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Dr. Kelly discusses how theory from disability studies, cultural studies,
and intersectional feminism informs their mutual aid work. In particular,
she will discuss why she chose to work with her community to start a
fridge, how this has assisted in developing community in the area, and ways you can contribute to mutual aid in your area.

Dr. Kelly is a lecturing faculty at CSUN in the Communication Studies and
Special Education Departments. Her research areas include disability studies,
critical university studies, and queer studies. They are also the co-director of the
CSUN Explorers program, which serves students with intellectual and
developmental disabilities.

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The Ripple Effect of College Prison Programs explores what becomes possible when higher education enters spaces designed for punishment and isolation. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Taffany Lim, an educator and leader whose work with the Cal State LA Prison Graduation Initiative has helped transform lives and the institutions surrounding them.

Dr. Lim’s 2025 Bloomsbury book, The Ripple Effect of College Prison Programs: Hope, Humanity, and Transformation, brings this work to life through vivid, human stories. The book is introduced by Dr. Lim and co written with thirteen graduates of the Cal State LA program men who earned their bachelor’s degrees while incarcerated and, for many, crossed the stage as free people in 2021.

We are also joined by three of those graduates, Samuel Nathaniel Brown, Billy G, and Thaisan Nguon. Together, they share what education made possible inside, what it demanded of them, and what it continues to change beyond the prison walls. This conversation centers hope, dignity, and the lasting impact of opportunity, not only on individuals, but on families, communities, and systems.

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Edwin Cruz is a seasoned professional with over seven years of experience in community advocacy, peer support, and program leadership. As a Peer Support Specialist with the State of California, he assisted clients in transitioning between levels of care, setting recovery goals, and managing mental health challenges. Previously, he served as a Support Group Facilitator and Community Advocate, leading initiatives to deter juvenile delinquency and promote rehabilitation through self-help programs and impactful community events. He was featured in the short film, 5 Block: From Hell to Hope, where he demonstrated his passion for poetry and creative writing. Edwin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from California State University, Los Angeles; he currently works with the Compassion Prison Project, creating trauma-informed prisons and communities focused on childhood trauma, and with The Prism Way, providing holistic resources to heal, rehabilitate, and reintegrate justice-impacted individuals. Driven by a passion for service, Edwin’s dedication and innovative approach continue to make a lasting impact in every role he undertakes.

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