Alexandria J Hughes, Wesam Shahed, Esq., and the AB Korkor Foundation for Mental Health discuss the many ways how mental health plays a role in our judicial and legal systems.

Alexandria J Hughes is a University of Michigan graduate, and Michigan native passionate about mental health and art. Currently I work as a Mental Health and criminal justice organizer at Michigan Liberation, am part of the leadership team at Accountability for Dearborn, and have 3.5 years experience working as a behavioral health therapist in schools, homes and ABA Centers at Centria Healthcare. Through work experience, and personal experiences with racial inequalities, I’ve learned that existing problems within our criminal legal system often intersect with problems pertaining to mental health services and access. This motivated me to become an organizer and advocate for change. I firmly believe that we can create a world where humanity isn’t selective.

Wesam Shahed is a first-generation Palestinian-American from Chicago, Illinois. He serves as an Assistant State’s Attorney at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office (CCSAO), the second-largest prosecutor’s office in the US. Wesam has not only been recognized as one of the most promising young talents in the CCSAO, but he has also been internationally recognized in the Arab American Foundation’s “30 Under 30.” Wesam recently gave a TEDx Talk on criminal justice reform titled "Does Justice Require a Conviction?" discussing misconceptions about prosecutors and what alternative prosecution methods need to be focused on. Wesam’s involvement ranges far beyond his day job, as he is the Finance Director for the first Muslim and Palestinian American to be elected by the Democratic Party into Illinois’s House Legislature in 2023. At only 24, Wesam earned his B.A. in Pre-Law: Business Management from Loyola University Chicago and his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Michigan State University College of Law. Wesam holds executive leadership positions for the Arab American Bar Association, the Illinois Muslim Civic Coalition, the Arab Professional Business Association (APBA).

Originally Recorded January 26, 2023

Attorney Terry L. Campbell of Moertl, Wilkins & Campbell, S.C., who has over 40 years of experience practicing law, guides you though advanced directives and living will for advanced life planning.

Originally Aired January 13, 2021

Presentation slides can be found at https://adelbkorkorfoundation.org/webinars 

Pull Your Heart Out was founded to provide an educational mentorship program using strength sports as an outlet and deterrent to prevent disease, drug addiction, and violence within the at-risk youth and under-served population. We create a community where people feel supported while achieving their goals.

PYHO is supported by a board of women dedicated to the well-being and improvement of all. We have been inspired by the strength we have found through lifting and wish to share that with the world. Our volunteers support our mission by organizing fundraisers, hosting events, and otherwise turning our convictions into action. If you would like to be a part of an amazing group of volunteers, please reach out at PullYourHeartOut.org.

Originally Recorded August 16, 2022