ABOUT US
The Foundation for Restoration, Expungement, and Equity for Arizona (FREE Arizona) is an Arizona-based, non-profit organization committed to effecting positive change at the community level.
Our organization was established to address the pressing challenges faced by individuals directly impacted by the penal system and to provide comprehensive support for them in their journey toward healing and reintegration post-incarceration.
By creating a robust sense of community and advocating for transformative justice, FREE Arizona strives to rectify the harm caused by punitive systems and pave the way for sustainable economic and social equity.
Board Members
Anna Lopez
(She/Her)
Anna is from Nogales, AZ, and is a second-generation immigrant. She attended the University of Arizona, majoring in Political Science with two minors in Spanish and Anthropology.
At a young age, Anna took notice of many of the inequalities that her community and family faced which piqued her interest in advocacy and politics. She made it a point to give back to her community by volunteering with local organizations.
Anna got involved with politics and organizing at the age of 16. Since then, she has worked at several nonprofit organizations where she has helped co-develop programs and run ballot initiatives.
She hopes that with F.R.E.E. AZ she can help support the progressive infrastructure that will help uplift marginalized and underserved communities.
Citlaly Gomez Ibarra
(She/Her)
Citlaly (She/Her) was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. Citlaly holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Arizona State University.
She grew up in a family of immigrants which heavily influenced her work and passions. Citlaly has been a part of multiple community-based organizations at the intersection of migrant and electoral justice.
Most recently, she was recognized for her community work by ASU’s Pastor Center for Politics and Public Service And received the Congressman Ed Pastor Civic Leadership Award. In her free time, Citlaly is an avid backpacking enthusiast and has traveled extensively.
She enjoys supporting local coffee shops, collecting records, and spending time with her dogs Chona & Chunga.
Destiny Garcia
(She/Her)
Destiny is working towards the creation of expansive resources and supportive tools for Arizonans.
She is currently attending Arizona State University. Their studies are focused on sociology, anthropology, and political science.
She strives to create innovative discourse on what genuine justice and transformation mean.
Her advocacy interests focus on improving economic inequities and centering people through action and healing.
Destiny enjoys yoga, creative crafting, spending time with her cat, and meditation.
Kat Jutras
(She/Her)
Kat is a relentless advocate for criminal justice reform and a seasoned expert in civil rights restoration.
With an unwavering commitment spanning over 8 years, she has assisted numerous individuals in reclaiming their rights to serve on juries, vote, and access housing and education opportunities post-incarceration.
Kat has held organizing, program development, and advocacy director positions with both national and statewide nonprofit organizations.
In her role as the Advocacy Director for a statewide abolition organization, Kat is deeply entrenched in the pursuit of policy reform and positive change within her home state.
Her leadership as a Statewide Team Leader for a national voter registration organization underscores her dedication to fostering civic engagement and equity.
Luke Taylor
(Any/All)
Luke has made a career in community organizing, running programs across the state focusing on issues such as harm reduction, voting rights, reproductive rights, and justice.
Luke currently works as a grant writer for public transportation projects in rural Arizona communities.
Luke loves to cook and watch movies and is excited to continue supporting social equity for all!
The Future
The Future
We are dedicated to promoting transformative justice. FREE Arizona plans to expand our services not only to formerly incarcerated individuals but also extend support and services to their families, caregivers, and victims of crime.
By doing so, we foster a more comprehensive understanding of the broader impact of punitive systems and the potential for healing and restoration. Future services encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, including additional court navigation assistance, educational opportunities, job placement, mental health resources, and more.
We believe these resources ultimately aid in reducing recidivism, foster community and keep communities safe.
QUESTIONS? LET’S CONNECT
Send us a message if you have questions about our work or how to become a community partner