My road in life has taken me all over.
I went into college as a pre-med major and thought that I’d ultimately end up as a doctor treating kids with cancer.
After getting first-hand experience on a movie set as an extra, I decided to switch directions and study business and film—I graduated with a major in management and marketing and a minor in film.
I started my career working on films like “Road Trip” and “Old School” before being tapped by director Todd Phillips to start his new production company.
While building my film career, I started getting involved with criminal justice reform issues after visiting a juvenile hall and learning about the experiences of incarcerated youth.
I went on to produce The Hangover—the highest-grossing R-rated comedy in film history—as well as “Due Date,” “Project X,” and “The Hangover 2.”
I realized my privilege as a movie producer could open doors to larger players in government and policy—I’d get us in the door and then give the floor to those affected by the criminal justice system.
While making “The Hangover 3,” it became clear to me that I was now happier doing social justice work than I was making movies, so I decided to leave the movie business and start a nonprofit.
I founded the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC), a support and advocacy network for formerly incarcerated people and criminal justice reform advocates.