Newsletter Vol. 7 No. 3

March 2025

PLSE and Partners - Connect Converse, and Contribute

Thursday, April 10 - 6PM to 8PM

Willig Williams & Davidson

1845 Walnut St., Suite 2400

Join us for an impactful evening of networking, meaningful conversations, and fundraising, as we come together to support Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity and honor award-winning filmmaker Shuja Moore. The evening will feature remarks from our new Executive Director, Taylor Pacheco, Shuja Moore, and more.

In lieu of ticket fees, we have decided to implement a 'pay-what-you-can' structure, and recommend making a donation of $25. Donations can be made in-person, or by clicking the button below. Thank you in advance for supporting our work.

We look forward to seeing you there!

This April — Second Chance Month — in partnership with John Jay University's Institute of Justice and Opportunity and Columbia University's School of Social Work, we’re launching the inaugural JustUs Ideas Week: a groundbreaking, week-long summit designed to put directly impacted individuals at the center of bold conversations, innovative experiences, and transformative action.

This first-of-its-kind annual gathering will bring together key changemakers — including justice-impacted leaders, policymakers, business innovators, and cultural influencers — to drive forward solutions that create real impact.

Through dynamic and interactive programming, participants will engage in headline discussions with thought leaders, witness justice-impacted entrepreneurs pitch their startups, experience an innovative debate featuring formerly incarcerated debaters, and take part in live podcasts, creative town halls, and hands-on sessions. JustUs Ideas Weekisn’t just about conversations — it’s about building a movement that redefines justice, fosters economic opportunity, and inspires systemic change. This isn’t about politics or political parties; this is about PEOPLE. Join us in shaping a more just and equitable future!

📅 April 14-17 | ⏰ 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 📍 John Jay College of Criminal Justice:

👉 Register here:

If you’re a directly impacted founder or entrepreneur and want to showcase your work at Demo Day on Wednesday, April 16th — in partnership with The Center for Justice at Columbia University — you can apply here:

Recently, one of our clients reached out to a PLSE team member to express their gratitude for our assistance. Kind words like these keep us going day to day. 

“I want to take the time out to say that I really appreciate you and your staff for everything you guys are doing for me and my family. You just don’t understand how much I appreciate you all thanks so much for everything I’m so grateful and thankful god is great as I change my life around I see the greatness in life and I will continue to walk a straight and honest lifestyle I close this thankful letter off with I pray that god keep you and y’all families in great health and spirits and again thanks for your help .”

Our Pro Bono Coordinator Kristen Cherry joined PLSE in November 2022 from Philadelphia Legal Assistance, where she was the Family Court Based Paralegal and assisted pro se litigants with filing child custody paperwork in family court. Prior to that, Kristen worked at a domestic violence & sexual assault center in her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. There she uncovered her passion for legal services after she was able to act as an advocate for petitioners seeking protection orders. Kristen got her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Near Eastern Languages & Cultures from Indiana University and completed a Master’s in Middle Eastern Politics at SOAS University of London. Kristen’s work is driven by her opposition to state violence, structural violence, and interpersonal violence, and her commitment to supporting the marginalized communities who are most impacted.

1. What is your role at PLSE and how long have you been a member of the team?

I have been at PLSE for about two and a half years as the Pro Bono Manager. My job is to help train volunteer attorneys and law students on the pardon process, and to connect them with our clients to help them complete their pardon applications.

2. What projects are you currently working on?

PLSE has pardon projects at five area law schools, where law students take on pardon cases each semester, so I am currently providing support to law students who are working with our clients and giving them feedback on their pardon application drafts. I am also working on outreach to our law firm partners to check on their pardon case statuses.

3. What's your favorite thing about PLSE?

My favorite thing about PLSE is how adaptable it is. We are given a lot of opportunities to share our ideas and concerns and to brainstorm solutions to problems we encounter. These opportunities for dialogue allow us to grow and change as an organization so we can best meet the needs of our clients.

Also, our clients are genuinely awesome people. It is an honor getting to hear our clients' stories and to help them fight for the second chances they deserve.

4. What's your favorite place to grab a bite in Philly right now?

I always love picking up a pizza from the Pitruco food truck whenever it's in my neighborhood. Their mushroom pie is probably my favorite pizza of all time.