Israel Reyes transformed his experience through incarceration into a platform for education, innovation, and advocacy. While incarcerated, he earned his GED, completed four vocational training programs, and began college courses through Coastline Community College. After his release, Israel re-enrolled in Fresno City College and completed the California Justice Leaders Program with Impact Justice, where he strengthened his leadership and commitment to justice reform. He went on to serve as an ambassador for the Underground Scholars Initiative, promoting access, equity, and mentorship for formerly incarcerated students earning their bachelors’ degrees.

Israel recently graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a B.A. in Philosophy and a Minor in Public Policy. As a research intern at Stanford University, he explored astrophysics and investigated how STEM opportunities are often withheld from justice-involved populations. He also advanced institutional efforts to build more inclusive pathways in higher education. At CROP, Israel brings his lived experience, academic training, and passion for social change to advance opportunities for historically excluded communities and to help reimagine systems through education and empowerment.

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