Will Roy

Will is a third generation San Franciscan who has over 20 years experience delivering trainings and workshops centering the humanity of those at the margins, specifically children and folks who are incarcerated. Beginning with his own incarceration in 1997 and release in 2003 from the California Youth Authority (now the Department of Juvenile Justice), Will has dedicated his life to the transformation and transcendence of himself, his loved ones, and his community.

As a leader in the efforts to reimagine how they support and respond to young people in the communities, Will began his career working for the Beat Within, a weekly newsletter of writing and art from juvenile halls, jails, and prisons across the U.S. During his time at the Beat Within, Will was thrust into the media to speak about the trauma he experienced as a ward of California’s Youth Prison. Simultaneously, Will also went back into juvenile hall facilities in and around the Bay Area to teach writing workshops, coach and mentor the young people.