Mariah Foote-Jackson

I am a Restorative Justice Practitioner with over six years of experience advancing proactive and responsive restorative practices within educational and community settings. My work spans K–12 schools, higher education, nonprofit organizations, and the district attorney’s office, with deep roots in both Oakland and the Southeast. I have extensive experience working with youth through nonprofit organizations and community-based programs.

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My strongest expertise is within K–12 school environments, where I have supported schools in implementing and sustaining restorative justice practices. Throughout my career, I have led the reimagining of Peer Restorative Justice programs, centering youth leadership, accountability, and community healing. I have also implemented tools such as Restorative Request Forms, which allow students, educators, and staff to proactively request restorative support. In addition, my experience in event planning and visual content creation has strengthened community engagement and helped create accessible, meaningful restorative spaces.

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I hold a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Leadership and Management and a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Human Development and Family Science, both from the University of Georgia. I currently work at BUILD, a national nonprofit that teaches young people an entrepreneurial mindset and equips them with real-world skills. My academic and professional background informs my passion for addressing racial injustices within the U.S. criminal justice system, particularly the School-to-Prison Pipeline. I believe in the transformative potential of restorative justice to create pathways to peace and justice, and I am committed to advocating for equity and racial justice in all aspects of my professional endeavors.

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Outside of my professional work, I am originally from Atlanta, Georgia, and am deeply involved in my local church. I enjoy gardening, surfing, and traveling abroad with my husband.