Ruby Welch

Ruby Welch serves as Founder and CEO of F.E.L.O.N., a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting formally incarcerated leaders in overcoming negative stigma through restorative justice initiatives. Her career in criminal and restorative justice advocacy began in 1999 following her own incarceration, during which she studied law and emerged committed to systemic change. She has served as a state ambassador for the National Council for Incarcerated Women and Girls and Cut 50, contributed to policy development including writing bills that become law, and worked nationally with organizations such as Dream. Welch teaches classes called Healing His Heart and Healing Her Heart at the Pulaski County Jail in Little Rock, Arkansas, and provides free assistance with housing, food stamps, and employment. She is also a motivational speaker who shares her experiences to educate others on the impacts of incarceration and the importance of community involvement. Her advocacy has earned her Diamond Awards from the Secretary of State, and she continues to focus on issues such as healthcare access for the elderly through Certificates of Needs reform.