In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re shining the light on present day champion, ceiling breaker, and historymaker Sheena Meade. She is the CEO of The Clean Slate Initiative, a bipartisan organization on a mission to ensure that millions of people who have earned a second chance, receive their second chance.
Take a moment to think back to when you received a second chance. You can opt for something simple as the grace extended to use a 20% off coupon that was clearly expired. Or maybe your mind will jump to a medical emergency or would-be tragic accident. No matter what you choose, we all can identify with a moment of what could have, should have, and would have — but thankfully didn’t.
The Clean Slate Initiative resolutely believes that everyone deserves a second chance. To achieve this, it drafts policy and advocates for the passing and implementation of laws that automatically clear eligible records for people who have completed their sentence and remain crime-free. Additionally, it strives to expand who is eligible for clearance.
Who is Sheena Meade?
When asked about her drive to passionately advocate, set new standards, and drive legislative change, Sheena humbly answers with, “I’m just Sheena.” The brief statement is the tip of the iceberg. What’s beneath the surface is her years of organizing experience, undeterred vision, and personal story of having a criminal record. She naturally embodies the mission, because she is intimately familiar with the impact, influence, and institutional change that can come with having a clean slate.
Legislative progress
Sheena’s progressive mindset and innovative approach through CSI have led to opportunities for 6 million people to receive full or partial record clearance. In 2023, the organization received an incredible $75 million commitment from The Audacious Project to support its six-year strategy to pass Clean Slate legislation in 15 states. Once achieved, the strategy will enable the opportunity for 14 million people to benefit from the implemented legislation.
The Clean Slate initiative didn’t arrive overnight. Rather, it was the continuation of her efforts as co-founder of the Nobel Peace Prize nominated Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, which she led with her husband, Desmond Meade. She raised $15 million and mobilized Florida voters to secure passage of Amendment 4 in 2018, which restored the rights of 1.4 million people.
The mother of five has appeared in notable media including CNN, PBS News, and Ebony. Advancing other meaningful causes, she sits on the board of directors for the Public Welfare Foundation, Live Free USA, and Florida Coalition on Black Civic Engagement.
Resources:
Sheena Meade – Clean Slate Initiative