by Regan Huston, August 6, 2026

We are excited to welcome our new Creator-in-Residence, Marci Marie Simmons!

This is the second installment of the Prison Policy Initiative’s Creator-in-Residence program. With more Americans turning to social video content for their news and information, the Prison Policy Initiative created this residency to empower and support creators producing videos that expose the harms of the carceral system. For the next four months, Marci will produce videos that break down complex problems in the U.S. criminal legal system, with the Prison Policy Initiative providing data and research support.

Marci is a nationally recognized advocate, filmmaker, creator, and digital strategist who uses storytelling to reshape public understanding of incarceration, reentry, and justice. She is the Social and Digital Media Coordinator of the Formerly Incarcerated, Convicted People and Families Movement and serves as the Director of Communications of the Lioness Justice Impacted Women’s Alliance.

A survivor of ten years in a Texas prison, Marci transforms lived experience into powerful narratives that educate, mobilize, and inspire action among her nearly 350,000 followers across social media. Her work spans advocacy, film, education, and narrative strategy, all rooted in the belief that the people closest to the problem are closest to the solution.

Videos will be published as collaborative posts on both hers and the Prison Policy Initiative social media accounts. Be sure to follow Marci on Instagram and TikTok. And also follow Prison Policy Initiative on Instagram and TikTok.