Leadership

Julian Green, Founder & Executive Director

Julian Green has been incarcerated for the last 19 years. He was 19 years old when he was incarcerated for 2nd degree murder under the joint venture theory. During his incarceration, Julian enrolled at Boston University, where he graduated as an undergraduate in Interdisciplinary Studies. After graduating from Boston University, Julian continued his college education by applying for the Emerson Prison Initiative program (EPI). Julian was accepted and enrolled in EPI, and he is currently in his third year of his Bachelor's degree in Media, Literature, and Journalism. Julian is also a Minnesota Law Review publisher. He coauthored “The Innocence Trap” with Caitlin Glass, highlighting the voices of WAJV members and WAJV’s advocacy work.

Julian has been the architect behind the joint venture reform in Massachusetts. Julian has always said, "When I'm released back into society, I'll never be free. I'll never be free until every member of We Are Joint Venture has an opportunity to be released."

Lazell Cook, Community Outreach Director

Lazell Cook is the Community Outreach Director at We Are Joint Venture, Inc., where he builds partnerships, increases visibility, and leads efforts that support the local community. He serves as a key liaison between the organization and the public, overseeing events, staff, and volunteers while helping assess community needs.