Joybelle Phelan

About Joybelle Phelan

I believe transformation is possible—not just in theory, but in the most unlikely places. I found my voice in a prison cell, and ever since, I’ve been using it to spark change through storytelling, literacy, and community-building.Today, I serve as Writer Relations Manager at Prison Journalism Project (PJP), leading our work to connect with incarcerated writers, amplify their narratives, and create pathways to publication and professional development. I’m proud to help build systems where writers are heard, valued, and supported with care.I’m also the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Unbound Authors, a nonprofit writing center operating inside 10 Colorado correctional facilities. Through writing labs, publications, and partnerships, we’re building a platform where stories born inside can move hearts—and systems—outside.Across all my work, I lead with intention—guided by integrity, creativity, and a fierce sense of responsibility. I regret the harm my past choices caused, and I live in deep gratitude for the opportunity to grow, give back, and create something beautiful from the ashes.My passion is helping others find their voice. My purpose is walking alongside those who are so often unheard. My work is rooted in redemption, community, and a little bit of magic. Let’s tell better stories—and build a more just world, together. DM me to connect, collaborate, or explore aligned roles.\"Everyone has his own specific vocation or mission in life… everyone’s task is as unique as is his specific opportunity to implement it.\" — Viktor Frankl

Experience

1. Co-founder, Executive Director

   Unbound Authors

   May 2023 — Present · Denver, CO, US

   Unbound Authors is Colorado’s only statewide prison-based writing center and publishing initiative, serving more than 500 incarcerated writers across all 21 correctional facilities—operating in person in 13 facilities and virtually through tablet-based platforms statewide.We provide structured writing labs, editorial mentorship, and publication pathways for writers of all genres and skill levels—strengthening literacy, critical thinking, journalism, creative expression, and self-advocacy inside correctional systems. Our programs serve individuals regardless of sentence length or eligibility for higher education programs.As a formerly incarcerated leader, I co-founded and now direct the organization in partnership with the Colorado Department of Corrections—designing trauma-informed writing programs, ethical editorial systems, and cross-facility infrastructure that supports long-term intellectual and creative growth.Under my leadership, Unbound Authors has expanded into a multi-platform publishing ecosystem through Mercury Mountain Media, including a quarterly prison newspaper (Messenger Quarterly), a creative arts magazine (Mosaics), and an annual anthology—while continuing to operate writing labs that provide sustained mentorship across facilities.I oversee statewide program strategy, volunteer leadership, editorial standards, and coalition partnerships, representing the organization in state and national conversations around prison-based education, media, and narrative equity.Unbound Authors centers voice, dignity, and system-impacted leadership while building sustainable writing and media infrastructure inside Colorado prisons.

Education

• Arvada High School

  Diploma

  1988 — 1992

• Pueblo Community College

  Associate of Arts and Sciences - AAS, Cosmetology/Cosmetologist, General

  2017 — 2019