More than 20 years ago, Kimberly Stubblefield heard a radio ad calling on listeners to work with young people involved in the justice system. It changed her life.
“I heard that ad on an urban radio station, and I thought, ‘Wow, they are talking to me,’” she said. “That’s what I want to be doing.”
Today, Stubblefield is the assistant deputy director for Corrections in Ramsey County, Minnesota. She oversees nearly 50 staff in juvenile probation, working together to improve outcomes for youth.
“I want our interactions to be meaningful,” she said. “I want people to leave their time better than they began.”
The approach starts with developing a plan for each young person that is tailored to the individual's goals and family values. Ultimately, Stubblefield hopes to better understand the precursors to delinquent acts to intervene sooner.
She sees the fellowship as an opportunity to connect with leaders of other large systems.
“Young people and families involved with probation are often involved with other systems, like mental health, substance use and child protection,” she said. “How do large systems work together better to improve outcomes?”