Sunny Schwartz

Criminal Justice Reform and Program Consultant, Author, Speaker

Sunny Schwartz is a nationally recognized expert in criminal justice reform with over 30 years of experience as a lawyer, advocate, and consultant.1 3 She has dedicated her career to pioneering innovative programs and policy initiatives within the criminal justice system.

Career Highlights

Schwartz founded several groundbreaking programs, including:

Resolve to Stop the Violence Project (RSVP): The first restorative justice program in San Francisco, which received the prestigious Innovations in Government Award from Harvard University's Kennedy School.1 2
Five Keys Charter School: The first high school in the nation for incarcerated and post-release adults.1 3
The Cover Project: A program for incarcerated veterans.1

As the Program Administrator for the San Francisco Sheriff's Department from 1990 to 2012, Schwartz was instrumental in transforming traditional incarceration practices.1 She implemented educational, vocational, and therapeutic programs that required inmates to participate 10 hours a day, five days a week, aimed at facilitating successful reentry into society.3

Achievements and Recognition

Schwartz's work has gained national attention and has been featured on various media platforms, including:

PBS
The Oprah Winfrey Show
Larry King Live1 3

Her programs, particularly RSVP and Five Keys Charter School, have been recognized for their innovation and effectiveness. Both received the "Oscar's in Government" Innovations in Government Award from Harvard University's Kennedy School and the Ash Institute.3

Current Roles

Currently, Sunny Schwartz serves as:

Founding Board Member at Five Keys Charter Schools and Programs (since July 2016)
Criminal Justice Reform and Program Consultant
Author and Public Speaker1

Publications

Schwartz is the author of "Dreams from the Monster Factory: A Tale of Prison, Redemption and One Woman's Fight to Restore Justice to All," published in 2009 (hardcover) and 2010 (paperback).2 This book provides an insider's perspective on America's prison system and recounts her experiences implementing strategies to reduce recidivism and save taxpayer money.

Sunny Schwartz's work continues to influence criminal justice reform efforts, with her programs being examined for replication in various cities across the United States and internationally, including New Zealand, Poland, and Singapore.2 3