We are passionate about social justice and transformative defense.

President

Dr. Amy Magnus is an Associate Professor of Political Science and Criminal Justice at Chico State. She holds a Ph.D. in Criminology, Law and Society from UC Irvine, with emphases in Race and Justice and Law, Society, and Culture. Her work focuses on justice, inequality, rural healthcare access, and the policing of marginalized communities. A committed teacher-scholar-activist, Amy has received multiple honors, including Chico State’s Early Career Faculty Award, the Early Career Community Engagement Award, and the National Society of Leadership and Success's 2021 Inspiring Our Future Leaders Award. She is passionate about BDEP’s mission to reimagine criminal defense through equity, research, and community-rooted care.

Co-Founder, Treasurer

Peter Washington earned his JD from UC Berkeley School of Law in 2003 and has spent the past 24 years as a civil and criminal litigator. His experience includes six years as a public defender in Butte County and four years as special counsel to the Butte County Public Guardian. His passion for BDEP stems from his time as a public defender, where he found the most impactful outcomes came from connecting with clients on a human level and addressing the root causes of their involvement in the legal system. He believes that with more resources and a holistic approach, this kind of lasting change is possible for many more people impacted by the system.

Co-Founder, Secretary

Maitreya Badami is a faculty member in the Political Science and Criminal Justice Department at Chico State, following a 23-year career in criminal law at the trial, appellate, and post-conviction levels. She previously taught and practiced at the Northern California Innocence Project, focusing on wrongful convictions and eyewitness misidentification. Maitreya has served as a public defender and indigent defense attorney across multiple courts, including the Ninth Circuit. She holds a BA from the University of Georgia and a JD from UC Berkeley School of Law. At Chico State, she supervises at the Community Legal Information Clinic and directs the Trial and Appellate Advocacy program.

Board Member

As a returning citizen and justice advocate, Kesha joined the Butte Defense Equity Project Board because she has personally experienced the disparities in the criminal justice system. The unequal treatment of Black, Brown, and low-income individuals is not just systemic—it’s deeply personal. Driven by a passion for justice and a commitment to change, Kesha sees it as her purpose to stand in the gap. Through ministerial counseling at the Butte County Jail and community outreach, she works to help bridge the very gaps BDEP seeks to close.

Co-Founder, Executive Director

Elizabeth earned her BA from Oberlin College and her JD from CUNY School of Law. She began her legal career in 2006 as a public defender with Brooklyn Defender Services, where she worked for nearly a decade. As Executive Director of BDEP, Elizabeth is committed to strengthening her community through indigent defense, combining vigorous legal advocacy, innovative social work, and data-informed policy. She believes that a just system rooted in redemption makes communities safer and more resilient.

Lead Collaborative Defender

Shisha Yang earned her BA from CSU Chico and her JD from McGeorge School of Law in 2022. Before law school, she worked as a paralegal, and during law school, she interned with the Sacramento Public Defender’s Office. As BDEP’s Lead Collaborative Defender for the past two years, Shisha provides direct legal representation rooted in BDEP’s human-centered, holistic approach. She is committed to transforming indigent defense to promote redemption and build safer, healthier communities.

Administrative Assistant

Anamarie earned her B.A., magna cum laude, in Criminal Justice and Legal Studies, along with a Paralegal Certificate, from CSU Chico. She is deeply passionate about criminal defense and dedicated to closing social and systemic gaps in the justice system. Anamarie Ramirez serves as BDEP’s Administrative Assistant, keeping digital and administrative operations running smoothly. She manages the organization’s website, social media, and newsletter, helping keep the community informed and engaged.

Social Impact Consultant

Joaquin Jordan holds a Master’s degree in Political Science and is certified as a Substance Use Disorder Certified Counselor III (SUDCC III-CS), Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor II Clinical Supervisor (CADC II-CS CA), and a U.S. Department of Transportation Substance Abuse Professional (SAP). With over 31 years of personal experience with incarceration, he is committed to leveraging his expertise to support individuals facing similar challenges.