Episode 23: Dr. Aishatu Yusuf on Working in Possibility to Reform the Criminal Justice System

In this episode of the EmpowHERment Show, Dr. Aishatu Yusuf from Impact Justice discusses her journey into criminal justice reform, emphasizing the importance of centering women's voices and experiences in the justice system. She highlights the unique challenges faced by women, particularly marginalized women, and the innovative approaches being taken to address these issues. The conversation also covers the Homecoming Project, which provides housing for formerly incarcerated individuals, and the need for community engagement and partnership in creating effective change.

Here are the episode takeaways:

• Aishatu reminds us that real reform starts when we center women’s lived experiences — not as an afterthought, but as the foundation.
• The school-to-confinement pipeline exposes how deeply systemic inequities run, especially for women and girls of color.
• To create lasting change, we need innovative solutions that acknowledge the unique challenges women face inside and beyond the justice system.
• Community engagement isn’t optional — it’s essential. The most effective reforms come from listening to and working alongside those directly impacted.
• Programs like The Homecoming Project prove what happens when we prioritize dignity — providing housing and stability for people reentering society changes everything.
• Women in the justice system often carry unseen health and mental health burdens, and it’s time those needs are treated as critical, not secondary.
• Collaboration is key. Reform requires partnerships across advocacy, government, business, and community leaders who are willing to rethink the status quo.
• When we lead with data and empathy, we make invisible needs visible — and measurable.
• Empowerment starts with listening — amplifying the voices of women directly affected by the system, and letting their stories guide the path forward.
• The future of justice reform depends on collective imagination, community action, and the courage to build something better together.

And here is the episode breakdown:

• 00:00 Introduction to Impact Justice and Dr. Aishatu Yusuf
• 04:43 Aishatu's Journey into Justice Reform
• 11:42 Understanding the School to Confinement Pathways
• 17:52 The Gender Disparity in Criminal Justice
• 22:48 Unique Needs of Women in the Justice System
• 23:24 Advocating for Marginalized Voices
• 27:48 Root Causes of Systemic Issues
• 30:46 Innovative Solutions in Justice Reform
• 38:05 Funding and Partnerships for Change
• 46:17 The Reality of Incarceration and Reintegration
• 49:11 Innovative Housing Solutions for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals
• 51:38 Addressing Gender-Specific Needs in Reintegration
• 54:32 Community Uplift through Housing Initiatives
• 01:00:51 Creating Possibilities for Change in the System

If you want to learn more about Impact Justice, here is the link to their website, where you can also learn more about Dr. Yusuf. And be sure to keep up with the EmpowHERment ladies by subscribing wherever you listen to podcasts and following them on socials:

• Instagram
• TikTok 
• YouTube