The PCA Team
Tracy Zuluaga
Executive Director
A seasoned background investigator with more than 25 years’ experience in court and legal research. She also has an incarcerated loved one and has been dealing with the criminal justice and prison system for over 16 years. Currently 3 of his 4
charges have been vacated and they work diligently for his release.
As a result, she has working knowledge of life behind the fence, post-conviction relief efforts, and the legal and criminal justice system.
She also works with several criminal justice and prison reform groups and nonprofits. She is extremely passionate about advocating for change and reform in our prison systems, legislation, and criminal justice.
Elisabeth Whitmire, Esq.
Staff Attorney
Attorney Whitmire comes with 10 years trial and courtroom experience in criminal defense and appellate law. Attorney Whitmire has worked in both the Public Defender’s Office and in Private Practice. She holds a Juris Doctorate degree with a certification in Legal Research, Writing and Drafting. She has participated in more than 120 jury trials and numerous evidentiary hearings during the course of her career.
Attorney Whitmire’s experience in criminal defense, appellate and post-judgment cases and law makes her an excellent addition to the Post-Conviction & Returning Citizens Alliance team.
Jenifer Lockwood
Director of Intake & Case Management
Jenifer is a certified paralegal and a former law clerk. She earned her Paralegal Certificate from Blackstone University and her associate degree in Paralegal Studies from South University.
Jennifer is also a member of the NALA (National Association of
Legal Assistants), Jenifer is a staunch advocate and public speaker and utilizes every opportunity to share her story and experiences with the criminal justice and prison system.
In the early 2000’s Jenifer found herself addicted to pain medication prescribed after surgery. This addiction led Jenifer to a criminal conviction under Florida’s harsh Minimum Mandatory Sentencing Scheme under Drug Trafficking. Picking up one bottle of pills (60 tablets) from a pharmacy, Mr. Lockwood faced a 25-year minimum
mandatory sentence. While incarcerated, she worked as a law clerk in the prison law library, helped many others earn post-conviction relief, mentored others, served as President of Toastmasters International, and received public recognition as a role model by the staff and Warden. Ms. Lockwood excelled in legal studies and working as a law clerk assisting others and was named the “GOAT” for her diligence, understanding of the law and successes.
Jenifer’s case was taken to the Florida Supreme Court and was
largely featured as one of the cases that led to the change in the Drug Trafficking Statute in 2012 revising the gram weight and sentencing scheme. Jenifer is an active criminal justice and prison reform advocate with a special focus on abolishing Florida’s
Minimum Mandatory drug laws. Her story has been told in several national publications, including Rolling Stones Magazine. Jenifer is also a freelance writer for The Human Rights Defense Center, Prison Legal News, and Criminal Legal News.
Brittany Mullins
Legal Research Specialist
Brittany Mullins is a wonderful addition to the Post-Conviction Alliance team. She likes to say, “I’ve been there—in prison. I spent 5 years behind bars after falling into a terrible cycle of trauma and addiction, but that didn’t define me.” After prison, she focused on improving her life and taking advantage of every opportunity available. She worked for three years in one of Tampa Bay’s top restaurants where she quickly moved up the ladder. While incarcerated Brittany had the privilege of meeting Jenifer Lockwood. They quickly became friends and Brittany enjoyed learning from her and viewed her as a mentor.
They vowed then that we would one day work together on the outside and never forget those left behind. They would use their voice and experience to advocate for criminal justice and prison reform. So, Brittany decided to take a leap of faith and go to college. She earned her associate degree in legal studies from Saint Petersburg College.
Jen and Brittany remained friends and kept in touch and kept their vow to work together! Now she is ready to share her experience, knowledge and education and help right some of the wrongs that occur in the criminal justice systems. Brittany shared, “I’m always trying to find something new to learn”. One of my favorite quotes is by Socrates, who said, “I know that I know nothing.” To me, this conveys the message that as we learn and experience life, we realize there is much more to learn and experience than we can ever imagine, and I like to live by those words. And when it comes to post-conviction law and advocacy, count me in- I won’t turn down an opportunity to make a difference and help others!
Susan Hawkins
Research Assistant
Susan Hawkins is a 20-year veteran in the background check industry. She spent most of her career doing court research on a national level, pulling records, and reviewing case files. Developed by her passion for tracing biological family members and reuniting post-adoption families, she has strong skills in locating witnesses and victims.
Susan’s analytical skills, attention to detail, order and organization make her an awesome addition to the team.
