Dr. Christy Perez’s journey from adversity to leadership exemplifies the transformative power of resilience and social justice.
From Incarceration to Liberation: Dr. Christy Perez’s Revolutionary Path to Empowerment
In a world where systemic oppression often feels insurmountable, Dr. Christy Perez stands as a beacon of resilience and empowerment. Her story is not just about overcoming personal adversity; it is a testament to the transformative power of one person’s ability to reshape both their life and the lives of others. From surviving trauma and incarceration to becoming a leader in social justice, Dr. Perez’s path is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit.
From the Streets to Leadership: The Origins of Dreaming Justice Project
Dr. Perez’s journey began with unimaginable hardships. As a young trans teenager, she faced homelessness, substance abuse, and the brutal murder of her mother. Her experiences led her into survival sex work and ultimately to a prison sentence that could have defined her life. Instead, Dr. Perez emerged with a resolve to create change, founding the Dreaming Justice Project (DJP).
“When I went through my criminal case at 19, I felt really abandoned by my community,” she said. “I felt really hurt that my community just believed what people said about me… I was on the streets from the time I was 13… As a girl that comes from childhood sex work and being a former drug addict to being where I am now, doing what I do and helping people and trying to work in service of a vision, to have Atlanta Pride acknowledge that, acknowledge the work that I do at the intersection of trans rights and LGBTQ+ rights and decriminalization and decarceration, that means everything to me.”
“I went to prison because of what I was doing for survival-based sex work…. Part of the reason why I do this work is because people need to know that there are a lot of girls just like me that came from those streets, and we get thrown away by the system. I was thrown away by the foster care system and then thrown away by the judicial system.”
DJP is an organization dedicated to transforming the lives of marginalized communities, particularly Black and trans communities, through direct service, policy advocacy, and cultural engagement. Dr. Perez’s lived experience of navigating systemic barriers gives her unique insight into the struggles of those often ignored by society. Under her leadership, DJP has become a pivotal force in the fight for justice and liberation, offering initiatives like the Next Chapter Reentry Support Program for formerly incarcerated individuals and the Dream Builders Career Lab, which prepares people for professional success.
A Visionary Leader at the Helm
Recently, DJP’s exceptional work was recognized when it was named the Best Social Justice Leadership in Georgia of 2025 by the Evergreen Awards. This prestigious award highlights the organization’s ongoing contributions to social justice, justice reform, and community empowerment. Dr. Perez’s vision, encapsulated by her mantra “Imagine, Build, Liberate,” has driven DJP’s growth and success, making it a leader in Georgia’s social justice movement.
At the heart of Dr. Perez’s leadership is a deeply personal commitment to dismantling the systems that oppress marginalized people. She has crafted solutions that focus on three interconnected pathways: corporate and nonprofit engagement, direct community services, and cultural stewardship. These elements work together to address the root causes of injustice and empower those most affected by inequality.
Commitment to Comprehensive Justice Reform
Through DJP, Dr. Perez advocates for comprehensive justice reform, ranging from reentry programs to workforce development. The DreamWell Health Initiative, for example, offers holistic wellness services that address both the physical and mental health needs of communities in need. But what truly sets DJP apart is its cultural initiatives, such as the Sacred Disruption Wisdom for Today series, which uses art and storytelling to shift societal narratives about justice and liberation. These cultural programs are essential in transforming how we understand and engage with issues of systemic oppression.
Dr. Perez’s Unstoppable Drive
Dr. Perez’s journey was never linear. After surviving an abusive childhood, homelessness, and incarceration, she went on to earn her Master of Theology and Doctor of Theology degrees while in prison. Her academic work centered on liberation theology, public policy, and the history of American social movements, which provided her with a profound understanding of the intersections of faith, culture, and justice.
“I think a lot of liberated queer people, people that are not incarcerated, they do forget they’re incarcerated queer brethren,” she added, “and I want to remind them that we are here, and we are still queer, and we are part of your community.”
Her academic pursuits also sparked her work as a journalist. Dr. Perez’s investigative reporting, which has appeared in major outlets like HuffPost, Business Insider, and The Appeal, sheds light on the intersections of race, gender, and state violence. As a Marvel Cooke Abolitionist Journalism Fellow, Dr. Perez’s writing challenges disinformation, exposes injustice, and elevates the voices of marginalized people, particularly Black trans individuals who are often silenced in mainstream narratives.
A Personal Commitment to Liberation
At the core of Dr. Perez’s leadership is a deep spiritual commitment to human dignity. She teaches that justice is not merely a distant ideal but something that must be actively pursued by empowering communities to reclaim their narratives and reshape their futures. Her approach is grounded in her belief that “not one of us is confined to our worst moments,” a mantra that defines both her personal and professional life.
“Journalism gave me the chance to tell my own story,” she said, “to tell others’ stories… to have the opportunity to be able to get out and do the work that I do now. That contraband cell phone and the chance to tell those stories, it was a lifeline for me. I thank myself all the time for the sacrifices I made, and the reality is, if not me, then who?”
The Dreaming Justice Project’s Holistic Approach
Dreaming Justice Project is not just another nonprofit; it is a manifestation of Dr. Perez’s visionary approach to justice. With a focus on practical tools, community engagement, and cultural initiatives, DJP offers a holistic model that addresses the needs of marginalized individuals while also advocating for systemic change. DJP’s Justice at Work strategies help organizations dismantle inequitable practices, while its grassroots programs foster leadership development and build the foundation for long-term social change.
Through initiatives like the Living Art events, DJP uses creative expression to fuel conversations about justice and liberation, inviting activists, creatives, and leaders to imagine new futures together. These programs highlight the power of collective action and community-driven change.
Award-Winning Leadership in Social Justice
Dr. Perez’s leadership and the work of Dreaming Justice Project were recently recognized with the Best Social Justice Leadership in Georgia of 2025 award from the Evergreen Awards. This accolade reflects Dr. Perez’s dedication to not only empowering marginalized communities but also fostering systemic reform. Through her relentless commitment to justice, equity, and liberation, Dr. Perez continues to inspire individuals and organizations across the nation to engage in the ongoing fight for a more just world.
Join the Movement for Justice
The journey of Dr. Christy Perez is a powerful story of personal transformation, but it is also a collective call to action. Through Dreaming Justice Project, Dr. Perez demonstrates that even the most fractured lives can be rebuilt into something extraordinary. Her work proves that when people are given the tools to succeed, they can become powerful agents of change for themselves and their communities.
To learn more about Dr. Perez’s transformative work and how Dreaming Justice Project is changing the landscape of justice, visit Dreaming Justice Project. Stay connected with Dr. Perez on her social media platforms at:
- Instagram: @the.djpc
- LinkedIn: Dr. Christy Perez
- MuckRack: Dr. Christy Perez
- Website: Uncaged Critique
