Go to series
Loading...
Meet the Leader

What a single mom who took on the prison system can teach about making change happen

Jessica Jackson understands the damage wreaked by excessive incarceration and supervision. As a young mother with a two-month old on her hip, she watched her husband be sentenced to six years in prison, being pulled into a system impacting millions in the US alone - one that erodes families and communities and restricts opportunities for stable lives after release. This life-changing experience drove this housewife just only a GED to go to college, then law school, and then become a human rights attorney driving a movement for reform. She talks about her work running The Reform Alliance as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Advocacy Officer and shares the legislation she’s helped make possible so far. She also shares why tackling stigma and isolation is so key to future progress on this issue and the personal traits that she’s depended on the most to overcome hurdles and challenges.

Podcast transcript

Hosted by:

Linda Lacina

, World Economic Forum LLC

Topics:
Leadership
Share:

More episodes:

Podcasts

7 women leaders on the books that shaped their lives

Podcasts

Bridging the gap in women's health research, policy and innovation: Kearney

7 women leaders on the books that shaped their lives

Why we must act now to ensure the future of the ocean and life on Earth

About us

Engage with us

  • Sign in
  • Partner with us
  • Become a member
  • Sign up for our press releases
  • Subscribe to our newsletters
  • Contact us

Quick links

Language editions

Privacy Policy & Terms of Service

Sitemap

© 2025 World Economic Forum