Meet Ricky and Aaliyah, AFJ’s New Court Advocates!

 This week, we’re thrilled to introduce two new Court Advocates who joined our team earlier this summer!

Avenues for Justice (AFJ) team members are rooted in the communities we serve and bring years of experience supporting justice-involved young people. Our Court Advocates understand the challenges Participants face and work alongside them to navigate the court system, overcome barriers, and plan a path forward.

Ricky and Aaliyah each bring valuable experience to this work. Ricky comes to AFJ from the world of policy, where he helped advance statewide legislation. Aaliyah brings a background in grassroots youth organizing, where she trained the next generation of advocates and leaders.

Meet Ricky Forde

Before joining AFJ as a Court Advocate, Ricky worked as a Policy Associate at the Katal Center for Equity, Health, & Justice. He was a leading member of their campaign team that passed legislation in 2025 to overhaul the State Commission on Corrections, the agency responsible for oversight of all prisons, jails, and juvenile detention facilities in New York. In 2019, Ricky was part of Kings Against Violence Initiative’s summer program where he contributed to the organization’s mission to advance public health approaches to end violence. Focusing primarily on Crown Heights, Ricky worked with young Black and Brown people to study social movement history to understand and practice restorative justice, and participate in collective healing.

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Having witnessed the incarceration of his older brother and several peers as a teenager, he developed a strong understanding of the lasting impact the justice system can have on families and communities, fueling his dedication to advocacy and systemic change.

Ricky believes deeply in Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI) because he sees it “as an opportunity to spare someone the trauma of incarceration.” He adds, “People navigating systems of oppression should be met with greater understanding and consideration from the criminal justice system, not incarceration.”

After onboarding with the team and spending his first couple of weeks at the community centers, Ricky was really drawn in by the relationship between the Participants and the staff.

“From my first week, it was clear that the kids felt safe, secure, and cared for in this space. Being at the community centers showed me the powerful community that has been curated at AFJ. Since day one, every youth that I have met has been unapologetically respectful and strong in their personality, who they are, and why they are here.” - Ricky Forde

Looking ahead, Ricky is excited to make an impact on young people and their families and show the Participants he works with that change is possible. His adaptability will be one of his greatest strengths in this role.

“As a policy associate, there were many moments in Albany and in the office when changes had to be made on the spot. Whether it was new bill language, a legislative update or news affecting our campaign, I adapted quickly to ensure our team remained informed and prepared.”

Outside of work, Ricky enjoys nature and spending his summers outdoors, especially walking in the grass! We are thrilled to have Ricky on our team and cannot wait to see him bring his policy experience and adaptability to his work as a Court Advocate.

Meet Aaliyah Guillory-Nickens

Aaliyah celebrates AFJ Participant Aaron receiving receiving the 2026 Youth Samuel Halprin Award from The Children's Defense Fund.

Prior to joining AFJ as a Court Advocate, Aaliyah spent several years working alongside justice-impacted young people across New York City and New York State. As the founder of More Than a Statistic, a youth-led organization, she helped young people build confidence, develop leadership skills and access opportunities that supported their growth. She also organized youth justice campaigns, including advocacy for the Youth Justice & Opportunities Act, which would expand diversion, alternatives to incarceration and record-sealing opportunities for emerging adults ages 18 to 25.

Drawing from her own lived and professional experience, Aaliyah is passionate about helping AFJ Participants navigate challenges, connect to resources and recognize their potential. She was drawn to AFJ because of its strong community roots and commitment to keeping young people out of jails and prisons.

“Too often, young people lose agency over their lives to adults, systems or circumstances beyond their control. At AFJ, we help young people reclaim that agency and take ownership of their futures. Every young person has the capacity to succeed. They simply need people who believe in them, invest in them and provide the tools and support they need to thrive.” - Aaliyah Guillory-Nickens

Aaliyah’s belief in ATI is grounded in the understanding that incarceration does not address the circumstances that often contribute to a young person’s justice involvement.

“We can’t incarcerate our way to public safety. If we want safer communities, we have to invest in solutions that address trauma, instability, limited resources and lack of opportunity. ATIs allow young people to be held accountable while receiving the support and guidance they need to build a different path forward.”

Aaliyah also believes strongly that behavior does not define a young person’s character or potential.

“There is no such thing as a bad kid. Young people may come from difficult circumstances that lead to bad choices, but every young person has strengths and the capacity to grow when they have safe spaces, positive relationships and the right support.”

Her lived experience will also help her build trust with AFJ Participants.

“I’ve faced some of the same challenges as many of the young people we work with, so I can relate to them in a real way. They know I’m not judging them or just speaking from a textbook.”

We are excited to welcome Ricky and Aaliyah to AFJ’s Court Advocacy team. Their experience and unique perspectives are already making an impact on our Participants and colleagues. As AFJ serves more young people across New York City, their expertise will help ensure every Participant receives the individualized support they need.