Sharanda Jones is a passionate advocate for criminal justice reform. Her story is nothing short of inspirational. In 1999, Ms. Jones was sentenced mandatory life without parole for her role in a nonviolent drug conspiracy – her first-ever arrest and conviction. Determined not to let a life sentence establish her fate, Ms. Jones maintained a positive attitude and worked each day in prison to better herself and those around her. After serving 16 years and 9 months in prison, she was granted clemency by President Obama on December 18, 2015. This act of mercy by the President literally saved her life. Today, she works tirelessly to use her story to promote much needed change with the criminal justice system.