Alexia Pitter ~ Sr. Outreach & Storytelling Associate, F.A.M.M.

Stories That Move: Advocacy with Patience and Purpose

Synopsis: In this talk, I will share FAMM’s history, the priorities that guide our work, and how storytelling sits at the center of everything we do. I’ll reflect on why I do this work and why patience is such an essential part of advocacy—because real change takes time, persistence, and compassion. Together, we’ll explore how to decide the kind of advocate you want to be, create a personal advocacy plan, support loved ones who are incarcerated, and find meaningful ways to get involved. Through my own story and the stories of others impacted by incarceration, I’ll show how sharing lived experience not only raises awareness but also builds bridges of understanding and hope. Attendees will leave with practical tools and inspiration to use their voices and support FAMM’s efforts.

Our Speaker: Alexia Pitter works to elevate the voices of families directly impacted by incarceration. Guided by her personal motto—“I create the change I want to see”—Alexia centers her community in every initiative she leads. That motto was passed down to her by her father, who is currently serving a 40-year sentence in the state system, and it continues to shape her approach to advocacy and healing. Her journey with FAMM began in 2022 as an intern. It was then that her love for this work deepened, as she realized she wasn’t alone in navigating the hardships of the criminal justice system. With expertise rooted in psychology, storytelling, and community-based advocacy, Alexia plays a key role in connecting with families and uplifting their experiences through multimedia storytelling, public engagement, and campaigns. Her writing has appeared in the Chicago Sun-Times, and she has been featured by the Chicago Tribune, Another Chicago Magazine, CBS Chicago, The Real News Network, and WBEZ-Chicago. Alexia holds a B.S. in Psychology from Howard University and is currently pursuing her master's degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling at Johns Hopkins University. She is a proud member of Chi Sigma Iota, the international honor society that promotes academic and professional excellence in counseling.