1. Preferred Name, Title, and How Many Years You’ve Worked with CIYJ
Dr. Shannon Weston, Executive Assistant to the Director. Oversees Quality Assurance, Public Information, Advocacy, and Special Projects, Alabama Department of Youth Services (DYS). I have worked with CIYJ for eight years.
2. What is the most challenging aspect of your role? What aspect is the most rewarding?
The most challenging aspect of my role is navigating the wide array of my responsibilities which includes serving as Chief Advocate, Public Information Officer and Director of Quality Assurance. I also serve as the Executive Assistant to the Director which entails taking on special projects and engagements on behalf of the Director. With so many varied job responsibilities, an average day could include reviewing incidents and developing data reports, answering questions for reporters, creating agency publications, developing a grant proposal or going to a facility to meet one on one with a youth regarding a grievance. I have to ensure that I am both effective and efficient in what I do each and every day. The various aspects of my job however allow me to work with a wide variety of people internal and external to the organization, which I find to be very rewarding. I also thoroughly enjoy working with youth and helping them navigate what they need to succeed. I receive the most reward from seeing our youth thrive and achieve their goals. It is the reason why I work at DYS.
3. Looking back over the past two decades, what do you consider to be CIYJ’s most impactful contributions to the youth justice space?
Over the past two decades, CIYJ has played a significant role in youth justice and has served as a voice for youth in juvenile justice across the country. CIYJ has not only helped agencies develop the tools needed to improve performance outcomes, they have also provided the technical assistance needed for jurisdictions to achieve their goals and be effective. CIYJ has also been an important advocate for youth by developing positive youth outcomes, reentry initiatives and scholarships that help youth succeed. CIYJ is a phenomenal organization that benefits organizations, youth and staff. They help us do our job better.
4. Can you share a particularly poignant success story, milestone, or impactful moment that CIYJ has achieved during your tenure with us?
There are so many milestones and impactful moments for CIYJ. However, for me, I think one that stands at the forefront is the development of the CIYJ Education and Employment Foundation. This Foundation has been able to provide reentry scholarships to youth, continuing education scholarships to staff and Russ Jennings Education Scholarships to youth, which supports two years of tuition, books and supplies. The mentorship program that is a part of the Russ Jennings Scholarship is also a vital part of this award. I have witnessed first hand how beneficial the Foundation is to youth and staff. We have a youth who would otherwise not be able to finish his college degree without the support of CIYJ. His mentor has also been such a blessing for him as he tries to navigate the world again. I am impressed with how much the Foundation continues to grow and flourish. I hope many more will support it.
5. What message would you like to convey to our supporters, partners, and advocates as CIYJ celebrates this significant anniversary?
First and foremost, I would like to congratulate CIYJ on achieving their 20-year milestone. This organization has accomplished so much over the years and has multiplied its outreach and impact. I encourage everyone to continue to support CIYJ and participate in the services they provide. CIYJ is not just about improving outcomes, it is also about making an impact and improving lives.
6. What inspired you to pursue a career dedicated to youth justice?
From an early age, I knew I wanted to be in the helping field. I wanted to have a career that gave me a true sense of purpose. I began my career working for non-profits and in the mental health field. I considered myself an advocate from the very beginning. I felt a calling to be a voice for those who were marginalized, stigmatized or overlooked. I wanted to have an impact on policies and programming so individuals could receive the services they needed. After working 10 years for the Alabama Dept. of Mental Health, I continued to support my passion by transitioning into a new career working for the juvenile justice system. I knew that my advocacy would continue and I would find a career in juvenile justice that would be both rewarding and challenging. There are many needs to be addressed for youth in juvenile justice. We have much more to accomplish in order to ensure that we are providing the best services and supports possible. Seeing a youth succeed is a celebrated success by all of us. It is what makes getting up and going to work worthwhile.
7. What is the most rewarding part of serving on CIYJs Board of Directors?
There are so many aspects of serving on the Board of Directors for CIYJ that is rewarding. I enjoy working with the amazing CIYJ staff and the members of the Board. The Board is a diverse group of individuals with a wide array of experience and expertise. It is a pleasure to work as a team to help support CIYJ and be a part of a group that strives to improve the lives of youth in the justice system. I am truly honored to be a part of this exceptional group of people.