Judge Songhai Armstead (Ret.) has over 20 years of experience in the largest justice system in the country. Her programs have impacted tens of thousands of individuals, as well as organizations and governmental systems.

In her current position as Director of the LA County Justice, Care, and Opportunities Department, she has created new programs, and worked with a broad coalition of governmental, non-profit and private groups. To date, she has overseen the allocation of $350 million dollars for community investment, interventions and alternatives to incarceration. While a Superior Court Judge, she had one of the best records for reducing recidivism and the highest rates of compliance. As a prosecutor, her programs impacting veterans, the unhoused, and individuals with mental health and substance use disorders received state and national recognition.  As a gifted educator she has trained thousands of justice system participants, including the Justices of the California Appellate and Supreme Courts.

Judge Songhai is a sought after master teacher, keynote speaker, commentator, and expert in systems change. Judge Songhai’s training and work experience also encompasses systems change, leadership development, conflict resolution, strategic planning, and team building.

Beyond Judge Songhai’s professional journey, her personal journey is one of a turbulent past into a triumphant present. This journey grounds her work in empathy and helps her enable individuals and groups to see their own trials and adversities as strengths to be utilized, rather than weaknesses to be feared. She does this by pushing both individuals and organizations first toward internal reflection, then toward growth and ultimately, change.