Nearly 200 supporters, freed and exonerated clients, advocates, and friends came together with a shared commitment to a more just future at NCIP’s annual Justice for All (JFA) Gala on Thursday, October 16, 2025.
We celebrated two extraordinary changemakers: Catherine Boyle was honored with the 2025 Champion of Justice Award for her compassionate advocacy and unwavering dedication to freeing the wrongfully convicted. Exonerated Nation received the second-ever Quedellis “Rick” Walker Spirit Award, honoring the organization’s leadership in building community for exonerees and driving systemic change.
Throughout the night, we recognized the strength and resilience of our exonerees and the community whose support made their freedom possible. Guests also experienced Portraits of Freedom: A Visual Tribute to Lives Reclaimed, a powerful photo display honoring the humanity and future selves of our freed and exonerated clients.
2025 Justice for All Honorees
Catherine Boyle
Champion of Justice Award Recipient
The Champion of Justice Award honors an individual who has shown exceptional dedication to advancing justice and addressing wrongful convictions and made a lasting impact on the lives of exonerees.
Catherine Boyle is a volunteer attorney at NCIP whose exemplary legal and advocacy work, coupled with her deep compassion, have led to the exonerations of multiple clients including Karla Baday and Glenn Payne. Catherine’s dedication to innocence work shines brightly as she brings fierce dedication to every case and project, truly embodying NCIP’s mission.
Exonerated Nation
Quedellis “Rick” Walker Spirit Award Recipient
The Quedellis “Rick” Walker Spirit Award is presented to a person who exemplifies Rick’s spirit through their extraordinary commitment to creating opportunities and providing mentorship for exonerated individuals.
Exonerated Nation (EN) was founded in 2015 by exonerees Obie Anthony and Quedellis “Rick” Walker. For the past decade, EN has offered programs that strengthen healing, wellbeing, and leadership development, while also advocating for legislation to improve the lives of exonerees and advance criminal justice reform. EN provides vital support such as job placement, housing assistance, and guidance in navigating social service resources, and conducts collaborative research to inform systemic change and address the unique trauma experienced by exonerees, their families, and their communities.
2025 Justice for All Gala Sponsors
