Our 2025 Brian S. Fischer Awardees: The Pillars of Promise

While serving a 25-year sentence, Mujahideen found enlightenment through education, eventually earning a Bachelor’s in Behavioral Science through Hudson Link and a Master’s in Professional Studies of Urban Ministry. Upon release, Mujahideen joined Columbia University as a research assistant, working on a report about the Second Look Act. Driven by a passion for helping others, he co-founded Pillars of Promise to support formerly incarcerated folx through advocacy and peer mentorship.

Terel’s introduction to Hudson Link started with the pre-college program. Now pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree at Mercy University through Hudson Link’s Finish Line program, he was released in 2024 and immediately began working as a youth advocate and campaigner for criminal legal reform. As a co-founder of The Pillars of Promise, Terel champions the Second Look Act and continues to advocate against unjust and excessive sentencing.

While in prison, Ismael earned a Behavioral Science degree with honors and joined multiple honor societies. After job rejections due to his record, he became a lead speaker for the Clean Slate New York campaign. Now a community organizer with the Center for Community Alternatives and a Board Member for Hudson Link for Higher Education, Ismael uses his lived experience to challenge the stigma surrounding formerly incarcerated folx.

Wilfredo Laracuente, Senior Advisor at Pillars of Promise, has a history of serving those affected by incarceration and violence. Before his release three years ago, he worked as a Peer Educator at Sing Sing and earned a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science from Mercy University. Wilfredo currently serves as a Work Readiness Instructor at Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow, engaging with community members and advocate for prison reform.

In his role, Eric maximizes brand awareness for The Pillars of Promise through social media and public-facing media, supporting both internal and external communications. A graduate of Texas Southern University with a Bachelor’s in Political Science, Eric possesses the analytical skills to empower the narrative of formerly incarcerated folx. He currently serves as a Communications Associate for Hudson Link.

Andrew Spencer, known as Smiley, grew up in a challenging area where he relied on faith, family, and determination to succeed. During his incarceration, he transformed his time into valuable growth, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Science, which showcases his commitment to self-improvement. Now, as the Director of Content Creation for Pillars of Promise, Andrew uses his storytelling skills to resonate with audiences, believing in the transformative power of education and creativity.

Kareem’s journey with Hudson Link began during his two decades in prison when Jose Fitzgerald introduced him to the program, guiding him to embrace leadership in the facility. Today, Kareem holds a bachelor’s degree in science from St. Aquinas College and serves as the Community Liaison for Pillars of Promise, advocating for a fairer criminal legal system. Additionally, he also participates in initiatives like PROJECT MOVER and Communities Not Cages advocacy days.

Leon Davis, a member of the Center for Community Alternatives, uses his voice to pave a walkway for brighter futures. Recently released in 2024, Leon advocates for legislative changes like the Marvin Mayfield Act, the Earned Time Act, and the Second Look Act to end mass incarceration and create a fairer system for system-impacted folx. He currently serves as Social Media Manager for The Pillars of Promise.