The Next Level Empowerment Program (NLEP) will hold an important and timely discussion on pretrial justice and its far-reaching impact. The event, titled “Voices of Women for Justice”, will take place on Wednesday, December 17th, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at One Bar & Kitchen, located at 70 Union Place in Hartford.

Facilitated by Hartford resident, Diane Lewis, advocate and Board member of NLEP, the event will feature a distinguished panel of experts discussing the need for pretrial justice reform and the need to prioritize community based support over pretrial incarceration. Panelists include:

Anna VanCleave, Associate Professor and Director of Criminal Defense Clinic at UCONN School of Law
Tashun Bowden-Lewis, CEO & Founder of The Bowden-Lewis Consulting Group
Tracie Bernardi Guzman, Founder/CEO/Chair of Re-Entry Solutions CT Inc.
Lyza Ruiz, Re-Entry Specialist & Community Activist
Before the discussion, Reverend Scott Marks, Director of New Haven Rising, a community organization focused on economic, racial, and social justice, will offer opening remarks.

This event is free and open to the public.

Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: One Bar & Kitchen, 70 Union Place, Hartford, CT

For more information or media inquiries, please contact NLEP at nlepinc@gmail.com.

Next Level Empowerment Program is dedicated to empowering individuals and communities through education, advocacy, and engagement on issues related to justice reform, civil rights, and community development.