Testimonials
The summer I spent working for Witness was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Though I’ve always been passionate about ending mass incarceration, I’ve learned so much more through this internship. With every Witness meeting, I grew more and more passionate about the issues facing incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people. A big part of that was Evie Litwok’s passion and work ethic. The enthusiasm she brought to work every day inspired and motivated me to work even harder. As a journalism intern, I wrote long-form and short-form profiles on formerly incarcerated people to promote their businesses or organizations on our E-commerce site. My favorite part of that work was doing the research for these profiles, as I was gripped by the perseverance and determination of everyone I wrote about. Every day I worked at Witness felt purposeful, which made it an extremely rewarding experience. Later in the summer, I was able to interview Evie herself. Hearing her story was so emotionally captivating, and I'm grateful to have been a part of it. I came out of this internship not only a better writer, but also a better person, and I look forward to supporting whatever Witness does in the future.
-Jordan Godfrey, Brandeis University ‘24
My 2023 internship with Witness to Mass Incarceration has colored my life with golden insight. Monday through Friday I attended general intern meetings overseen by dedicated founder and executive director Evie Liwtok. As a cohort, the team watched heartbreaking but life-changing videos that provided a unique exposure into the lives of the marginalized and inmates. Examples of covered topics were lack of healthcare, the three strikes law, substance abuse, and redlining. Evie skillfully established a safe space for open dialogue to follow the videos - where even a shy intern, like me, learned to find her voice! Classes at colleges and universities are missing the precious perspectives of formerly incarcerated instructors such as Evie’s. Evie showed me there is power in running towards the struggle and stories, instead of away from them.
In addition to my general meeting duties, I also participated on the voter registration team. It was here that Evie put life into terms I thought I knew, but that I eventually learned I had no understanding of at all. She can be described as nothing short of a revolutionary. Evie taught me what democracy, civic engagement, and voting truly meant. My collaboration, research, and leadership skills deepened working under Evie and alongside voter registration interns. Evie was available nearly any time of the day to get assistance and her fiery passion was infectious! Further, I enjoyed how Evie always went out of her way to get feedback from the interns. She was genuinely interested in how members of the team were doing and feeling. As the daughter of FIPS and someone who spent years in foster care because of my parents’ substance abuse, I felt at home.
How beautiful is it that we live in a world where I - a Black queer future lawyer who statistically should have been behind bars, on the streets, or dead - can find such warm mentorship from a Jewish, lesbian, former Wall Street girl boss, social justice warrior?
I cannot thank Evie, her inspiring parents, her cute dog BooBoo, my fellow interns, and the rest of the Witness team enough. I’d recommend this internship to any passionate individuals hungry to see the world in a new light and implement concrete change with their newfound knowledge.
-Ariel Gilbert, Columbia University ‘26
Evie Litwok’s passion for activism is absolutely contagious. It’s hard not to look at her in awe, because she has truly dedicated her life to Witness To Mass Incarceration. As an aspiring criminal justice attorney, this internship solidified why I want to pursue this profession. I firmly believe that the world needs to change the stigmatized narrative surrounding the formerly incarcerated and end the dehumanizing torture we subject them to. In our daily all intern meetings, Evie led workshops where I was grateful to learn about what really goes on behind bars. As difficult as it is to talk about sexual assault in prison or Black Panthers spending decades in solitary confinement, I know that these are necessary conversations.
Throughout the week I also met with the rest of the journalism team. We are in charge of researching and writing articles about people’s lives before, during, and after incarceration. Our work then goes up on our e-commerce site which is a platform full of formerly incarcerated business owners. Given how difficult it is for the newly released to obtain employment, I am proud of the economic change I am contributing to. After working for Evie for these past few months, I truly cannot thank her enough for making me realize the importance of my voice.
-Angel Gilbert, Columbia University ‘26
Interning for the Legal Clinic at Witness to Mass Incarceration proved to be an eye-opening educational experience. I learned so much throughout my journey, gaining new skills and experiences. I appreciate what it takes to build a clinic from the ground up, focusing on the big picture and recognizing all the details needed for success. I am now informed on how to develop a grant by weaving a narrative. Most importantly, I gained knowledge of the Prison Rape Elimination Act and its shortcomings. This act needs to be reformed given the number of women who have been sexually harassed in confinement and are either afraid to report it, or their claims go unheard. This just supports the need for the Legal Clinic for those who have been sexually harassed in confinement, and I am so proud to say that I was a part of this team. Evie, thank you so much for all of your hard work, your guidance and support in opening our eyes to this relevant issue, and for providing me with this amazing opportunity!
-Barrett Kanfer, Cornell University ‘25