Our Team

Executive Director

Ashante Collins is the Executive Director of the Campaign for Criminal Justice Transparency (CCJT) in Kalamazoo, MI. Collins has held this position since 2023 and previously served as the co-chair of the organization beginning in 2021. She holds an A.A with honors from Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC), along with a B.S in Psychology with minors in Legal Studies and African and African American Studies from Western Michigan University (WMU). Graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2022, Collins is currently pursing a Masters in Counseling Psychology from WMU.

She currently serves as the Anti-Racism Task Force lead at Interfaith Strategy for Advocacy and Action in the Community (ISAAC) where she has been a volunteer and member since 2018. Collins has also served as Cradle Kalamazoo’s Health Equity Co-Chair 2022-2023. Recently she was appointed as the community Co-Chair to Advocates and Leaders for Police and Community Trust (ALPACT) after previously holding the title of vice community co-chair, she has volunteered with this organization since 2020. Collins has also served as Cradle Kalamazoo’s Health Equity Co-Chair 2022-2023. 

Ashante is an active member of her community in Kalamazoo helping to combat racism, inequities in the legal systems, as well as helping to eliminate other isms that prevent the advancement of equity between community members and systems that have historically held individuals of color, those in poverty, and others back from receiving and gaining the help they need. To continue to be of service to her community in 2025 Collins was seated as a Director on the board for Kalamazoo County Defenders Inc (KCDI) where she hopes to not only give time, voice and experience to but also to gain knowledge and identity what those going through Kalamazoo County court systems needs are and how she can be of assistance.

She has volunteered with many different organizations around the county such as the NAACP-MKB,    El Concilio, the YMCA as a volunteer coach, the VFW (volunteer), and many more. Collins vision for Kalamazoo aligns with CCJT’s mission of being able to bridge gaps and effectively communicate and advocate for the desires of the community as it pertains to the criminal legal system. She believes that by doing so change not only can happen but that it will be effective, lasting and beneficial to the community in which she lives.

Director of Youth Justice Services

DaNetta R. Julian serves as the Director of Youth Justice Services for the Campaign for Criminal Justice Transparency, where she leads the development of transformative programs aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and equity within the youth justice system. With over 20 years of experience in public education, Julian has dedicated herself to working closely with students, teachers, and parents—building strong, trust-based relationships that reflect her deep commitment to youth advocacy.

Julian holds a B.A. in Education, Spanish, and English from Western Michigan University, which laid the foundation for her passion for inclusive, student-centered learning. Her dedication to service and lifelong learning led her to earn multiple Master of Arts degrees from the University of Phoenix in Human Services, Curriculum and Instruction, and Adult Learning and Training.

In her current role, Julian is responsible for designing and implementing initiatives that provide greater insight into how young people are treated within the justice system, ensuring that data and community input guide meaningful policy improvements. Her approach centers on collaboration, innovation, and the unwavering belief that young people deserve support, not surveillance.

Julian’s leadership marks a critical advancement in the campaign’s mission to build a more just and inclusive future—one where transparency is not just a goal, but a standard!

Digital Media and IT Coordinator

Kaleb Beiter serves as the Digital Media and IT Coordinator at the Campaign for Criminal Justice Transparency (CCJT), where he supports both technical infrastructure and marketing strategies to help strengthen the campaign’s reach and impact.

Raised in Lawrence and now a proud resident of Kalamazoo, Kaleb has spent the past several years finding meaningful ways to give back to the community he calls home. With two years of hands-on volunteer experience with CCJT and a strong sense of service, he consistently seeks out opportunities to support community-driven change.

In his role at CCJT, Kaleb works to amplify the organization’s message and ensure its digital tools and resources are accessible to all. He is motivated by a simple but powerful goal: to help make Kalamazoo a better, more just place for everyone.

Known for his behind-the-scenes dedication, Kaleb brings both skill and heart to the mission. Through his work, he hopes to raise awareness of CCJT’s efforts and contribute to a more informed and empowered community.

Board of Directors