Mary is married to HPI Board Chair, Jim Burns, and together have three grown children and one adorable granddaughter. She returned for her masters degree in social work at 50 and had the pleasure of graduating the same year as her daughter, Jodi.

Mary's work experience included 10 years in early childhood education; 15 years of supportive services in the community with families and older adults with several years of direct services and counseling; and 12 years as a medical social worker.

Her personal experience with an incarcerated family member stirred her interest in programming “inside the walls” such as Horizon. Once Jim became an Outside Brother, he and Mary both became increasingly involved in supporting Horizon. She has served as Secretary of the Board for nearly 2 years.

Mary states, "I have had the unique opportunity of being in the presence of those incarcerated … heard their powerful stories … and am certain and grateful for the Horizon Prison Initiative programming and the impact it has on their lives."

Nia is a May 2022 graduate from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law and will join the Horizon Prison Initiative board effective June 2022.

Nia was introduced to HPI last fall when she was selected to serve as a fellow from the OSU Moritz College of Law. In May, Nia completed one year with us as a Fellow from the OSU Moritz College of Law. 

During her time with HPI, she was involved in our strategic planning, fund development, and capacity-building activities.

Nia played a leadership role in addressing issues of civil rights and criminal justice in various organizations. These included many pro bono hours coordinating the: From Cell to Home Project which serves persons who are accused and incarcerated be a great asset to the Horizon Board and programs.

In addition, she has served as a research assistant to the Drug Enforcement and Policy Center in Columbus. She has a wide range of interests and skills in advanced legal research, grant-writing, and civic engagement. Her range of experiences, education, passion for those who are incarcerated, and legal training will be a key asset to HPI.

We are overjoyed in welcoming Nia Kaudo to our Board of Directors and look forward to her assistance in advancing the mission and vision of HPI as we move into the future.