Brett May

Brett May is the Founder and Executive Director of LWOP Foundation — an organization built directly from his lived experience. After serving 24 years of a Life Without Parole sentence, Brett earned a Commutation from California Governor Gavin Newsom and was found suitable at his Initial Suitability Hearing — returning home uniquely equipped for the mission ahead. His journey through the California prison system became the foundation of a life dedicated to ensuring that others have access to the dignity, education, and opportunity that can make transformation possible.

Brett earned dual Associate degrees in Sociology and Behavioral Science from Imperial Valley College. He is currently completing his B.A. in Psychology at Cal State San Bernardino, and is a graduate of the Independent Forensic Gang Expert program at Loyola Law School. In addition to his academic and professional training, he is actively involved in youth advocacy and nonprofit work through the LWOP Foundation — providing trauma-informed guidance to young people and helping them build resilience.

His work spans university reentry programs, juvenile halls, adult correctional facilities, and community organizations. He brings to this foundation what no credential alone can provide: the firsthand knowledge of what it costs to change, and what it takes to build systems worthy of that cost.