Christopher J. Johnson-President/CEO & Board Chairman

Christopher J. Johnson’s life story is one of redemption and transformation. After years of questionable choices and time spent in and out of jails and institutions, Chris found himself in a life-altering situation, ultimately taking a man’s life to protect someone he deeply cared for. Sentenced to 15-20 years, he faced a bleak future—one shared by many who walked a similar path. Determined to change the narrative, he chose to take action.

In 2016, following a traumatic experience that left him broken, Chris gave his life to Christ. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of his mission to bring hope and light to those in need. Through his faith in Jesus Christ and his work with the New Hope Initiative, Chris has dedicated his life to helping others overcome darkness and find purpose.

Today, as a devoted fiancé to Jennifer and a proud father to his son Braiden, Chris’s mission has taken on even greater significance. His family has become the source of his drive, determination, and passion to make a meaningful impact in the world.

Jennifer serves as the Executive Vice President of New Hope Initiative, an organization dedicated to fostering meaningful change in the criminal justice system. She holds both a bachelor’s degree (having graduated with summa cum laude honors),  and a master’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she is also a member of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro chapter of the Phi Kappa Phi National Honors Society. Her education has equipped her with a strong academic foundation for her work in advocacy and reform. 

Jennifer’s passion for criminal justice reform is deeply personal. She met her fiancé, Chris, while he was incarcerated within North Carolina’s prison system. Through this experience, she witnessed firsthand the inhumane conditions that Chris and countless others endured behind bars. These injustices inspired her to join the fight against systemic inequities and to advocate for humane treatment of incarcerated individuals.

Today, Jennifer works alongside Chris, who serves as President of New Hope Initiative. Together, they are dedicated to addressing the root causes of incarceration, improving conditions within prisons, and creating pathways for rehabilitation and reintegration. Jennifer’s compassion, determination, and commitment to justice guide her mission to bring hope and dignity to those impacted by the criminal justice system.

BARBARA’S BIO

Barbara Gaskins is a nationally recognized interventionist and a distinguished reentry coach, renowned for her unwavering commitment to aiding individuals in their transition back into society post-incarceration. With a National Certification in reentry coaching, she extends consultancy services to organizations, non-profits, and grassroots groups, specializing in community violence intervention and prevention, as well as curriculum development.

Driven by her passion for social justice and criminal justice reform, Ms. Gaskins endeavors to empower justice-involved individuals with the necessary tools for successful reintegration and motivation to share their stories and lived experiences. A proficient leader and communicator, she adeptly employs her skills to effect positive transformations within the criminal justice system.

As the visionary founder of a non-profit organization dedicated to wellness, Ms. Gaskins focuses on supporting individuals reentering society after incarceration. Moreover, she is the esteemed author of two acclaimed reentry books, offering comprehensive guidance for successful reintegration.

Ms. Gaskins holds a Bachelor's Degree in Behavioral Science from Bellevue University and a Master's Degree in Justice and Security Administration from the University of Phoenix. She is currently working on a Masters Certification in Data Science.

Her affiliations include running as a former Candidate for US House in 2022, former Candidate for Greenville Mayor, she served as a Justice League Fellow with Emancipate NC from 2020 to 2022, an Education Not Incarceration Fellow in 2020, a Movement Media Fellow with Southern Vision Alliance in 2020. She currently serves as the NC Policy and Legislation Chair of the American Legion Auxiliary. Additionally, she is a distinguished graduate of the NC Rural Center REDI Fellowship program in 2023. She will be also participating in the Institute of Political Leadership in Spring 2025.

With her extensive expertise in grassroots program management, community building, and exceptional leadership abilities, Ms. Gaskins emerges as a preeminent consultant in the reentry and criminal justice sector, specifically in the realms of community violence intervention and prevention, and curriculum development.

Wendy Whitmire is a dedicated peer support specialist committed to helping others overcome the challenges she once faced. A mother of two, she has worked tirelessly to rebuild her life after battling addiction and struggling to find employment due to a past felony conviction. Despite these obstacles, Wendy has remained resilient, celebrating 17 months of sobriety and using her experiences to inspire and support others on their recovery journeys. Every day, she offers guidance, compassion, and hope to those seeking a fresh start. Her story is one of perseverance, redemption, and the transformative power of second chances.

Miranda Hutchens is a 33-year-old mother of three who has overcome significant challenges on her journey to recovery. After years of struggling with addiction and experiencing the hardships of the criminal justice system, she made the decision to turn her life around. Now 17 months clean, Miranda is dedicated to helping others find hope and healing.

As a Peer Support Specialist, she uses her lived experience to guide and support individuals navigating recovery and reentry. With firsthand knowledge of both the struggles of addiction and the transformative power of recovery-based programs, Miranda is passionate about empowering others to reclaim their lives. Her story is one of resilience, redemption, and a commitment to making a difference in her community.

Jason C. Parker is currently incarcerated and has been for the past 10 years, with four years remaining on his sentence. His personal mission is to positively impact at least one person’s life each day, believing that even a single change can influence an entire generation.

As a dedicated member of New Hope Initiative (N.H.I.), Jason is committed to advocating for felons and their families, recognizing firsthand the profound impact it has had on his own loved ones. He is passionate about being part of an organization that transforms lives, reshapes futures, and strengthens families facing these challenges.

N.H.I. aligns with his values, aspirations, and vision of creating life-changing opportunities that foster resilience, reunite families, and pave the way for lasting success. In addition to his advocacy work, Jason is an aspiring artist who, together with N.H.I., is determined to rise above challenges and make a meaningful difference.

t is a graduate of East Carolina University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Family and Community Services with a concentration in Early Intervention in 2016. She is a Registered Behavioral Therapist certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.

Kayla has always been dedicated to making a difference in her community. Before becoming a therapist, she worked as a social worker for the Department of Social Services and served as a victim advocate at the Family Justice Center, where she raised awareness about domestic violence. Through her work, she has attended multiple court hearings, witnessing firsthand the flaws in North Carolina’s justice system.

Bringing her passion for helping others, strong listening skills, and ability to connect with people, Kayla joins New Hope with a mission to make a difference not only for her own family but for all families who have been failed and mistreated by the justice system.

Kayla is engaged to Dylan Autry, an inmate at Alexander Correctional Institution, who has endured inhumane treatment while incarcerated. Together, they are committed to advocating for change and plan to launch a podcast upon his release titled From Survivors to Thrivers.

A devoted mother of two wonderful children and a proud bonus mom to an amazing stepson, Kayla looks forward to the impact New Hope will bring to North Carolina.