Talley Michelé

Talley Michelé is a Masters of Public Policy scholar at the University of California, Berkeley, specializing in criminal justice reform, reentry policy, community informed research and ecomonic commuity development. Her work bridges policy analysis and lived experience, with a focus on advancing equitable systems for formerly incarcerated individuals. Talley has contributed to legislative advocacy, policy research, and program development through roles with the Underground Scholars Initiative, the Criminal Law & Justice Center at Berkeley Law, and the California Policy Lab. Her research draws on qualitative and quantitative methods, including data analysis and community engaged approaches, to inform policy design and evaluation. In addition to her research, she facilitates public service leadership development and mentors emerging leaders in civic engagement. Talley’s work is grounded in a commitment to social justice, evidence based policymaking, and amplifying historically marginalized voices.