Aryssa Speirs

POLICY FELLOW

Aryssa is a policy fellow at the Katal Center for Equity, Health, and Justice who is obtaining her master’s in social work from CUNY Hunter at the Silberman School of Social Work. She is specializing in community organizing with a focus in criminal justice.

Aryssa chose social work because she was personally impacted by the criminal legal system. Through her experiences within the system – and what she has learned in school and from other community members who have been affected – she understands that it does not serve everyone equally. She believes that we need to build leadership within the communities most impacted by mass incarceration, so community members can be a part of making the criminal legal system more equitable for all.

When Aryssa isn’t balancing being a full-time student and interning at Katal, she enjoys relaxing at home with her cat, Kashmir, and catching up on the shows she watches. She also uses music as part of her self-care routine to unwind after a long day. She is excited to be a part of the Katal team!