Oct 2021
- Impartial was founded and established as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
Impartial began during our founder’s own prosecution, charged with a white-collar crime related to her employment that she didn’t commit. Through that experience, conversations with law trade organizations, two Supreme Court justices, defense attorneys, clerks, and law students revealed a hard truth: the system wasn’t just flawed. It was rigid by design. The beliefs we hold about American justice (who deserves punishment, what rehabilitation looks like, how accountability should work) are built on assumptions that continue to shape outcomes, even when we know better.
Justice demands a system grounded in shared values, where laws are applied fairly, and people are held accountable, but never beyond what is just.
Impartial takes a holistic approach to criminal justice reform, one that considers the whole person and the whole system. While many people care deeply about change, they’re overwhelmed or unsure where to start. A new generation is ready to lead, but needs the right foundation: understanding, community, and consistent action.
We create spaces where you can see the justice system through new eyes: through the artwork and stories of prison artists, through video games that imagine what the system could become, through content that challenges what you thought you knew. We’re not asking to fix everything at once. We’re inviting you to make justice part of your life, as a habit, so you can experience the impact you’re making and connect with others doing the same.
A founding board member of Impartial who brings a wealth of sales and operational expertise and knowledge to the team. Based in Melbourne, Australia, Matt has a passion for doing what is right and wants to make a significant contribution to the reform of the criminal justice system in the USA. He also believes education around incarceration and the criminal justice system is vital for change to be made.
Lissa was a founder on the Impartial Board of Directors and her connection goes back to being a friend and business colleague of Diane Wells during her wrongful prosecution and seeing how flawed the system could be for innocent people. Dynamic, innovative leader with an aptitude for understanding business processes and technology. Uses position of strength to execute strategic plans by building the talents of a team and instilling a sense of community and purpose. Ability to powerfully communicate a vision that animates, motivates, & inspires followers.
Cheyanne Murdock is a Raleigh, NC–based fundraising and communications professional with seven years of experience supporting nonprofits across the arts, affordable housing, and substance use recovery. She joined the Impartial board after witnessing firsthand how deeply the criminal justice system affects her community, and she’s committed to pushing for a fairer, more equitable system for everyone. She plans to use her skills and relationships to help further the mission of Impartial, one community at a time.
