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Business Leaders Advocate for Justice Reform

On September 17, 2026, coinciding with Constitution Day, a gathering of senior business leaders, policymakers, and advocates will take place in Washington, D.C. This event, organized by the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice (RBIJ), aims to highlight the critical role of corporate leadership in promoting criminal justice reforms and enhancing workforce policies. The title of the event, "Business, Justice, The Next 250: A Reform Agenda for Safety and Prosperity," reflects the necessity of a justice system founded on principles of fairness and opportunity.

The Need for Change

Currently, the United States is home to approximately 77 million individuals who have been impacted by the justice system, a figure resulting from two and a half centuries of policy decisions. The repercussions of these choices have rendered it exceedingly difficult for many to rebuild their lives following a criminal record, creating a ripple effect that stifles economic productivity and limits the potential of entire communities.

Maha Jweied, CEO of RBIJ, emphasizes the urgency of addressing these issues, stating, "Business and the justice system are intertwined throughout American history. This Constitution Day, we make the case for leveraging that relationship to cultivate safety and prosperity for all."

Event Highlights

At the upcoming event, attendees will witness a dynamic series of panels featuring various influential speakers. Among the confirmed panelists are:

• - Jodi Anderson Jr., Co-Founder of rézme
• - Marcus Bullock, CEO of Flikshop
• - Mike Donner, CEO of Flagger Force
• - Nan Gibson, Executive Director at JPMorganChase PolicyCenter
• - Carrie Harambasic, Head of Business Development at LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics
• - Stephanie Ferguson Melhorn, Executive Director of Workforce International Labor Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
• - Carleen Pickard, Social Mission Director at Ben & Jerry's
• - Jo-Ann Wallace, CEO and Board Chair at NLADA Mutual Insurance Co., RRG

These distinguished panelists will engage in discussions surrounding the necessity of establishing a justice system distinguished by transparency, accountability, and trust—qualities they argue are more effective in ensuring safety and economic stability compared to a punitive framework.

Driving Collaborative Efforts

The gathering is not merely an opportunity to voice opinions but aims to forge actionable paths for reform. The anticipated outcomes include the unveiling of RBIJ's first-ever policy agenda, which presents bipartisan solutions informed by business expertise. Ana Zamora, Founder and CEO of The Just Trust, stated, "Building a better justice system for all Americans requires cross-sector collaboration. We're proud to support RBIJ in mobilizing businesses to advance research-backed policies that uphold the dignity of the law."

The Path Forward

RBIJ, an internationally recognized nonprofit established in 2018, has made significant strides in mobilizing the business community to advocate for justice reform. They've empowered nearly 900 companies to leverage their influence in combating discrimination, over-criminalization, and cycles of punishment and poverty evident within the justice system. By addressing these pressing issues, RBIJ aims to foster a fairer and more prosperous society for all.

To learn more about the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice and its ongoing efforts, visit rbij.org.