About Us
Who We Are
At DIB Project we believe every person deserves dignity, opportunity, and compassion on their path of rebuilding their lives.
We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening support for justice-impacted individuals by equipping communities with the knowledge, skills, and compassion needed to create meaningful change. We believe that true transformation begins with understanding systemic barriers that shape people’s lives as well as the mental health challenges that often go unseen.
We recognize the deep and disproportionate impact incarceration has on Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color (BIPOC), and we believe in the urgent need for change.
Through training, workshops, and accessible resources, we work to dismantle the obstacles that contribute to recidivism and replace them with pathways to healing and resilience. By raising awareness of mental health and addressing the root causes, we empower community partners to build systems of care that uplift individuals and strengthen communities.
Our mission is to inspire informed and empathetic environments where everyone has the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive.
Our Mission
DIB Project strengthens support for justice-impacted individuals by providing community partners with training, workshops, and resources to dismantle barriers and build compassionate systems of care.
Our Partners
Meet Our Team
Tracy L. Philips LMFT 143790
Executive Director, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Tracy did not grow up in a home where dreams were nurtured or ambition encouraged. Survival came first, and creativity or future goals were distant ideas. After experiencing a traumatic event early in life, she lived for decades with untreated PTSD, carrying the weight of invisible wounds. But her story didn’t end there.
At the age of 40, Tracy made a courageous decision to rewrite her narrative. She began her journey at Chabot Community College, then transferred to Cal State East Bay, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. Driven by a deep desire to understand the process of healing, she went on to earn a Master’s in Psychology from Holy Names University in 2019.
Today, Tracy is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, using her past to fuel her purpose. Her compassion and commitment shine through in every session, especially when she meets someone searching for hope. Her journey is proof that even when the odds feel stacked against you, choosing a new path is always possible.
Farhit Chechi, LCSW 117977
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Farah Chechi is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with extensive experience supporting youth across foster care, school-based programs, and the juvenile justice system settings.
Her work is driven by a deep belief in the power of second chances and the importance of creating systems that truly serve and uplift young people. She is passionate about transforming the juvenile justice system. She is deeply inspired by the strength, resilience, and potential of the youth she works with!
Kelani Johnson
Wellness Coach
Kelani has over 10 years of experience supporting youth and families impacted by the justice system. As a former teenage mother, she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work.
Today, she leads workshops and presentations that educate and inspire others towards a more fulfilling life. Kelani believes in a holistic approach to healing that focuses on physical health, emotional growth, and spiritual connection. By understanding how these three areas work together in harmony, one can learn how to create sustainable changes necessary to thrive.
Vanessa Andrade
Outreach Coordinator
Vanessa Andrade serves as the Community Outreach Coordinator for the DIB Project. With both personal and professional experience navigating the justice system, Vanessa is deeply committed to supporting individuals impacted by incarceration.
She believes in the power of compassion, knowledge, and community to create real change, and is passionate about helping people rebuild their lives and futures.
Shelbee Phillips
Communications and Social Media Coordinator
Shelbee is the Communication and Social Media Coordinator for the DIB Project. She helps people understand the communication process and ensures that key information is accessible.
Shelbee uses social media to share updates, explain steps, and connect people with helpful resources. She believes that clear information, open communication, and community support can make a real difference.
Sherman Phillips
Event Support Specialist
Sherman aka “Phil” plays a key role in ensuring our community outreach events run smoothly. From setting up and breaking down events to providing dependable technical support, Phil brings organization, reliability, and a positive spirit to every project. His behind-the-scenes work helps create welcoming, effective experiences for the communities we serve.