Insha Rahman
Vice President, Advocacy & Partnerships | Director, Vera Action
Insha Rahman serves as the Vice President of Advocacy and Partnerships at the Vera Institute of Justice and as the Director at Vera Action, its independent 501(c)(4) sister organization. The Vera Institute works to advance dignity and fairness for people impacted by the criminal justice and immigration systems, while Vera Action leads advocacy and work to create meaningful reform
Insha’s Pivotal Roles at the Vera Institute of Justice and Vera Action
She is responsible for shaping the advocacy goals and campaigns of both organizations. Her leadership connects governments and communities with initiatives that challenge mass incarceration, support immigrant rights, ensure dignity within correctional facilities, and help build communities that are safe and thriving for everyone.
In her role, she also oversees place-based initiatives located in California, Louisiana, and New York. These projects allow the organizations to apply their strategies locally while addressing state-specific challenges
A Recognized Expert on Criminal Legal Reform
Insha is known nationally as an authority on criminal legal reform She has been quoted across leading media outlets such as The Nation, City and State, The New York Times, NPR, PBS’s MetroFocus, and Mother Jones.
In recent years, Insha has guided efforts to shift the national conversation on safety, accountability, and justice. This has included countering “tough-on-crime” narratives that often surface in elections and presenting cost-effective, humane alternatives to punitive approaches
She also spoke at the Masters of Scale Summit in 2024, sharing her insights on why punishment-centered policies fail Her presentation outlined a vision rooted in rehabilitation, community investment, and restorative justice as more effective strategies for long-term safety.
Insha’s Introduction to the Work of the Vera Institute of Justice
Her connection to the Vera Institute began while she was a student at Vassar College During that time, she joined a college-in-prison program that gave her direct exposure to the justice system and its shortcomings. Through this experience, she saw how the system often failed to deliver either safety or justice
While conducting research, she came across a Vera Institute report that highlighted alternatives to incarceration Learning that solutions based on evidence and practice already existed was a turning point for her. It helped her realize how much human potential was wasted in prisons and how different approaches could improve outcomes for individuals and communities alike
Looking back now, Insha describes her work at Vera as a dream role. Over the years, she has worn many hats leading justice reform efforts in New York, advancing national bail reform initiatives, and now guiding the organization’s advocacy strategy Today, she also dedicates time
to supporting others in building their leadership skills, ensuring the next generation of reformers has the tools to succeed.
Prior Professional Experience
Before attending law school, she worked as a Program Associate at Vera Institute’s Center on Immigration and Justice. She later served as an Associate Planner at the Center for Alternative Sentencing and Employment Services (CASES), a Vera Institute spin-off organization focused on providing alternatives to incarceration for young people and individuals with mental health needs.
After earning her law degree, she spent five years as a staff attorney at The Bronx Defenders During her time as a public defender, she handled many meaningful cases one of the most memorable involved representing a 16-year-old client facing severe charges while struggling with mental illness. The client’s mother sought help urgently, and she brought together colleagues, social workers, and mental health professionals to secure treatment rather than incarceration
The process involved persistence, including repeated meetings with a prosecutor who initially pushed for years of prison time She eventually persuaded him to meet the young man in jail, a rare occurrence, and supported the family as they navigated a complex mental health system. Her work helped ensure the young man received treatment and avoided a long sentence Over a decade later, she continues to stay in touch with the family, proud to know that she is employed, healthy, and has not returned to the justice system.
Insha’s nearly 25 years of work in criminal justice reform are filled with such moments supporting families in crisis, helping individuals avoid incarceration, and creating opportunities for better futures
An Active Board Member in Organizations for Justice Reform, Community Involvement
Outside of her role at Vera, she serves on the boards of the Aspen Institute’s Criminal Justice Reform Initiative and Dignity and Power Now (DPN). She also chairs the 501(c)(4) branch of DPN, known as Dignity and Power in Action
The Aspen Institute’s initiative promotes local innovations that reshape the way justice is approached in the United States DPN, based in Los Angeles, works to dismantle incarceration and state violence through advocacy, healing, and community-driven programs for individuals impacted by the system, as well as their families.
Insha regularly conducts informational interviews with people interested in criminal justice reform and social justice careers, averaging at least two per month.
When she first started her career more than two decades ago, she lacked personal connections in the field. However, mentors offered guidance and insights that helped her find her path. Today, she makes it a priority to provide that same mentorship to others For her, it is a way to give back and ensure that new professionals have the support they need to succeed.
Education
Insha Rahman holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Africana Studies from Vassar College and later earned her Juris Doctor (JD) from the City University of New York School of Law
Through her leadership at the Vera Institute of Justice and Vera Action, her years as a public defender, and her ongoing mentorship, she has built a career dedicated to reforming the criminal justice system Her work continues to focus on dignity, accountability, and fairness, while offering practical solutions that move beyond punishment to create stronger, safer communities.