About Darlene

Darlene is the Southern California Regional Program Manager for the California Justice Leaders - at Impact Justice, where she helps justice-involved individuals become reentry coaches. Drawing on her personal experience as a former gang member and professional expertise, Darlene offers critical insights into gang culture, structures, and behaviors, particularly in Los Angeles.

She has built strong relationships across various gang communities, including Latino, Black, and Asian gangs, and has interviewed hundreds of gang members, including LGBTQ+ individuals. Darlene's lived experience with incarceration fuels her commitment to reshape the narrative of formerly incarcerated people, emphasizing their role in community building and justice reform.

A graduate of the Independent Forensic Gang College at Loyola Marymount University, Darlene is trained in legal research, trauma-informed practices, motivational interviewing, and Credible Messenger mentorship. She is currently pursuing her BA in Psychology. Previously, she led the ReEntry program at Defy Ventures, was a founding member of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition, and has worked on policy reform efforts such as SB260, SB261, and Prop 57, which have impacted youthful offenders in California.

Darlene remains dedicated to advocating for criminal justice reform, supporting reentry efforts, and creating safe pathways for youth.