Chala Bonner

Chala Bonner is a Richmond, CA native. As a formerly incarcerated black woman, she recognized the disparities, injustices, and challenges with our criminal legal systems. She became passionate about leveling the playing field for formerly incarcerated black people and people of color.

She learned about the Safe Return Project while attending a cohort at Rubicon Programs. As a grassroots organizer, she started her journey with the Safe Return Project in 2018. Her focus was advocating for ending mass incarceration and racial disparities in the criminal legal system. Her goal was to build equity in the communities by overcoming obstacles and challenges and bringing healing to those who have had traumatic/stressful experiences. As she continued to grow in her role and capacity, she became a Lead Organizer and later offered an opportunity to become the Program Manager.

Chala is currently the Program Manager at the Safe Return Project and looks forward to growing with the organization.