Justice Impact Challenge, PGH Pardon Hub, & Fireside Chat Highlight Reentry Innovation at 2026 ACAR Reentry Summit

On March 13, 2026, BreakIT partnered with the Allegheny County Anchored Reentry Coalition (ACAR) to present the Justice Impact Challenge, highlight the work of the PGH Pardon Hub, and host a powerful Fireside Chat at the ACAR Reentry Summit, held at CCAC Allegheny Campus.

Throughout the Summit, the PGH Pardon Hub demonstrated its ongoing work to help justice system-impacted individuals navigate the pardon process and remove long-standing legal barriers to employment, housing, and economic opportunity. This work represents a critical first step in reentry, creating access to the very opportunities many are otherwise locked out of.

The Fireside Chat featured five formerly incarcerated entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders who shared candid reflections on their journeys, including the challenges, setbacks, and successes they’ve experienced since reentry. Their stories highlighted the importance of resilience, access to opportunity, and the power of lived experience in shaping meaningful change.

The Justice Impact Challenge brought together 35 applicants from across Allegheny County, each proposing bold, solution-driven ideas rooted in lived experience. From this pool, 10 finalists were selected to present their concepts at the Summit, showcasing innovation across areas such as reentry support, community healing, and economic opportunity.

Carlee Collins, founder of Guns Down, Minds Up™, was selected as the Challenge winner. His idea stood out for its vision, impact, and commitment to addressing real community needs through lived experience and leadership. He was awarded $5,000 along with ongoing incubation support through BreakIT to help bring his vision to life. Congratulations Carlee!

The Summit also reflected the strength of BreakIT’s broader community. Lindsey of Mindful Movements & Sound, a BreakIT client, led attendees in a guided meditation while judges deliberated, creating a moment of grounding and reflection. Joselyn facilitated a breakout session on “Supporting Neurodivergence in the Criminal Justice System,” expanding the conversation around inclusive reentry. Daniel of involveMINT supported the BreakIT table throughout the event, welcoming visitors and sharing information about available programs and resources.

Many BreakIT board members volunteered throughout the day and served as Pardon Coaches, working directly with individuals seeking guidance through the pardon process, while BreakIT interns captured photos and video (see below) throughout the Summit, helping document and share these powerful moments with a broader audience.

Together, through BreakIT, the PGH Pardon Hub, Fireside Chat, and Justice Impact Challenge demonstrated what is possible when barriers are removed and lived experience is elevated. From clearing records to building businesses, these efforts reflect a growing ecosystem of support that empowers justice system-impacted individuals to lead, innovate, and create lasting community impact. Congratulations again to the winner, to all of the finalists, and thank you to ACAR, Dream.Org, our judges, and the entire team at BreakIT for making this possible!