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 as well.

She currently serves as the Anti-Racism Task Force lead at Interfaith Strategy for Advocacy and Action in the Community (ISAAC). She has been a volunteer and member of ISAAC since 2018. 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.

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.

Administrative Assistant

Ty’Asia Edwards was born and raised in Kalamazoo MI and is a passionate advocate for justice and community empowerment. She graduated from Western Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a minor in Legal Studies. As the second oldest of five siblings, Ty’Asia cherishes her strong family ties and values the importance of community.

Ty’Asia's ultimate goal is to make a meaningful impact on the juvenile justice system by pursuing a law degree with a focus on family law. Currently, she is actively involved in the Campaign for Criminal Justice Transparency, where she dedicates her efforts to uplifting and supporting the Black and Brown community, ensuring they receive the transparency and justice they deserve.

Board of Directors