85 to Stay Alive
National Coalition

Dr. Amite Dominick, Founder and President of Texas Prisons Community Advocates (TPCA), is chairing the 85 to Stay Alive Steering Committee. A passionate advocate for justice reform, Dr. Dominick has dedicated her career to addressing systemic injustices within the Texas prison system. Under her leadership, TPCA champions efforts to improve the lives of system-impacted individuals and their families.

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Dr. David Ciplet is a sociologist whose research examines power, inequality, and environmental governance, with a focus on advancing social and environmental justice.

 

His work spans international climate negotiations, public policy, and community partnerships, using participatory research methods to explore how societies can build more equitable and sustainable energy systems. His scholarship has contributed to understanding the social dimensions of climate change, energy transitions, and the policies needed to create a more just and resilient future.

 

As Executive Co-Director of the Just Transition Collaborative at the University of Colorado Boulder, Dr. Ciplet works alongside communities, researchers, policymakers, and advocates to support equitable transitions to sustainable energy, with particular attention to those most affected by economic, social, and environmental inequities. He is also committed to public engagement, helping translate complex research into accessible knowledge that informs action and empowers communities.

 

Dr. Ciplet brings extensive expertise in environmental justice, climate policy, and equitable systems change to the steering committee. His experience bridging academic research, community collaboration, and policy development strengthens the committee's ability to advance practical, evidence-based solutions that protect vulnerable populations while promoting a more just and sustainable future.

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Pastor Wesley E. Bridges, DMin is a faith leader and criminal justice advocate dedicated to advancing prison reform, civil rights, and community leadership.

 

As CEO of Clergy for Prison Reform, he leads efforts to promote humane correctional policies, challenge mass incarceration, and advocate for a justice system that recognizes the dignity and humanity of every person.

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Pastor Bridges has served in ministry for more than two decades and has been a Senior Pastor for over a decade. His commitment to public service extends beyond the church, having served as President of his local NAACP branch and as a member of the Lawrence County School District Board of Education. Through these leadership roles, he has worked to strengthen communities, expand opportunity, and advocate for meaningful systemic change.

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Since joining Clergy for Prison Reform in 2015 and becoming CEO in 2018, Pastor Bridges has helped lead statewide efforts to advance comprehensive prison reform in Mississippi. Under his leadership, the organization has contributed to significant advocacy victories, including efforts that helped lead to the closure of a private prison, while continuing to educate policymakers and the public about the human and societal costs of mass incarceration. His experience building coalitions across faith communities, government, and grassroots organizations brings valuable perspective to the steering committee's work to advance humane, evidence-based criminal justice reform.