Aly Tamboura, a distinguished 2015 graduate of Mount Tamalpais College, has proven to be a leading figure in the criminal justice reform space. After his release from San Quentin, Aly took on a pivotal role as the Criminal Justice Reform Program Manager at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), a Philanthropic foundation started by Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan, who both toured San Quentin in 2014.
Graduating from Mount Tamalpais College marked a crucial turning point in his life, providing him with more tools and knowledge to fuel his passion for criminal justice reform. Mount Tamalpais College, known for its commitment to educating incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals, played a pivotal role in shaping Aly’s commitment to social justice.
Aly’s firsthand experience with the criminal justice system ignited a genuine determination to advocate for change. After graduating from Mount Tamalpais College, Aly transitioned into a career dedicated to transforming criminal justice from punitive to centering on healing and reconciliation. As a Criminal Justice Reform Program Manager at CZI, he was a crucial voice in building non-profit coalitions and supporting reform initiatives across the United States.
Aly collaborated with prominent organizations and leaders, like the Formerly Incarcerated Convicted People and Families Movement (FICPFM), The Last Mile, and Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, and served on MTC’s board of directors for three years.
Aly’s collaboration with FICPFM has been instrumental to its ability to achieve significant milestones in criminal justice reform. Notably, the coalition contributed to the success of Louisiana’s Amendment 2, overturning a Jim Crow-era law on non-unanimous juries. Additionally, CZI’s support led to reinstating federal Pell Grants for incarcerated students, opening doors to education and opportunity.
After his work at CZI, Aly joined the Anti-Recidivism Coalition as their Director of Strategic Partnerships. His continued dedication to dismantling barriers and supporting individuals with criminal convictions underscores his commitment to creating a more just and inclusive society.
Aly’s continued contributions to the reform movement testify to his belief that everyone has the potential for positive change, even in the face of adversity. To have gone from Mount Tamalpais College graduate to a key player in criminal justice reform exemplifies the transformative power of education and advocacy. His unwavering commitment to change, fueled by personal experience and a solid educational foundation, inspires others to pursue justice and equity.
Photo courtesy of Aly Tamboura and Phoeun You. Aly is in Cambodia with alumni Phoeun.
