April 18, 2025
“From Cell-2-Self”
Participants…
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At Heartland Community College in Normal, Illinois, a powerful event recently unfolded, organized by the Illinois Prison Project, titled “FROM CELL-2-SELF: Psychological Transitions in Post-Prison Life.” This free public gathering brought together formerly incarcerated leaders who opened up about their journeys, shedding light on the tough transitions they face every single day after leaving prison.
One of the standout speakers was our very own Ronnie Carrasquillo, the main character in the compelling documentary “In Their Hands” by Dan Protess, featured on pbs.org. Ronnie’s story chronicles his relentless fight against the parole system during his 47 long years of incarceration. His heartfelt narrative dives deep into the emotional wounds and struggles that individuals encounter within the justice system, showcasing the immense resilience it takes to rebuild life after being released.
As we gear up for the launch of our podcast, we’re excited to weave in the feedback from these presentations and highlight the impactful discussions that resonated throughout the event. We believe that sharing these insights will strengthen our bond with our audience and enrich the conversations in our episodes as we delve deep into the root of these situations.
Our call to action is both inspiring and all-inclusive, reaching out to folks from every walk of life to tell their stories and join this vital movement. This podcast isn’t just about sharing stories; it’s about sparking a ripple effect of change that can transform lives. Together, we aim to build a community that champions healing, justice, and advocacy for a better and safer environment. We invite you to share your thoughts and insights from the event and our social media posts, as they will be crucial in shaping our content and engaging our readers and listeners in meaningful ways.
Ronnie Carrasquillo
Operations Supervisor Coordinator
Ronnie Carrasquillo is a transformative leader, educator, and advocate whose life’s work centers on the intersection of justice reform, spiritual restoration, and community safety. Having spent 47 years within the Illinois Department of Corrections—entering at the age of 18 and returning home in 2023—Ronnie’s journey from incarceration to community leadership is a profound testament to the power of human redemption and the necessity of systemic change.
A Legacy of Leadership
Throughout nearly five decades of incarceration, Ronnie refused to be defined by his circumstances. Instead, he dedicated himself to rigorous social and psychological study, earning numerous certifications and emerging as a vital mentor. He spearheaded and oversaw groundbreaking programs within correctional facilities across Illinois, guiding others through their own processes of transformation and instilling a new ideology of hope and personal accountability.
Advocacy and Systemic Impact
Ronnie’s impact is recognized across the legal and advocacy landscape. His long-standing partnership with the Illinois Prison Project (IPP) has been a cornerstone of his work:
- Community Navigator: He served as part of the inaugural Community Navigator Network, ensuring vital legal resources reached those who needed them most.
- Award-Winning Advocacy: In recognition of his tireless efforts, Ronnie was honored with the IPP Advocate of the Year Award in 2024.
- Voice of the Movement: His story was featured in the 2024 documentary In Their Hands, where he appeared alongside IPP Executive Director Jennifer Soble to highlight the urgent need for justice reform.
Current Roles & Mission
Today, Ronnie serves as a bridge between the carceral system and the community. As a minister and the Spiritual Director of the Illinois Latino Reintegration Community Collaborative, he provides essential guidance for those navigating the complexities of reentry.
In his role as Operations Supervisor Coordinator for Unshackled Building Bridges, Ronnie applies his decades of organizational experience to enhance community safety and foster environments where returning impacted citizens can thrive. Ronnie remains a beacon of resilience, proving that through dedication and deliverance, every individual has the capacity to contribute meaningfully to society and drive lasting, positive change.
Gilberto Morales
President & Advocate
Gilberto Morales is a visionary leader, technical strategist, and relentless advocate for systemic justice. As the President of Unshackled Building Bridges (UBB) and an Ambassador Fellow with the Illinois Prison Project, Gilberto combines decades of professional precision with a deep, personal commitment to community empowerment and personal transformation.
From Engineering to Advocacy
Gilberto’s leadership is forged from a unique multidisciplinary background. He spent 23 years as a technical engineering drafter in the titanium industry, mastering the complexities of AutoCAD and SolidWorks to solve high-stakes industrial challenges. Today, he translates that same “systems-thinking” approach to social justice.
As a tech-forward advocate, Gilberto utilizes a professional media stack—including Final Cut Pro and advanced AI tools—to amplify the voices of the marginalized. By blending high-end digital production with grassroots storytelling, he ensures that narratives of redemption are not only heard but resonate with professional clarity across social and digital platforms.
A Legacy of Mentorship
Having successfully navigated the legal system himself, Gilberto speaks from a place of profound experience and authenticity. For over 25 years, he has served as a mentor and educator, guiding youth and returning impacted citizens toward lives defined by purpose rather than past mistakes. His core philosophy remains clear: those who have overcome the greatest trauma often possess the greatest potential for leadership.
Building Bridges in Chicago
Based in Chicago, Gilberto continues to bridge the gap between technical innovation and community outreach. Whether he is drafting organizational or producing live-streamed educational content, his mission remains constant: to dismantle barriers and build lasting foundations for those returning home.
Why this works:
- The Transition: To frame his shift from engineering to media as a “translation of precision,” He just didn’t leave his skills behind—he just pointed them in a new direction.
- The “Tech-Savvy” Edge: His use of Final Cut Pro and AI sets him apart from traditional advocates and makes UBB platform feel modern and professional.
Deyra Mercado
CEO Executive Secretary
Deyra Mercado is a formidable advocate, organizational strategist, and a cornerstone of the leadership team at Unshackled Building Bridges. With over two decades of experience navigating the intersections of law, family resilience, and systemic reform, Deyra brings a profound level of expertise and empathy to her role as CEO Executive Secretary.
A Journey of Advocacy and Insight
Deyra’s commitment to justice is rooted in a 21-year journey of tireless advocacy for her brother. Navigating the labyrinth of the legal system to secure his release provided her with a “masterclass” in the social and bureaucratic complexities of the carceral state. This personal mission evolved into a professional calling, as she witnessed firsthand the systemic hurdles that families face—from the grueling emotional toll of the visitation process to the intricate search for legal transparency.
Her unique perspective allows her to bridge the gap between high-level organizational needs and the lived experiences of returning impacted citizens and their loved ones. She doesn’t just manage operations; she advocates for the dignity of every individual affected by the justice system.
Technical Excellence & Operational Leadership
Beyond her advocacy, Deyra is the operational engine of the organization. Bringing exceptional clerical precision and a tech-savvy approach to her work, she is instrumental in streamlining the internal processes that keep our mission moving forward. Whether she is leveraging modern digital tools to enhance efficiency or managing complex administrative workflows, her ability to integrate technology with traditional advocacy ensures that our organization remains effective in a fast-paced environment.
Deyra’s technical proficiency is matched by her skill as a professional mentor. She fosters a collaborative, high-performance environment, encouraging team members to leverage their own insights to drive collective success.
Compassion as a Catalyst for Change
As a leader, Deyra is defined by her resilience and her unwavering dedication to compassion-led reform. Her deep understanding of the emotional and logistical burdens placed on families makes her an invaluable guide for our community outreach initiatives. Through her work, she continues to inspire others to believe in the possibility of positive change, ensuring that the voices of those behind the scenes are never forgotten.
Deyra Mercado is more than an executive; she is an essential leader whose knowledge and dedication are guiding Unshackled Building Bridges toward a future of true empowerment and systemic restoration.
Learn and Grow
Lights, Camera, Purpose…
Behind the scenes of something powerful. The Unshackled: Building Bridges podcast isn’t just talk — it’s transformation in motion.
From cables to convictions, from setup to soul work — every mic check and camera angle is part of a deeper mission: to amplify truth, justice, and love.
These moments remind me: what we’re building is bigger than us.
Follow @UnshackledBuildingBridges for full episodes, real stories, and raw inspiration.
This is where chains break, and bridges rise.
Community members hit the road from Chicago to Springfield
On Tuesday, April 29th, a whole busload of IPP community members hit the road from Chicago to Springfield. Among them were our own crew from the Unshackled Building Bridges organization. It was a powerful mix of voices—previously incarcel impacted people and their loved ones coming together for a mission.They rallied hard, talking to lawmakers about policies that can actually help end mass incarceration and bring families back together, torn apart by those unjustified long prison sentences. This is about more than just talking; it’s about making noise and demanding change. We know we can reform this broken criminal legal system by showing up, sharing our stories, and standing up for what’s right. Together, we’re pushing for a future where justice actually means something.
We invite you to join us in this crucial mission to bring about meaningful change. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter future for our youth and those impacted by the criminal justice system.
UNSHACKLED BUILDING BRIDGES ORGANIZATION
The stark truth is that approximately 28,000 individuals in custody currently do not have access to the proper “Help Programming” necessary for a meaningful re-entry into society. The demand for restorative justice has surged in Illinois and across the U.S. Acknowledging the broken aspects of the criminal justice system, we recognize the urgent need to fulfill the Illinois Constitution’s mandate to “Restore the Offender to Useful Citizenship.” as they integrate back into society.
UNSHACKLED BUILDING BRIDGES ORGANIZATION
One of the primary objectives of our Network Alliance is to bring maximum awareness to prisoners and their families concerning “HELP FACTORS” that will enable their restoration to useful citizenship. Through our network and its various connections, we believe that community building within the prison system can lead to a safer and more cohesive society. By breaking down existing barriers to communication, our Network Alliance will ignite meaningful change that enhances public safety.
UNSHACKLED BUILDING BRIDGES ORGANIZATION
The Podcast – Stories that build bridges…
Real conversations about transformation, redemption, and building bridges between communities. Stories from those impacted by or through incarceration, reentry, and the fight for justice.
Our Unshackled Building Bridges YouTube channel is a transformational video platform for podcast hosting by Gil and Ronnie —two men whose powerful journeys led them from the streets and prison yards to platforms of healing, advocacy, and purpose. Together, they shine a light on lives impacted by incarceration, injustice, and generational trauma. Gil, a former gang member and ex-felon who turned his life around at 46, brings out the stories. Ronnie, who has seen it all from the inside walls, served 47 years. Now he is fighting to change the mindset and perception of second chances to transformed lives. Bringing the need for change and reform in our criminal justice system, this podcast is about truth, love, and transformation.
Life Stories… Season 1
Unshackled: From 600 Years to Freedom – Ronnie & Gil Tell Their Story..
Welcome to the very first episode of Unshackled: Building Bridges — a podcast built from the ground up by Ronnie and Gil, two men who have lived through trauma and are now redeem and transformed rebuilding lives, one conversation at a time, one life at a time. In this powerful intro, Ronnie shares the origin of this movement — from spending 47 years behind bars to becoming a mentor, a leader, and a voice for change. He takes you through the birth of the Hispanic Culture Change Committee, the impact of programs like Mothers of Mercy and HUB (Help Us Build), and how two ex-gang members turned their pain into mission driven purpose. This is more than a podcast — it’s a mission to break cycles, confront truth, and build bridges between the streets, the system, and society. 🛠️ No filters. No retakes. Just real stories and raw transformation. ⸻ 👉 Subscribe, share, and walk with us on this journey. We’re not here for perfection — we’re here for healing. Grow with us.
ubborg.org 