Leadership
We are committed to expertise, diversity and inclusion in our selection of officers and board members. Our board consists of people with diverse backgrounds, with expertise in meditation teaching techniques and organizational development.
GRIFFEN SAUL, PRESIDENT
Griffen (he/him) is a devoted practitioner and teacher of mindfulness, meditation, and yoga. In addition to his spiritual practice, Griffen has been a community organizer for over a decade. He is deeply passionate about holding space for individual and community healing, advocating for social justice, and building movements towards collective liberation. In his free time, you can find Griffen rock climbing, hiking, or gardening.
Mark Stone, treasurer
Mark has been leading mindfulness meditation classes for underserved communities since 2016. He teaches at Downtown Dharma in Washington DC and leads Men’s Healing Circles. Previously, he served as Deputy Chief Economist and Acting Chief Economist of the United States Department of State and held various positions during a long career at the International Monetary Fund. He holds a BSc and MA from the University of Wisconsin, an MSc from the London School of Economics, and a PhD from the University of Wisconsin. He has been meditating for 45 years and serves as a Practice Leader for All Beings Zen Sangha. He also serves as President of the Board of All Beings. He lives in Washington DC with his wife Jessica and is the proud father of two sons.
JoEllen AMBROSE, SECRETARY
JoEllen grew up in the Chicago area but has lived in every region of the U.S. and enjoys exploring new places. After receiving two bachelor's degrees in Political Science and Criminology from the University of California, Irvine, she moved to DC to work on the Hill and pursue a Master of Public Policy degree from Georgetown University. JoEllen currently works at a housing agency that matches District families experiencing homelessness into permanent supportive housing. Her passion for criminal legal reform and working to reduce the harmful effects of mass incarceration drew JoEllen to the mission of IOI. Outside of work she spends time adding to her houseplant collection, going to concerts, and hanging out at home with her cats.
COLIE “SHAKA” LONG
Shaka was convicted of a violent offense at the age of 18 and sentenced to life without parole in 1998. He is a beneficiary of the D.C. Second Look Act signed into law in 2022. After serving over 26 years in prison, he was released in July 2022. Shaka is a Program Associate for Georgetown’s Prison and Justice Initiative supporting program administration, returning citizens, and Prison Scholars at the D.C. jail. He is also a published author, consultant, speaker, and criminal justice reform advocate. He has served as a Justice Reform Fellow at the Families Against Mandatory Minimums Foundation. He is also the subject of the documentary “District of Second Chances” which tells the story of DC’s Second Look legislation. His writings have appeared in academic journals such as the NYU Review of Social Change and the Harvard Educational Review. Shaka is passionate about meditation, advocating for and facilitating guided meditation groups in the DC Department of Corrections. He is committed to excelling as an agent for change in his work with at-risk youth in underserved communities in the District. He is currently pursuing his degree at Georgetown University.
