FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media contact: media@famm.org
Washington, D.C. – As FAMM marks its 35th anniversary, the organization is increasing its investment in communications and storytelling with four new hires joining the staff. The announcement reflects FAMM’s commitment to reaching more people impacted by unjust sentencing and prison policies to create a fairer and more effective justice system for all.
The new staff members of FAMM include Tania Stewart, Vice President of External Relations; Yasmin Wilkes, Senior Digital Communications Strategist; James Baugh, Communications Strategist; and Chris Vanderwall, Visual Content Strategist.
“The foundation of FAMM’s success over the last 35 years has been our ability to connect with people impacted by the criminal justice system that the world has forgotten and turn that into a community that dramatically influences the policies that shape our prison system,” said Dr. Shaneva D. McReynolds, President of FAMM. “With this investment, more people will hear FAMM’s story and the stories of thousands of people impacted by extreme sentences and prison conditions. More people will not feel alone while their loved one is incarcerated. More people will understand the power of a second chance.”
Prior to joining FAMM, Tania Stewart was a Senior Vice President at M+R, a communications and fundraising firm. During her 14 years at the agency, she led communications strategy for nonprofits including Arnold Ventures, Council on Criminal Justice, and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. She is a Board Member of the Juvenile Law Center.
Yasmin Wilkes has more than 10 years of experience shaping public narratives, directing multi-platform content strategy, and driving digital engagement for mission-driven organizations. She previously led social media and storytelling strategies at M+R, Because of Them We Can, and Atlanta Habitat for Humanity.
James Baugh has been involved in criminal justice reform work since 2017, working to establish programming inside Illinois prisons and leading pilot program initiatives following the Illinois Pretrial Success Act. He holds a Master’s degree in Sociology and is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He has several awards for public speaking and storytelling and has coached individuals in their public speaking skills for a variety of different stages and audiences.
Prior to joining FAMM, Chris Vanderwall spent more than two decades working in film. He’s directed campaigns for several non-profit organizations including the American Heart Association, Urban Initiatives, and the Greater Chicago Food Depository. His documentary work includes stories from the religious rites of Sufi Muslims in a sacred city in Senegal, a community on the mend following a school shooting, to the neon-lit world of underground roller rink culture.
“I am thrilled to have such a talented team join FAMM. Each of them brings the passion and commitment that fuels FAMM’s work and new skills that will allow us to grow in the years to come,” said Dr. McReynolds.
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