FRANKLIN, Wis. — Chantell Jewell is the superintendent of the Milwaukee County Community Reintegration Center, formerly known as the House of Correction.
She was appointed to the role in 2020, and is the first Black woman to ever hold the position.
Jewell said she is passionate about addressing disparities in the justice system and helping people who are incarcerated have better outcomes after serving their time.
A Milwaukee-native, Jewell has worked in corrections for nearly 30 years, including as a parole agent and youth counselor. She said this work has always been her calling.
“Never in a million years did I imagine one day I would be the head of this organization,” she said. “It means the world to me because I got a seat at the table. I earned my seat at the table. My hard work was acknowledged. It was recognized.”
Over the past four years leading the facility, Jewell has brought in new education opportunities and job training programs for inmates. She said she works to boost partnerships with community organizations to help make sure people who are incarcerated get a second chance to live a positive life.
Jewell said her “crown jewel” is the family center she created within the Milwaukee County Community Reintegration Center. It offers games and supplies for children who visit. The goal was to offer a friendlier place for families to gather when they come to meet with a jail resident.
For more than a decade, visitations were not allowed at the facility. Just last year, Jewell led the charge in changing that to build connections and reduce recidivism.
“It’s important that people stay connected to their loved ones,” said Jewell.
As part of her job, Jewell also works closely with recruits and participates in training classes. She said 52% of the jail workers on her staff are women.
“To be able to lead and set that example for them is a tremendous honor,” she said.
Lieutenant Caradine, who asked we not publish her full name due to safety reasons, was the first person Jewell promoted. Caradine said she is a mentor to her, and someone she aspires to be like.
“It gives all of us the opportunity to see that if she can do it, I can too,” said Caradine, a corrections officer. “She’s a great role model to all of us, especially to me.”
Jewell said her goal is to better the lives of the people she works with and those who are incarcerated.
“I want them to know that they can achieve anything that they set their minds to,” Jewell said.