Vera Institute of Justice

Allan Wachendorfer is a program manager with Vera’s Unlocking Potential initiative, working to expand access to high-quality postsecondary programs in prisons. He co-leads the initiative’s equity work, which includes identifying and reforming policies and practices that contribute to inequitable access, completions, and outcomes for incarcerated students of color. Allan also provides technical assistance to colleges, corrections departments, and nonprofits offering postsecondary education and reentry programs to incarcerated people.

Before joining Vera, Allan was the director of public policy for the Michigan chapter of the National Association of Social Workers.

He is also a founding member and current board chair of Nation Outside, a movement of formerly incarcerated people that inspires its members and the community to advocate for systems of support for currently and formerly incarcerated folks, their loved ones, and their communities.

Allan holds a BS from Eastern Michigan University and an MSW from the University of Michigan.