Eddie Ellis Jr.

Eddie B. Ellis Jr., a Washingtonian native, is a reentry advocate/consultant, trainer, mentor, and motivational speaker. His lived experience as a formerly incarcerated person provides invaluable insight and depth into his work that allows him to connect with and engage the community in which he serves. In 2009, Mr. Ellis founded One by 1, Inc. and now uses his lived experience to build safer communities.

He consults and provides trainings to industry professionals, conducts life skills workshops for men, women, and youth to help them develop the critical coping and decision-making skills they need to keep their life on the right track. Mr. Ellis’ professional experience, certifications, and trainings allow him to serve as a resource to the community.

He also develops reentry/reintegration resources to support the successful transition of men and women from incarceration back into society, the community, their family and their own life. Mr. Ellis’ expansive advocacy efforts include bringing attention to the criminal justice system in relation to the treatment of and the protection of rights of incarcerated individuals with disabilities. Mr. Ellis works hard to ensure that individuals reentering society are well informed and sufficiently equipped to make better choices for themselves and that they are truly given a second chance.

Mr. Ellis joined the Campaign for the fair sentencing of youth (CFSY) team in early 2018. He is currently the Co-Director of Outreach & Member Services. In this role, he works with ICAN members across the country, connecting them to each other and with local resources. He also works with other directly impacted communities, including the family members of juvenile lifers.