News & Commentary written by Santia Nance

Santia Nance, co-founder of Sistas in Prison Reform, has been a criminal justice reform advocate in Virginia since 2019 after reconnecting with a loved one. Focused on decarceration and second chances, she centers her work around Second Look, independent oversight of the Department of Corrections, and ending mandatory minimums and private prisons in Virginia. She is the editor of BrillianceBehindBars.com, a website that aims to humanize and uplift currently incarcerated individuals who are educated, outstanding, and outspoken about current issues.

Santia graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a BS in mass communication, and is an senior advertising professional at a major agency. She’s been named a Female Frontier – Champion of Change by Campaign U.S., and one of Richmond’s Style Weekly’s 40 Under 40 in 2019. She also focuses on community service via hula hoop dance, leading an organization called RVA Hoop House. In addition, Santia is passionate about mentorship and representation of BIPOC in the world of marketing, serving as a mentor for the VCU African American Alumni Association and the National Multicultural Advertising Internship Program.