NACRJ Welcomes Lucinda Cross as Our First-Ever Full-Time Conference and Events Director
We are thrilled to announce an exciting milestone for NACRJ: the hiring of our first full-time Conference and Events Director, Lucinda Cross. This moment marks a new chapter in our organization’s growth and its capacity to serve and support the community and the restorative justice movement.
For nearly two decades, the National Conference on Community and Restorative Justice has been a gathering place for practitioners, scholars, visionaries, and community members. What began as a grassroots effort—powered entirely by dedicated volunteers—has grown into a vital national gathering. As we prepare to celebrate our 10th National Conference in July 2026, the addition of a full-time Conference and Events Director ensures a strong and sustainable foundation for the years to come.
"This is an important moment in NACRJ’s journey," shared Joel Friesz, Executive Director of NACRJ. "For 18 years, volunteers have given immense amounts of time and energy to help make each conference possible, special, and unique. Volunteers will continue to play a key role in all aspects of the conference, and Lucinda’s role will provide support and expertise needed to make the experience as accessible and empowering as possible for everyone involved. Her presence will strengthen NACRJ’s capacity to meet the needs of the conference’s significant growth, while still ensuring the conference reflects the values, voices, and spirit of the community and restorative justice movement.
Lucinda's role at NACRJ will not only ensure support and sustainability for the national conference but will also help us realize a long-held dream: to create more gatherings and community-building events throughout the year. With her expertise, NACRJ will begin offering additional gatherings that reflect our mission, vision, and values, extending beyond the national conference.
We invite you to join us in celebrating this exciting step forward. We are honored to welcome Lucinda to the NACRJ team and look forward to the energy, vision, and opportunity her leadership brings. Please read her full bio below and stay tuned for more updates as we continue to expand our reach and impact!
Lucinda Cross, Conference and Events Director
Lucinda Cross is a dynamic leader in women’s empowerment and transformational leadership. She is a proud 2025 Nasdaq Milestone Maker Alumna and a Forbes Next 1000 honoree. Lucinda has served as Verizon’s Small Business Comeback Coach and currently holds board positions with the Albany County District Attorney’s Office for Felony Youth Diversion and the Youth and Family Council for The Center for Youth Justice within Georgetown University. Her commitment to creating pathways for change has earned her the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from President Barack Obama.
Lucinda is an award-winning conference and events producer with over a decade of experience, holding a degree in Business and Organizational Management. Lucinda is at the forefront of women’s leadership, youth advocacy, and transformative justice for women and girls. Her voice and expertise have been featured on major media platforms including CNN, The Today Show, BET, ABC, NBC, Black Enterprise, and Essence Magazine.BC, NBC, and Essence Magazine.
Lucinda is also a sought-after speaker and leadership trainer, having partnered with organizations such as The Fortune Society, Osborne Association, Dream.org, Women’s Prison Association, NIKE, Prudential, Delta Air Lines, and Essence Communications. In addition, Lucinda co-convenes national initiatives for system-impacted women and girls, mobilizes changemakers, and advocates for equitable access to education, entrepreneurship, and reform.