Kenny Matthews is the Program Associate for the West Virginia Economic Justice Project. Kenny uses his lived experience as a person formerly incarcerated and in recovery to advocate for equality in all areas of life. He uses his voice to not only train others in sharing their story for power and purpose, but to combat the carceral system in the legislative branch of West Virginia’s government. It’s his continual hope to network and build out compassion for those returning citizens from incarceration, as well as inhibit the furtherance of any policies, laws, or ideals that seek to increase incarceration, minimize access to food, housing, or education, while ensuring individuals with the lived experience are always at the table or part of the conversation. He also helps train and guide higher education professors in educating from within the carceral system. He enjoys spending time with his wife, son and two dogs.