Free. Advance registration required.

In person at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site (5:30 – 7:30 pm) — Register here

Online via Zoom (6:00 – 7:00 pm) — Register here

Join us as we explore the often-overlooked history of women in the American prison system including how the incarceration of women has evolved as well as the powerful stories and legacy of women who fight for justice every day.

Learn about key moments in the history of women's incarceration. Consider the ongoing challenges faced by women in prisons, and reflect on the intersection of race, class, and gender in shaping the experiences of incarcerated women. Hear the stories of women whose courage and resilience continue to inspire movements for justice and equality today.

Guests attending in-person are also invited to enjoy light refreshments before and after the conversation and Q&A.

Event Schedule:

5:30 – 6:00 pm — Welcome and Light Refreshments
6:00 – 7:00 pm — Conversation and Q&A with Speakers
7:00 – 7:30 pm — Closing and Light Refreshments

About the Speakers:

Assata Thomas is a passionate advocate for individuals affected by mass incarceration and a driving force in Philadelphia’s reentry movement with over 20 years of experience. Her dedication to justice and reentry reform led to her appointment as Executive Director of the Office of Reentry Partnerships. Under her leadership, the Office of Reentry Partnerships has undergone a transformation. In just two years, she revitalized the Philadelphia Reentry Coalition (PRC), growing it to 150+ organizations. She introduced direct case management services, pre-release group sessions, and spearheaded the opening of the Neighborhood Resource Center, Philadelphia’s first comprehensive, community-based reentry facility. With 20% of Philadelphians holding a criminal record and 25,000 people returning from incarceration annually, Ms. Thomas remains committed to dismantling mass incarceration and building a more just society. As someone who has personally navigated the challenges of a felony conviction, she blends professional expertise with lived experience. She is a respected leader and tireless advocate, collaborating with grassroots organizations and serving on multiple community boards dedicated to social justice.

Kirstin Cornnell joined the Pennsylvania Prison Society in 2019 to lead its newly created Family and Community Support portfolio. Her work focuses on expanding meaningful programming to improve the well-being of people impacted by incarceration, reduce recidivism, and strengthen communities. Prior to 2019, Kirstin worked to advance state based criminal legal system reforms and also led a nonprofit that offered programming to justice impacted populations, including youth, adults, and victims of crime. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from Georgetown University and an M.S. in Social Policy from the University of Pennsylvania.

Moderated by Dr. Kerry Sautner, President and CEO of Eastern State.

Justice 101 is a discussion series examining the history of the justice system in America, from its founding to today, and the impact it has on society, citizens, and the world. You can join us live at the times listed, or watch the discussions back anytime on YouTube. Justice 101 is designed for learners of all ages.