Marilynn Winn

Marilynn Winn is a change agent for criminal justice reforms. As a formerly incarcerated person, she knows how a mistake can impact your future. Marilynn is determined to ensure other formerly incarcerated women of color have a voice. She has worked tirelessly to educate, register and rally the formerly incarcerated and marginalized communities to vote.

Marilynn was instrumental in the 'Ban the Box' efforts that removed questions about an applicant's criminal record at the onset of applying for a job. Removing the box allows applicants to be judged on their qualifications and advance through the employment process.

Closing and repurposing the Atlanta City Detention Center (ACDC) into a Center for Wellness, Equity, and Freedom is a challenge that Marilynn has gladly taken on. She envisions a space that is functional, practical, and beautiful. An area that will invite people in and make them feel safe, connecting with various services. "I was really excited…because stuff was happening that we'd never heard of here in Atlanta, in the South, with a Republican governor. That let me know that the city was open to a number of things that it had never been open to before." Said Winn.

Marilynn is the founder and the Executive Director of Women on the Rise.