Belen Enriquez

I am formerly incarcerated for a non-violent, non-drug offense. I spent one year in federal prison (Federal Detention Center-Miami) working several jobs (Suicide Watch Companion, Education Tutor, and Orderly). While incarcerated, I assisted women with their legal work while witnessing human suffering and the particular issues that affect imprisoned women. Currently, prisons are places where women are targets for sexual abuse and inhumane conditions. Women receive inadequate medical treatment. They have specific needs that are not being met. They are not receiving treatment for mental and substance abuse issues. They are not given meaningful rehabilitative and reentry opportunities. Ever since my release in January 2020, I’ve dedicated my life to advocating for those who are currently incarcerated, especially women. I wish to positively impact those in contact with the criminal justice system and elevate their voices. Through my journey, I’ve learned that if women unite, extraordinary things can happen, and that’s why I am here, to show the world that our criminal conviction does not define us and to abolish the barriers that make our convictions life sentences based on the collateral consequences that we have to experience and that prevent us from achieving a better life.

Criminal justice reform, reentry opportunities, women rights, justice and equality.

The world will be safer and better if we solve the issue of mass incarceration while improving the conditions of those suffering behind bars. The U.S. has the highest number of incarcerated individuals in the world. Prisons perpetuate recidivism and do not help to keep our communities safe. Opportunities and education do.

Solving almost all issues presented to me, including assisting in securing the early release of incarcerated individuals from prison.