An immigrant from Cuba, Carlos Martinez has made indigent defense his life’s work. He was elected Public Defender of Miami-Dade County in 2008 and was re-elected without opposition in 2012 and 2016. The first Cuban-American public defender in the United States, Martinez has launched multiple initiatives to help returning citizens obtain employment, educate young people about the consequences of illegal behavior, and engage the faith community in promoting social justice and improving public safety.
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UpClose With Kris Steele
This month’s spotlighted member is Kris Steele, executive director of The Education and Employment Ministry. In his interview, Steele shares his perspective on the importance of education in breaking incarceration cycles and emphasizes the importance of informing policy decisions by values of faith, reconciliation, and mercy.
