Our Directors and Officers
Malik Washington
Malik Washington is an investigative journalist, U.S. Army veteran, and CEO of Destination Freedom Media Group. He previously served as Editor-in-Chief of the San Francisco Bay View National Black Newspaper (2020–2021) and has established himself as a respected voice in investigative and public-interest journalism.
His reporting has been published by The Davis Vanguard, republished by California Black Media, and documented through his professional Muck Rack journalist profile, reflecting a growing body of work covering issues of statewide and national significance.
Washington’s reporting focuses on environmental justice, criminal justice reform, housing, veterans’ issues, public accountability, elections, and civic participation. His work is distinguished by a commitment to community-centered journalism that amplifies voices often overlooked by traditional media while holding public institutions accountable.
As CEO, he leads Destination Freedom Media Group’s editorial vision, combining investigative journalism, multimedia storytelling, and civic engagement to strengthen democratic participation and public understanding.
Editorial Focus
- Investigative Journalism
- Environmental Justice
- Criminal Justice Reform
- Government Accountability
- Housing & Redevelopment
- Veterans’ Issues
- Civic Engagement
- Multimedia Storytelling
- Social Justice
- Civil Rights
Career Highlights
- Independent Journalist (2011–Present)
- Contributor, San Francisco Bay View National Black Newspaper (2013–2020)
- Editor-in-Chief, San Francisco Bay View National Black Newspaper (2020–2021)
- CEO, Destination Freedom Media Group
- Published by The Davis Vanguard
- Republished by California Black Media
- Professional Muck Rack Profile
- U.S. Army Veteran
Gale Washington
Gale Washington is the Founder and President of Destination Freedom, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding educational opportunity, supporting justice-impacted individuals, strengthening communities, and advancing meaningful social change. Since founding the organization in 2013, she has led initiatives focused on prisoner rehabilitation, reentry, youth education, community partnerships, and nonprofit development.
As Chief Executive Officer, Gale oversees the organization’s strategic vision, fundraising, grant development, program administration, website development, and community outreach. She has helped build partnerships with correctional institutions, schools, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders to create programs that promote hope, dignity, and opportunity.
Gale also serves as Co-Founder of Destination Freedom Media Group, where she provides executive leadership, publishing oversight, and organizational management to support independent, community-centered journalism that informs, empowers, and inspires civic engagement.
Leadership & Expertise
- Nonprofit Leadership
- Organizational Development
- Grant Development
- Strategic Partnerships
- Publishing & Editorial Production
- Website Development
- Program Administration
- Community Outreach
Career Highlights
- Founder & President, Destination Freedom
- Co-Founder, Destination Freedom Media Group
- Publisher
- Senior Paralegal
- Grant Development
- Website Development
- Editorial Production
TEAM MEMBERS
Emmanuel Theus-Roberts
Advisory Chair for Prison Programs
Pendleton Correctional Facility – #285512
4490 w Reformatory Rd
Pendleton IN 46064-9001
TommyLee Dean
TommyLee is the head of our Destination Freedom Inside program. He ran this program while at Bent County Correctional. He has since been moved to another facility and has been attempting to get authorization to run this program there.
