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In Pursuit of Justice: What Do We Do When the System Gets it Wrong?

A Conversation with Sean Ellis & Radha Natarajan, Executive Director of The New England Innocence Project

April 14, 2022

In 1995, Sean Ellis, a 21 year old Boston resident and detainee at Nashua Street Jail, was wrongfully convicted of killing a Boston police officer. He spent 22 years in prison until 2015, when he was released on $50,000 bail. Ellis is the subject of Netflix’s “Trial 4” documentary, which tells the story of his wrongful conviction and his eventual exoneration.

Sean and Radha Natarajan, Executive Director of the NEIP talk about their work in pursuit of justice and what can be done when the system gets it wrong. The conversation is followed by a Q&A session for students. This panel is an example of the learning opportunities Mock Trial & Mock Appeal Program students can partake in.

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Featuring 

Radha Natarajan | After 12 years as a public defender, Radha joined the New England Innocence Project bringing her litigation skills, compassion and a fierce determination to bring an end to wrongful convictions. Nationally recognized as an expert in eyewitness identification, Radha applies the lessons learned in the reform of eyewitness identification to other flawed uses of forensic sciences. She provides trainings across the country to the judiciary, the defense bar, prosecutors and law enforcement.

Sean Ellis | Sean K. Ellis was wrongly convicted for the 1993 robbery and murder of Boston Police Detective John J. Mulligan. Finally, in December 2018, the Suffolk County District Attorney dropped the robbery and murder charges against Sean but stopped short of fully exonerating him. In 2021 his 1995 weapons possession conviction was overturned. Now a free man, Sean is busy reclaiming his life. He works full time as a Development Associate at the Boston non-profit Community Servings. From 2020-21 he was a Community Fellow in Tufts University’s Institute for Nonprofit Practice. Sean speaks frequently about his experiences in forums around Boston, including events sponsored by the New England Innocence Project, for which he is a trustee. He has told his story at three national Innocence Network conferences: San Diego (2017), Memphis (2018), and Atlanta (2019).

Alexandra

Alexandra vonBallmoos

Alex has over fifteen years of administrative experience, most recently at Boston Schools Fund. Prior to her time at BSF, she served as an Executive Assistant to the Head of School at Mother Caroline Academy, where she also provided major support to the Development office. Before her time at MCA, Alex served as an assistant at a media firm in Washington, DC.

This role oversees financial operations such as reconciliations, expense tracking, payroll, and donor acknowledgments, while managing organizational systems, employee records, and meeting coordination. It also provides event logistics, Board support, and office management, ensuring efficient processes, accurate recordkeeping, and the successful execution of programs, operations, and special events like the annual Spring Gala.

Rana Suh Kannan

Rana Suh Kannan

Rana Suh Kannan has spent nearly her entire 20+ year career dedicated to providing students with access to high-quality education experiences that lead to strong academic outcomes. She brings extensive and diverse experiences as a teacher, school administrator, funder, and nonprofit professional. Rana is committed to Discovering Justice’s mission to enable students to become well-equipped with the knowledge, skills, and desire to build and sustain an equitable democracy.

Prior to Discovering Justice, Rana spent seven years at Boston Schools Fund, most recently as the Chief Operating Officer. She co-led the development of the organization’s second fund, and ensured its operationalization across the organization. Previously, Rana played pivotal roles at organizations such as Salsify, Phoenix Charter Academy, The Achievement Network, and Roxbury Prep Charter School. Rana graduated from Williams College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Psychology. She earned her Master’s in Education Policy & Management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Mehana Koch

Mehana Koch is a recent graduate of Wellesley College, where she earned a BA in Psychology. She joined Discovering Justice excited to learn about nonprofit operations and support an organization whose mission uplifts and empowers future engaged citizens.

At Discovering Justice, Mehana enjoys supporting both the administrative and fundraising needs of the organization. Her day-to-day work includes processing donations, reconciling accounting information, and maintaining a strong database. She also has played a large role in onboarding new staff and supporting large organization-wide events, such as the Annual Gala.

Bianca Lora

Bianca Lora is passionate about expanding access to civic education, uplifting historically underrepresented voices, and creating spaces where young people can grow as informed and active members of their communities. With a background spanning across organizing, policy, and fundraising, she brings a collaborative spirit to the work.

Prior to this role, she led cross-departmental initiatives for donors at the ACLU of Massachusetts, including its 800-person annual gala. Bianca has also served as a Senior Legislative Assistant for a Councilmember At-Large in Montgomery County, Maryland where she oversaw a legislative portfolio on government operations, economic development, public safety and social justice issues. She also launched an organizing campaign alongside the adjunct faculty at Prince George’s Community College with SEIU.