served as the U.S. Government’s Subject-Matter Expert for UN Sustainable Development Goal 16 indicator identification and development.

DEPUTY CEO
lena@rbij.org

Lena Patel is the Deputy CEO of the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice where she oversees RBIJ's strategic engagement with the business community across the globe. She also manages RBIJ's activity in the United Kingdom.

With over 25 years experience in stakeholder engagement and management, in both the public and corporate sectors, Lena’s varied work experience includes the Greater London Authority, where she led the Mayor’s Private Sector Team; Nesta, where she managed corporate affairs; and more recently, as Head of Public Affairs for German-owned myLotto24, part of the Zeal Group, where she led on international public affairs and corporate social responsibility for the group. Lena has a BA (Hons) Law and Business and an LLM International and Commercial Law from the University of Sheffield. She is a mentor with One Million Mentors and a Trustee at UpRising and an Assessor with the College of Policing.

FOUNDER

Celia Ouellette is the Founder of the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice. Celia has dedicated her career to representing and fighting for those most disadvantaged by broken criminal justice systems.

In 2015 she founded The Powell Project, an organization designed to empower and equip trial teams in capital cases, and prior to this was a Staff Attorney at UK human rights charity Reprieve. She practiced as a death penalty defence lawyer before founding RBIJ and her experience, deep commitment for change and expert knowledge of justice systems has led her to be a regular speaker at major international conferences and events. Celia frequently advises foreign governments on US criminal justice policy and practice. She is an established media commentator across major outlets and publications — including The Economist, Financial Times, Associated Press, and Bloomberg News.

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER - UK caroline@rbij.org

Caroline has over 25 years experience at senior management level. She joined RBIJ in February 2021 and combines her role as Operations Director for RBIJ with a part-time role as Head of Operations at ATLEU, an anti trafficking and labour exploitation charity. Caroline's previous work history includes being Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Operations at the Social Investment Business (SIB). where she led SIB’s investment activity and all operational areas of the business including people, finance, governance and business systems. Caroline is a board member for London Emergency Trust, and the Committee of the Metropolitan Migration Foundation which was established to help migrants, including refugees and asylum seekers. Caroline has also worked on NESTA’s investment programme, in European funding in higher education, for a London based community organisation and in local government economic development and regeneration.

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER - US stephan@rbij.org

Stephan P. Matthews is the Chief Operating Officer-US of the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice (RBIJ), where he oversees the organization's internal operations, including governance and compliance, human resources, information technology, facilities management, and finance systems.

Prior to RBIJ, Stephan spent 14 years working in the Federal government in several operations and administration roles with increasing levels of responsibility at the U.S. Department of Justice in the Office of the Attorney General and the Office for Access to Justice, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in the Office of the Secretary, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in the Office of the Director.

He holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland University College and a M.S. in Law from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law.

DIRECTOR, POLICY & ADVOCACY maggie@rbij.org

Maggie leads RBIJ’s Policy & Advocacy team. In collaboration with national, federal, state, and city partners, she develops legislative and outreach strategies for advancing change across a broad portfolio of criminal justice issues, including Clean Slate, ending debt-based driver’s license suspensions, occupational licensing reform, bail reform, ending Juvenile Life Without Parole, and death penalty abolition.

Prior to RBIJ, Maggie provided technical assistance to criminal justice practitioners and advocates in the U.S. and internationally at the National Network for Safe Communities (NNSC). As a Field Advisor, Maggie oversaw the implementation of a leading violence reduction strategy and managed partnerships with elected officials, senior law enforcement, policymakers, and community leaders across the U.S. She also led the organization’s strategic response to COVID-19. Maggie holds a B.A. in Peace Studies from Goucher College where she graduated cum laude.

DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS sam@rbij.org

Sam Scarrow is Director of Communications at the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice.

Sam is a public affairs expert with more than a decade of experience planning, executing and managing public affairs campaigns in the justice reform arena. At Voices for Civil Justice, Sam Scarrow oversaw media strategy, message development, and strategic partnerships with a national network of civil justice advocates. As a public affairs consultant prior to that, he helped shape public narratives to support nonprofit and social justice clients. When he’s not writing in someone else’s voice, Sam can often be found using his own in one of the many vocal ensembles in the nation’s capital.

DIRECTOR, INCLUSIVE HIRING caz@rbij.org

Caz leads RBIJ’s first and second chance hiring programs, including Unlock Potential (UP). In addition to leading the Inclusive Hiring team her responsibilities also include collaborating with community-based organizations, advocacy leaders, and social services providers. Previously, Caz worked at various nonprofits, including as the program manager at the Vera Institute of Justice’s Redefining Public Safety team, the Director of Employment Services for Westhab’s NYC and Westchester County shelter and community-based employment programs, and as Director of Fathers Count Family Services of Westchester’s federally-funded Responsible Fatherhood Program. She received a Citation from Mayor Mike Spano for her contribution to Westchester County and the City of Yonkers and a Certificate of Recognition from the Senate of the State of New York for Exemplary Service to the community. While in the UK, Caz worked as a probation officer for HM Prison & Probation Service and as a youth social worker with Camden Children & Family Services.

ASSOCIATE, COMMUNICATIONS melina@rbij.org

Melina supports all communications and narrative goals within the organization, including managing RBIJ’s owned and social media portfolios to align with RBIJ’s strategic and communications priorities. She also supports RBIJ’s external media relationships, including pitching and liaising with both local and national press contacts.

She is passionate about utilizing communications skills to connect with various stakeholders and impact positive change.

Melina recently received her BA in Foreign Language and Communication Media from American University with concentrations in Spanish and Public Relations. Her experience includes working at the SOC3 Agency at American University and internships with marcablanca press in Madrid, Spain and Climate Reality in Washington, DC.

SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, POLICY & ADVOCACY abby@rbij.org

Abby manages RBIJ’s state campaign communications and digital portfolios, as well as supporting press, editorial, and other strategic communications priorities. She works closely with the Policy & Advocacy team to develop state-specific policy narratives and promote RBIJ’s legislative goals.

Abby joins RBIJ after five years in political and campaign communications for candidates and nonprofits across Pennsylvania. Most recently, she worked as Communications Director for Pennsylvania State Senator John Kane, where she managed all aspects of the communications portfolio with a primary focus on expanding the Senator’s digital footprint. Abby managed successful Pennsylvania State House campaigns in 2018 and 2020, electing the youngest Democratic woman to ever serve in the Pennsylvania legislature. Abby has led communications trainings for Lead PA, the Philadelphia Campaign School for Social Workers, and the Delaware County Democratic Party. She holds a BA in Political Science and History with High Honors from Swarthmore College.

ASSOCIATE, STRATEGIC BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT
heather@rbij.org

Heather supports RBIJ’s business engagement work and the inclusive hiring practices team. In her role, she assists in the development and implementation of RBIJ’s key projects and global activity, including the annual American Workforce and Justice Summit, Business Leaders Against the Death Penalty campaign, and the Unlock Potential (UP) program.

Heather recently received her BA in International Affairs from Northeastern University where she led a student group focused on criminal justice reform and advocacy. She has previously worked in corporate social responsibility at John Hancock as a member of their Global Community Investment team.

PROJECT & EVENTS MANAGER, STRATEGIC BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT
victoria@rbij.org

Victoria supports RBIJ’s projects and special events to strategically engage businesses in our work, including working closely with Lena to lead on RBIJ’s annual American Workforce and Justice Summit.

Prior to joining RBIJ, Victoria was an Event and Sponsorship consultant; project managing many flagship events and overseeing IMF World Bank Meetings in Washington and Singapore. She has worked at CEO and Managing Director level for the past 25 years forging credible and trusted relationships along the way.

MANAGER, INCLUSIVE HIRING taja@rbij.org

Taja Hereford is a Manager on the Inclusive Hiring team supporting RBIJ's first and second chance hiring programs and RBIJ’s relationships with businesses and community-based organizations. Prior to joining RBIJ, Taja worked in state government for Texas focusing on work related to substance use prevention through coalition efforts. In addition to government work, she has worked with various non-profit organizations that helped serve formerly incarcerated mothers and individuals helped get reintegrated into society. She has led workforce development opportunities at her previous work companies. Taja has a master’s degree in public health from the University of South Carolina.

ASSOCIATE, POLICY & ADVOCACY kimia@rbij.org

Kimia supports the planning and execution of state and national level campaigns through extensive research, business mapping, and business engagement. She manages RBIJ’s state campaigns centered around death penalty abolition and assists across several Clean Slate campaigns, all for which she develops effective legislative and outreach strategies to advance change.

Prior to joining RBIJ, Kimia worked as a marketing outreach specialist, creating and managing CSR programs including global education initiatives at several startups. She also has experience working with justice-impacted individuals through her ongoing work teaching students at Riker’s Island with the Justice in Education Initiative and with youths in New York City through Avenues for Justice, where she also serves on the Junior Board. Kimia holds a B.S. in Politics and French from New York University where she graduated magna cum laude.

ASSOCIATE, INCLUSIVE HIRING khaya@rbij.org

Khaya supports RBIJ's first and second chance hiring programs, fostering meaningful relationships with businesses, and collaborating with community-based organizations.

Prior to her current position, Khaya dedicated her efforts to empowering justice-impacted youth at The Red Hook Community Justice Center and the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. Her experiences in these roles equipped her with invaluable insights into the challenges faced by individuals within the criminal justice system.

Khaya holds a Master’s in Criminology & Justice from St. John’s University, where she immersed herself in studying the complex dynamics within the criminal justice system. This educational foundation, combined with her hands-on experience, positions Khaya as a knowledgeable and empathetic advocate for reform. She brings a unique blend of academic understanding and real-world insight to her work, striving to reshape narratives and create a more equitable and compassionate society.

SENIOR MANAGER, POLICY & ADVOCACY
morgan@rbij.org

Morgan works as the Policy & Advocacy Senior Manager at RBIJ. In her role, she manages multiple state level campaigns around the U.S., collaborating with state and national partners to recruit businesses and advance RBIJ's strategic policy priorities.

Prior to joining RBIJ, Morgan spent five years working on political campaigns, polling, and in the U.S Senate. She also has experience with nonprofits serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness, where she helped implement Nashville’s HUD-required Coordinated Entry System through direct outreach to people experiencing homelessness to connect them to services. Morgan holds a B.S in Political Science & International Affairs from East Tennessee State University.

SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER, INCLUSIVE HIRING katlyn@rbij.org

Katlyn manages communications for RBIJ’s national Inclusive Hiring portfolio, working to promote groundbreaking programs that expand job opportunities for those impacted by justice systems and those at risk of incarceration.

With nearly a decade of experience leading strategic communications for mission-driven organizations, Katlyn most recently served as the Director of Communications at Catholic Mobilizing Network (CMN), a national organization empowering the U.S. Catholic community to end the death penalty and advance justice solutions grounded in human dignity and healing. At CMN, Katlyn leveraged traditional and emerging media to orchestrate broad-based advocacy and public education campaigns. She also led strategic messaging research, development, and training, in addition to a comprehensive rebranding effort. Prior to this role, Katlyn managed marketing and communications for the Holy Family Hospital of Bethlehem Foundation, which raises funds for a vital maternity hospital located in the West Bank. Katlyn holds a BS in Applied Economic Management from Virginia Tech.

OPERATIONS ASSOCIATE david@rbij.org

David Williams is the Operations Associate of the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice. In his role, he supports the CEO and the wider team around a number of areas, such as office administration and finance and human resources.

David is a recent graduate of the Georgetown University Pivot Program, a professional development program for career-oriented individuals who have previously been impacted by the justice system. Following his graduation at Georgetown, he was an intern at Accenture working in Public Service Sales. He is passionate about helping to reform the justice system to be more fair and equitable.

MANAGER, INCLUSIVE HIRING camieka@rbij.org

Camieka is a Manager on the Inclusive hiring team supporting RBIJ's first and second chance hiring programs and RBIJ’s relationships with businesses and community-based organizations. She brings with her an extensive background in the Criminal Justice System, having served in various roles in both Canada and the United States. Camieka's unwavering commitment to championing equality within the justice system is demonstrated through her roles including her service to The Bail Project where she worked to disrupt the cash bail system. In her judicial administrative roles for the State of Georgia, Clayton County Superior Court, and the Youth justice Coordinator for Legal Aid Ontario, Camieka developed fruitful stakeholder relationships to create a bridge between the community and the courts to encourage access to information empowering community members to become their own advocates. Camieka's proven ability to nurture relationships underscores her continuous mission to normalize equal access across all systems to positively impact the lives of individuals facing social exclusion.