Edwin's Approach
Edwin combines lived experience with educational outreach to offer perspectives that resonate across diverse audiences, including youth, educators, law students, justice-impacted communities, legal professionals, judges, legislators, and leaders shaping our justice system.
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He has spoken at major universities such as NYU, Rutgers, and Princeton, as well as with legal associations, probation departments, youth groups, and community organizations, expanding awareness of the realities of the criminal legal system. Edwin regularly leads keynotes, trainings, panels, and dialogue groups.
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He prioritizes spaces that recognize and respect the humanity of system-impacted people, creating opportunities for honest conversation that challenge stereotypes and build empathy.
Edwin’s work is grounded in a vision of a system rooted in healing and transformation—not punishment—that disrupts cycles of harm and incarceration in marginalized communities.
Edwin 'Chino' Ortiz
Executive Director
Edwin 'Chino' Ortiz is a resilient advocate for justice reform and a beacon of hope for individuals impacted by mass incarceration. After serving an arduous 30-year sentence, undeterred by his own tribulations, Edwin emerged as a catalyst for change.
Today, he stands as the Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Returning Citizens Support Group, Inc., a grassroots organization based in Newark, NJ, the founder of a community development organization focused on affordable housing, and as a sought-after speaker. Learn more about Edwin.
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How to Book
1
Share Your Event Details
Complete the inquiry form below. We’ll review your request and confirm availability, alignment, and investment range.
2
Align & Customize
We’ll schedule a brief 30-minute consultation to understand your goals and audience. Edwin will tailor his presentation to meet your specific needs.
3
Deliver Impact
Receive a high-quality, engaging experience that informs, challenges, and drives meaningful conversation and change.
Keynotes • Workshops • Panels • Trainings focus groups • Podcasts & media appearances
Speaking Topics
Dismantling Mass Incarceration
A deep dive into the systemic roots of mass incarceration and actionable steps for meaningful change.
Dimantling School-to-Prison Pipeline
Exploring how institutional practices push vulnerable youth into the criminal legal system and ways to disrupt this cycle.
The Legal Realities of Reentry
Breaks down the legal barriers people face after incarceration, including restrictions related to employment, housing, voting, and supervision requirements.
Restorative Justice
Introduces restorative justice as an alternative to punitive systems, focusing on accountability, repair, and community healing.
The Power of Redemption
Transformative stories of returning citizens highlighting the human potential for change and community reintegration.
Narrative Change & Challenging Stigma
Introduces restorative justice as an alternative to punitive systems, focusing on accountability, repair, and community healing.
Parole & Policy Reform
Exploring how institutional practices push vulnerable youth into the criminal legal system and ways to disrupt this cycle.
Prison Culture
Provides insight into the realities of daily life inside prisons, including social dynamics, survival strategies, and institutional structures
Housing as a Human Right
Understanding the critical bridge between safe housing and successful reentry for individuals leaving the prison system.
Trauma & Healing Justice
Shifting the paradigm from punishment to healing, focusing on restoring dignity and truth for those affected by incarceration.
Essential Reentry Supports
Highlights the critical resources people need to successfully return to their communities, including employment, education, healthcare, identification, and social support.
Mental Health
Examines the intersection of mental health and the justice system, including the impact of incarceration on psychological well-being and the lack of adequate support.
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“Chino is a powerful speaker - his lived experience and unique vision deliver a lasting impact”
Bonnie Kerness
Program Director, American Friends Service Committee - Prison Watch
Start the Conversation
Ready to bring Edwin to your organization or event?
Complete the form below to share your event details. We’ll follow up to confirm fit, availability, and next steps. If aligned, we’ll hold your date and begin planning your engagement.
Let’s create a conversation that leads to change!