Tony Villano ~ 

Restorative Justice: Dignity And Integrity

In this presentation, Tony will explore the transformative potential of Restorative Justice in addressing harm and fostering healing within communities. Central to Restorative Justice are the principles of dignity and integrity. These values are essential in creating an environment where all individuals involved—victims, offenders, and the community—are respected and heard.

Tony Villano Bio:

I am a retired mathematician and software engineer, with over 50 years of experience in the tech industry. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with brilliant minds across many disciplines, but my most meaningful learnings have been outside of the tech world.

Growing up, I lived in a predominantly white neighborhood. My elementary school, high school, and even my early college experiences were largely homogeneous. It wasn't until after college that I met my first African American friend, who later became my roommate. Through him, I met my wife, who is African American, and together we raised three children.

Becoming a father of Black children opened my eyes to the systemic challenges they might face—challenges I had never encountered. I worried about their safety and how they would be treated by their peers, by law enforcement, and within the judicial system. My concerns were further magnified when my wife and I divorced, and I saw firsthand the flaws and injustices in the legal system. I observed how lawyers sometimes prioritized gaining an advantage over reaching fair and reasonable solutions, and how judges were forced to make decisions with limited time and incomplete information.

Despite my fears, my children never experienced the full weight of the criminal justice system. But I couldn’t ignore the troubling realities I read about in books and saw in documentaries, which led me to question the effectiveness of the U.S. justice system. Over time, I concluded that the system, as it stands, is deeply flawed and in need of repair.

In 2018, a pivotal moment in my journey occurred when I came across Danielle Sered’s book, Until We Reckon: Violence, Mass Incarceration, and a Road to Repair. This work introduced me to the concept of Restorative Justice, and I quickly recognized it as a potential path to healing and transformation.

Today, I am a volunteer Restorative Justice facilitator for three non-profits across Santa Cruz, Monterey, and Santa Clara counties in California. I also serve as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in Santa Cruz County. I have completed an online Restorative Justice certificate program through the International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP) in Bethlehem, PA. Additionally, I’ve received training from the Conflict Resolution Center, Neighborhood Justice Center, and Restorative Justice Partners in Monterey County. Though I have also attended Restorative Justice trainings in Yuba and San Luis Obispo counties, I am not currently a facilitator in those areas.

To date, I have successfully facilitated over 20 Restorative Justice conferences and look forward to facilitating many more, helping individuals and communities heal and find a path forward through understanding and accountability.