Chazidy Robinson stands as the driving force behind the SOAR 4031 Foundation, serving as its Executive Director and Founder. Her journey into philanthropy began in 2018, fueled by her personal experiences as the former spouse of an incarcerated individual. Rooted in her upbringing in the hills of West Virginia, where her ancestors toiled as coal miners and advocated for equality, Chazidy’s trajectory was influenced by her familial legacy of resilience and activism.
With unwavering dedication, Chazidy has championed reform within the criminal justice system, making significant strides to support marginalized communities. Notable among her achievements is her instrumental role in advocating for the widespread adoption of body cameras for corrections and parole officers in Ohio, a crucial step toward transparency and accountability.
Additionally, she has spearheaded campaigns to improve access to clean water in state prisons, addressing fundamental needs for incarcerated individuals. Central to her advocacy is her focus on Post-Incarceration Syndrome (PICS), leading to a groundbreaking research collaboration with the University of Cincinnati School of Medicine.
Through her foundation, Chazidy has provided essential programming and resources to over 200 families, informed by ongoing research to ensure meaningful support. Committed to expanding her impact, she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in social work with the aim of elevating PICS recognition within the DSM5 and securing acknowledgment from the American Psychiatric Association.
Chazidy actively participates in national coalitions and steering committees, including Just Leadership USA’s Leading With Convictions 2021 Cohort and Columbia University’s Women’s Transcending Collective Leadership Cohort 4. As a result, she has become a sought-after voice in discussions around criminal justice reform. Her influence extends nationwide, with speaking engagements at prestigious institutions such as Yale University and Columbia University School of Social Work, where she amplifies the voices of marginalized communities.
Driven by her belief in the power of advocacy to create change, Chazidy continues to inspire others to join her in the fight for justice and equity in the criminal justice system.
Amidst the challenges of the Covid-19 era, we committed ourselves to championing the rights of those incarcerated across all 28 prisons in Ohio. Witnessing inadequate healthcare and instances of excessive force and inhumane treatment, we recognized the pressing need for action. Families sought answers, and we emerged as a beacon of solutions.
Our tireless advocacy efforts bore fruit in 2023 with a victorious campaign mandating body cameras for all corrections officers in Ohio’s prisons. Yet, our quest for justice did not cease there. In 2022, we initiated a groundbreaking research study in collaboration with the University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, delving into Post-Incarceration Syndrome. Acknowledging the significance of inclusive language, we rebranded ourselves as Opportunities People’s Justice Leaders, embracing a philosophy that views every individual as a person, nurturing leaders, and fostering opportunities.
Central to our mission was addressing mental health and the traumatic aftermath of incarceration on both the incarcerated and their support networks. By prioritizing mental wellness, we aimed to mitigate recidivism and facilitate healing. Through our journey of growth and transformation, we evolved into the SOAR 4031 Foundation, steadfast in our commitment to uplifting communities and advocating for justice.
Amidst the challenges of the Covid-19 era, we committed ourselves to championing the rights of those incarcerated across all 28 prisons in Ohio. Witnessing inadequate healthcare and instances of excessive force and inhumane treatment, we recognized the pressing need for action. Families sought answers, and we emerged as a beacon of solutions.
Our tireless advocacy efforts bore fruit in 2023 with a victorious campaign mandating body cameras for all corrections officers in Ohio’s prisons. Yet, our quest for justice did not cease there. In 2022, we initiated a groundbreaking research study in collaboration with the University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, delving into Post-Incarceration Syndrome. Acknowledging the significance of inclusive language, we rebranded ourselves as Opportunities People’s Justice Leaders, embracing a philosophy that views every individual as a person, nurturing leaders, and fostering opportunities.
Central to our mission was addressing mental health and the traumatic aftermath of incarceration on both the incarcerated and their support networks. By prioritizing mental wellness, we aimed to mitigate recidivism and facilitate healing. Through our journey of growth and transformation, we evolved into the SOAR 4031 Foundation, steadfast in our commitment to uplifting communities and advocating for justice.
