Shayna Kessler

Shayna Kessler is a seasoned advocate with extensive experience in justice and legal sectors. Currently serving as the Associate Director of Advocacy at the Vera Institute of Justice since May 2017, Shayna has held various roles within the organization including State Advocacy Manager, Senior Planner, and Senior Program Associate. Prior to this, Shayna worked at the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law as the Associate Director of the Workers' Rights Clinic and as a Fellow in the Bacon Immigration Law and Policy Program from July 2013 to June 2017. Additionally, Shayna was an Attorney in the Criminal Defense Practice at The Bronx Defenders from September 2010 to July 2013, and previously served as a Prison Visiting Project Associate at the Correctional Association of New York from 2005 to 2009. Early in the career, Shayna worked as an Assistant to the Director and Community Outreach Coordinator at The Bronx Defenders from 2001 to 2004.