Chala Bonner

Chala Bonner is a Richmond, California native whose passion for community, justice, and second chances is deeply rooted in her own lived experience. As a formerly incarcerated Black woman, Chala understands firsthand the barriers, disparities, and challenges that people face when impacted by the criminal legal system. Those experiences helped shape her passion for ensuring that formerly incarcerated people, especially Black people and people of color, have opportunities to heal, grow, lead, and have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives and communities.

Chala first learned about the Safe Return Project while participating in a cohort at Rubicon Programs. That introduction eventually led her to Safe Return Project in 2018, where she began her journey as a grassroots organizer. What started as an opportunity to advocate for her community quickly became a calling. Over the years, Chala has grown alongside the organization, taking on greater leadership and responsibility as a Lead Organizer, Program Manager, and now Deputy Director.

Throughout her journey with Safe Return Project, Chala has remained committed to developing leaders, building community power, and creating opportunities for people with lived experience to turn their stories into advocacy and action. Her work has included community organizing, leadership development, civic engagement, program development, coalition building, and advocating for policies that create more equitable opportunities for formerly incarcerated and system-impacted people.

As Deputy Director, Chala helps support the overall direction of Safe Return Project while working closely with staff, community members, partners, and directly impacted leaders. She is passionate about helping people recognize the power they already carry, supporting staff in their own leadership development, and making sure the organization continues to stay connected to the community and people it serves.

For Chala, this work is more than a career, it is personal. She believes deeply in the power of healing, growth, and transformation and often reminds others, “Don’t let your past dictate your future.” Her own journey is a reflection of that belief and continues to inspire her commitment to creating opportunities for others to lead, advocate, and build a different future for themselves and their communities.