Spotlight Series: Washington D.C.
The Petey Greene Program operates across the United States as the largest multi-state provider of individualized educational services for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated students. We’re excited to give you a closer look at each of our regions; today, let’s visit Washington D.C and the greater DMV area.
MEET THE TEAM
Leslie Lewis, Regional Manager
Leslie joined the Petey Greene Program in January 2025, continuing her long-standing commitment to education. Leslie's mission is to create educational environments that provide equal opportunities for every student and to advocate for their success, irrespective of familial or environmental challenges.
Sondra Fiorella, Division Manager
Sondra Fiorella transitioned into the role of Division Manager in April of 2024 after joining the Petey Greene Program in July of 2023 as the Volunteer Coordinator. As a former PGP volunteer, Sondra is passionate about serving our incarcerated population and working towards eliminating the structural barriers they face
Raymond Rodriguez, Division Manager
Raymond Rodriguez is a dedicated professional with 10+ years of specialized experience working with at-risk populations while encouraging self-direction. His focus over the recent years has been juvenile/prison reform as well as education reform inside of secured settings.
THE PGP IN ACTION
One of the things that makes the DC program exceptional is the opportunity to provide enriching education beyond the traditional classroom. As the coordinating entity for a grant from the DC Mayor’s office to provide out-of-school time programming for youth incarcerated in D.C., the PGP collaborates with Girls Rock! DC, Project Poetic Justice, and Dark Squad Entertainment to create opportunities for youth to get engaged with the arts. Students perform live music, write and record original songs, and gain hands-on experience with sound engineering and music production. With Metroball, students play together on basketball teams. “Our students who are in intramurals and extracurriculars perform better academically,” explains Regional Manager, Leslie Lewis. “It’s about giving them something they want to do, alongside what they have to do. That’s what gets them through the hard parts.”
WHAT’S NEXT IN WASHINGTON D.C.?
We are proud to be known as a trusted, high-quality program throughout our regions. Our partnership with the DC Jails and the Youth Services Center (YSC) exemplifies our commitment to excellence. Thanks to the success and strength of the programming at YSC, the PGP is launching a new initiative in 2025 at the New Beginnings Youth Development Center. The program mirrors the successful YSC model — and is already gaining momentum. Returning tutors are working alongside new ones, and students arriving from other facilities are already familiar with the PGP and eager to engage. As Division Manager Ray Rodriguez shared, “Every kid that’s here knew about Petey Greene before they got here.” The team is always building on those existing relationships, offering consistent academic support and meaningful opportunities to grow.
DONATE TODAY
Support the Petey Greene Program and the Washington D.C. team today as we strive to meet even more students, of all ages, in their pursuit for education and enrichment.
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