Khalil Cumberbatch

Council on Criminal JusticeDirector, Engagement and Partnerships

Khalil A. Cumberbatch is a recognized advocate, educator, and public speaker focused on criminal justice reform, social equity, and promoting second chances for formerly incarcerated individuals. With a profound commitment to creating fairer systems, Khalil has been instrumental in advancing policies that address the barriers faced by people with criminal records and in fostering societal understanding of the need for compassionate, humane reform.

Khalil’s journey into advocacy is rooted in his own experiences with the criminal justice system. After his incarceration, he became acutely aware of the systemic barriers to reintegration, including legal restrictions, social stigma, and policy-driven exclusions that hinder returning citizens. Motivated to drive change, he pursued and earned a master’s degree in Social Work from the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College, a foundation that has informed his work on reform.

Throughout his career, Khalil has held prominent roles, including as Chief Strategist at New Yorkers United for Justice and Associate Vice President of Policy at the Fortune Society, a leading reentry organization. At both organizations, he worked on high-impact initiatives and collaborated with lawmakers, advocates, and community leaders to push for reforms that improve access to employment, housing, and other vital services for formerly incarcerated individuals. Khalil has also been a prominent advocate for executive clemency to relieve the immigration consequences of criminal convictions, emphasizing the need for relief that allows individuals to rebuild their lives without the looming threat of deportation.

A landmark moment in his advocacy was his receipt of a rare executive pardon from New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. This recognition underscored the importance of second chances and further inspired Khalil to advocate for policies supporting redemption and rehabilitation within the justice system. His work has since focused on issues such as clemency, parole reform, and comprehensive reintegration policies.

Khalil is a sought-after speaker at national conferences, academic institutions, and community events, where he addresses topics including mass incarceration’s impact on families and the role of advocacy in systemic change. His insights have been featured in major media outlets, including The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Wall Street Journal, where he contributes to the national conversation on criminal justice, public policy, and social equity.

In addition to his advocacy, Khalil is also an entrepreneur committed to strengthening nonprofit leadership. He founded a consulting firm under a holding company to support mission-driven organizations in launching, scaling, and developing effective governance and fundraising strategies.

Khalil’s dedication to justice reform reflects his vision of a society that values dignity, embraces second chances, and actively works to dismantle inequitable structures. As an inspiring leader, he continues to use his personal story and expertise to advocate for the rights of marginalized individuals and to drive meaningful change in the criminal justice landscape.