Session Description: This session will cover Dr. Burks personal journey and how lived experience shaped his career and opened doors for other people.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn about the importance of peer led initiatives
• Understand the impact that people with lived experience can have on work culture

Monty Burks, PhD, CPRS
Deputy Director of Faith Based and Community Initiatives, State of Tennessee
Dr. Burks currently serves as Deputy Director of The Governor’s Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives for the State of Tennessee, where his focus is bringing the non-profit and faith-based community together to better serve Tennesseans. Burks, a person who was justice involved, has used his own personal lived experience in the criminal justice system to provide insight and leadership in hiring formerly incarcerated and others that have fought and earned a second chance. Burks has more than 21 years’ experience working with the criminal justice system in various roles, including adjunct criminal justice professor at Motlow State Community College, Criminal Justice Student Research Analyst at Middle Tennessee State University and Criminal Justice Off campus program coordinator and professor and Tennessee State University.

Presentation Material

Pathways to Freedom: How Peer Led Initiatives can Change the Culture of a Community