Staff
Diana Williams
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Diana began her work at San Quentin by volunteering with the California Reentry Program. It was there that she connected with San Quentin resident, Mr. Butler, who was interested in creating a program to help the currently incarcerated get jobs upon reentry. Diana discovered her own passion for the idea, created a curriculum, and began reaching out to potential employers. After 6 months of development, the Prison to Employment Connection Program was launched in the Fall of 2014.
Diana brings her experience in non-profit development to her role as the Executive Director. As a Major Gifts Associate at the Environmental Defense Fund in New York City, she specialized in major donor fundraising and special events. She was also the Director of Development at the Head-Royce School in Oakland and successfully completed a $3.5 million dollar capital campaign. Most recently, Diana served as Director of Development and was responsible for major gifts and managing the grant writing, direct mail, special events and publications departments at the Coral Reef Alliance in San Francisco. Diana holds a B.A. in Psychology, an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Columbia University in New York, and is a Certified Life Coach.
Noble Butler
Co-Founder
Prison to Employment Connection Co-Founder Thedo "Noble" Butler, went from being incarcerated to having to put his money where his mouth is. He was released from San Quentin State Prison In September 2018. During the time he has returned to the community, he has faced many challenges that tested his faith in the very process he preached. But now, Noble is gainfully employed with two companies; at a tech company and a non-profit. He has taken the steps to be a productive, contributing member of the community and striving to embody the values that Prison to Employment Connection hopes to inspire in all its participants.
Gabrielle Nicolet
Volunteer
Gabrielle first became involved with Prison to Employment Connection while volunteering with the California Reentry Program. As a former probation officer and professional writer, Gabrielle now combines her interests in both criminal justice and writing as a Legal Assistant for The Law Offices of Elizabeth Grossman, a criminal defense law firm in Berkeley. She enjoys helping people navigate the criminal justice system and make positive changes in their lives. Gabrielle has a Bachelor's degree in English from Northern Illinois University and is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW).
Lisa Trustin
Volunteer
Lisa Trustin has been a vocational expert and career counselor in the San Francisco Bay Area for more than 15 years. She volunteered for the Prison to Employment Connection program to use her understanding of people that navigate challenging life and work transitions to help men affected by crime and incarceration transform their lives through work. Lisa is honored to witness the deep transformation that they experience as a result of their commitment and hard work in the program. Lisa has a B.A., Business Administration, University of Colorado, an M.A. Career Development, JFK University, Pleasant Hill, and also serves on the scholarship committee for the Dipsea Race, Mill Valley, and volunteers at Halleck Creek Ranch, Nicasio.