Storytelling and Literacy for Reconciliation with Jennifer Coreas

Restorative Works!

Claire de Mézerville López and cohost, IIRP Lecturer A. Miguel Tello, welcome Jennifer Coreas to the Restorative Works! Podcast.  Jennifer discusses her work at ConTextos, a literacy nonprofit in El Salvador and Chicago. This organization works across schools, prisons, and communities to foster critical thinking, connection, and shared purpose. Jennifer’s unique approach combines curriculum development with advocacy, training, and dialogue facilitation. She delves into the power of storytelling and creative writing in fostering empathy and understanding across diverse populations. She emphasizes how these narratives can bridge gaps, offer new perspectives, and facilitate rehabilitation and reintegration for incarcerated individuals. Jennifer is the coordinator and co-founder of the Literacy for Reconciliation program for ConTextos. Her work extends from curriculum development and teaching to advocacy, training, and dialogue facilitation. She has led the work and the vision for ConTextos’ work in prisons and communities, accompanied authors in their journeys of self-discovery, and brought their stories to hundreds of teachers, psychologists, and social workers in professional development spaces. She has been recognized with numerous fellowships and scholarships including the Rocky Gooch Memorial Scholarship and the Esperanza Fellowship. She holds degrees from El Salvador in English as a second language and applied linguistics, and she received a master’s degree in English from Middlebury College in 2018. Tune in to learn more about the role of storytelling in restorative justice and how it can help reshape narratives and empower communities.