Wendell Robinson is the Executive Director of Restore Justice. He initially joined us as an apprentice to Jobi Cates. He went on to create and lead the Future Leaders Apprenticeship Program to cultivate non-profit management skills among people returning to the community following extreme sentences. Wendell is a dedicated leader and passionate advocate, bringing unique expertise to the role of Executive Director.
“My journey with Restore Justice started before I came home from prison,” Wendell said. “The organization has provided me the opportunity to work alongside my passion and grow in ways that were unimaginable. It’s beyond an honor to lead this work that can be transformative to so many others.”
Wendell served more than 25 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for a conviction at the age of 17. Released in January 2018, he immediately began to seek sustainable employment and to engage in advocacy to help his peers who are still incarcerated. He completed a training and certification program in trucking, and had been working as a truck driver before starting his apprenticeship. “I’m forever focused on being a productive member of society. I understand what it means to be a beacon of hope for all the guys I left behind,” he said.