From Prison to Princeton: Advocating for Systemic Change

Sentenced to a Wisconsin prison at 18, Yusuf Dahl MPA *18, deliberately decided not to let his past dictate his future. Following his release, he created over 200 affordable housing units in his native Milwaukee and he received an advanced degree from the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. 

While a graduate student at Princeton, Yusuf became a tutor in prison classrooms with the Petey Greene Program (PGP). Although he was incensed by what was considered acceptable education inside the walls, he was encouraged by how the presence of Princeton volunteers changed outcomes and, ultimately, the lives of incarcerated students. He went on to serve as the Chair of the Board of the PGP. Currently, he is advocating for legislative change to a feature of the Fair Housing Act which discriminates against formerly incarcerated people. Yusuf is joined by Udi Ofer, the John L. Weinberg Professor and Lecturer in Public International Affairs and a former trustee of the PGP. He is the Founder of the Policy Advocacy Clinic at PU. The Clinic offers students an experiential learning opportunity in policy-making and advocacy. Completing the panel is Jeffrey Abramowitz, CEO of the PGP, who will discuss the future of the organization as it celebrates its 15th Anniversary. Join us for a stimulating conversation and to be uplifted by how these transformational initiatives founded at PU are creating a better world.