Marquis Santiago
I grew up in New Haven’s Ashmund Street Projects, known as The Tribe. When I was young, I found myself responsible for providing for both my sister and myself. With limited options, I turned to the streets to put food on the table and clothes on our backs. That path led to legal trouble—I was sentenced to two years with five years of probation. After serving one year and being released on parole, I knew incarceration wasn’t the life I wanted.
When I came home, I got a job with the union installing glass in commercial buildings, work I did for fifteen years. During that time, a relative of mine received a pardon, which sparked my curiosity about the process. With his help, I was able to obtain a pardon as well.
I’d always known I wanted to give back to my community. I started by applying to become a firefighter or police officer.
After facing rejection after rejection, my persistence paid off. Through continued hard work and dedication, I was finally accepted into the Fire Academy. For nearly four years now, I’ve been serving the people of my city as a firefighter—a role I’m proud of. Giving back to the community means everything to me, and I donate my time and resources whenever and wherever they’re needed.
Shana Moseley
**Shana Moseley** was born in New Haven, Connecticut, during a period of significant social and economic hardship in urban America. Raised in a household affected by parental addiction, she developed resilience and determination from an early age.
Ms. Moseley’s path has been marked by considerable adversity. She departed from traditional education early, later earning her GED while pregnant. In 2011, she experienced the tragic loss of her long-term partner to homicide, assuming sole responsibility for their six-year-old son. Following a period of incarceration in the federal system in 2013, she committed herself to personal and professional transformation.
Since then, Ms. Moseley has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to education and self-improvement. She completed a degree in liberal arts and is currently a junior at the University of Bridgeport, where she is pursuing a second degree in psychology. She manages this academic pursuit while maintaining employment across three positions.
Ms. Moseley considers her greatest achievement to be the success of her son, who is currently in his third year at Johnson C. Smith University, a historically Black institution, where he is a member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. His accomplishments stand as a testament to the values of perseverance and determination that have defined their family’s journey.
# From the Ville to Redemption: A Story of Transformation
Joseph Jackson’s journey from the streets of Newhallville—“the Ville”—to becoming a voice for change is a testament to the power of accountability, resilience, and unwavering determination.
For much of his early life, Joseph was caught in a cycle familiar to many young men in his neighborhood: the streets, the system, and the struggle to survive. In 2010, the murder of his younger cousin became a turning point that sent his life into a downward spiral. Indicted as the head of a drug operation, Joseph was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison.
But prison became the place where Joseph made a choice that would define the rest of his life. He committed himself to deep reflection, personal growth, and transformation. He made a promise—to himself and to the memory of his cousin—that he would return home with purpose.
Released in April 2025 after serving 15 years, Joseph has kept that promise. Within weeks of his release, he secured steady employment, demonstrating the discipline and work ethic that now anchor his life. He has also launched several small businesses, channeling his street knowledge into legitimate entrepreneurship and creating pathways for others seeking a second chance.
Today, Joseph Jackson stands as living proof that your past does not have to define your future. His story is one of loss, accountability, and ultimately, redemption. He speaks to audiences with authenticity and insight that can only come from lived experience—offering hope, practical wisdom, and a roadmap for those seeking transformation in their own lives or communities.
Joseph is available for speaking engagements, workshops, and consulting focused on criminal justice reform, reentry success, entrepreneurship, and community healing.
Edward Taylor:
Growing up in the Fair Haven section of New Haven—a neighborhood challenged by crime and drug activity—Edward Taylor learned early on the importance of resilience and making positive choices. Despite the difficult environment around him, he managed to stay out of trouble and chart a path toward a life of service and purpose.
An 18-year veteran of the New Haven Fire Department, Edward Taylor has built a career centered on service, safety, and community support. Before joining the fire service, he worked as a case manager and later served in a re-entry program supporting formerly incarcerated individuals as they transitioned back into the community. Understanding firsthand the challenges faced by those trying to overcome difficult circumstances, Edward brought compassion and commitment to this critical work.
With a strong dedication to helping vulnerable populations, Edward also worked as a counselor at St. Francis Group Home for Children, providing guidance and stability for youth in need. Across every role, Edward has remained dedicated to protecting, empowering, and uplifting the people of New Haven—the community that shaped him and the city he continues to serve.
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