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Aryssa Speirs

Organizing Fellow

Aryssa Speirs is an Organizing Fellow with the Katal Center for Equity, Health, and Justice. She is passionate about equity and fairness, recognizing that our current criminal and legal systems are not designed to ensure justice for all. 

Dedicated to creating change, Aryssa organizes and educates community members as part of the #ShutRikers campaign. She advocates for policies that redirect funding toward resources that genuinely enhance public safety, such as mental healthcare, rather than relying on incarceration and policing.

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Having experienced the impact of the so-called “justice system” firsthand, Aryssa realized that existing laws and policies prioritize punishment over compassion, disproportionately targeting individuals dealing with mental health challenges and substance use.

Aryssa joined the Katal team in Fall 2023 as a graduate intern while earning her Master of Social Work from the Silberman School of Social Work at CUNY Hunter, focusing on community organizing around criminal justice reform. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from SUNY New Paltz, where she participated in the Human Services Program, which emphasized a holistic, relationship-centered approach to working with people. 

Outside of work, Aryssa enjoys attending live concerts, reading, and relaxing with her cat, Kashmir, while catching up on her favorite shows.