Criminalized for Surviving
The campaign centers on a clemency petition directed at the Governor of Puerto Rico Jennifer González-Colón.
Core Mission:
To secure a sentence commutation for Cristine, who was convicted in the death of her two-month-old baby.
The Narrative:
The campaign argues that Cristine is a survivor of domestic violence who was "wrongfully criminalized" by a system that failed to protect her.
Organizational Support:
The initiative is heavily backed by Women Who Never Give Up, Inc. (WWNG), an organization dedicated to supporting women impacted by the justice system.
Goal:
Beyond Cristine’s individual freedom, the site serves as a platform to "humanize victims of domestic violence" and advocate for broader reform in how the legal system treats survivors.
click the link above to learn more about the 2026 campaign
The 2026 Campaign - Year 9 :
Law 74 Effectively Supports Clemency for Cristine.
I am returning to Puerto Rico to finish what I began: obtaining clemency for Cristine and
using her case as a global blueprint for survivors. As the incoming Volunteer Director of Domestic Violence Programs at Women Who Never GiveUp “WWNG”, I am not just filing for clemency; I am closing a decade-long chapter of advocacy by provingthat the state cannot punish a woman for the state's own failure
The next phase of the movement for Cristine Cortez Rodriguez involves a strategic political push centered on Law 74 of 2023 ( ). This legislation represents a vital tool for survivors of domestic violence in Puerto Rico, and its application is central to the campaign's demand for executive clemency. The Role of Law 74 ( of 2023) Signed into law in July 2023, Law 74 amended Puerto Rico’s Domestic Abuse Prevention and Intervention Act (Act 54).
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Broadening the Definition of Abuse: The law officially recognizes economic violence as a prohibited form of domestic abuse. This includes conduct aimed at undermining a victim's financial stability, housing security, or future economic capacity.
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Expanded Protections: It empowers courts to issue broader protection orders, including those that prevent abusers from interfering with a petitioner’s employment or professional reputation.
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Legal Leverage for Clemency: For Cristine, Law 74 provides the legal framework to argue that her case was shaped by complex layers of abuse—including economic and psychological coercion—that were not adequately recognized by the court at the time of her conviction.
The Political Push for Clemency: Under the leadership of Kayla Gerdes, the movement is preparing to leverage Law 74 to petition Governor Jenniffer González-Colón for immediate action.
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Redefining the Narrative: The campaign will use Law 74 to highlight that Cristine is a victim of systemic failure. By showing how the law now recognizes the very types of abuse she suffered, the team can argue that her conviction is an outdated injustice that the current government has a mandate to correct.
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Legislative and Executive Advocacy: Building on the mentorship of Gale Muhammad (who frequently lobbies the NJ Legislature), Kayla is mobilizing a powerhouse coalition to ensure that Law 74 isn't just a statute on paper but a mechanism for liberation.
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Centering the Survivor: By keeping Maritza at the forefront, the movement ensures that the political push is not just about legal theory, but about the human cost of delaying justice. The goal is to prove that granting clemency to Cristine is the first step in Puerto Rico truly honoring the spirit of Law 74.
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Meet the Team
Meet the Trailblazers
As the Founder and lead strategist, Kayla Gerdes serves as the driving force behind the scenes, expertly bringing together the diverse voices and talents that power Cristine Cortez’s campaign.With her background in Organizational Communication, she specializes in building the essential bridges between community members, advocates, and policy goals to ensure the movement remains unified and strong. Kayla’s unique ability to mobilize people around a shared vision is rooted in her deep commitment to Cristine’s mission of restorative justice and trauma-informed leadership. By fostering a collaborative environment where every contributor can thrive, she ensures the campaign operates as a cohesive team dedicated to systemic change. She is proud to be the foundational link that connects our community’s passion to the actionable leadership Cristine provides
Kayla Gerdes
Maritza Rodriguez
Maritza is the heartbeat of the fight for Cristine Cortez Rodriguez. As Cristine’s mother, she has endured the unimaginable—watching her daughter be failed by the very systems meant to protect her. But Maritza is not just a witness to this injustice; she is the movement’s most powerful advocate.
With the unwavering support of the campaign's founder, Kayla Gerdes, Maritza has traveled from Pennsylvania to Puerto Rico time and again to stand on the front lines. Whether in courtrooms or in front of cameras, Maritza has taken the microphone to tell the truth that the legal system tried to bury. She speaks not only for her daughter but for every mother fighting to bring their child home. Her courage is the fuel that keeps this team moving forward, and her voice is the constant reminder that behind every legal battle is a family waiting to be whole again.
Juan Carlos Velez Santana
Juan Carlos Vélez Santana | Late Coordinator & Champion of Justice The late Juan Carlos Vélez Santana served as the Coordinator of Proyecto Inocencia and was a central figure in the movement until his passing in March 2026. He was the "boots on the ground" leader that Kayla worked with closely to advance Cristine’s case. Swoogo +3* Unwavering Dedication: Even during global challenges like the pandemic, Juan Carlos was known for visiting correctional institutions to examine innocence claims firsthand.* National Leadership: He served on the Innocence Network Executive Board and chaired its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, ensuring that marginalized voices were at the center of the exoneration movement.* A Legacy of Action: Juan Carlos was an integral part of the legal teams that secured the release of multiple wrongfully convicted individuals who were serving unjust sentences. His commitment to Cristine’s freedom remains a guiding light for the current legal team.
Juan Carlos Velez Santana
Dr. Julio Fontan
Dr. Julio Fontanet joins the campaign as a Senior Legal Advisor, bringing his esteemed expertise as a Professor and Dean of the Inter American University of Puerto Rico School of Law. As a co-founder of the Puerto Rico Innocence Project, his role is pivotal in advising Cristine on policies regarding wrongful convictions and restorative justice reform. Julio’s extensive background as a former President of the Puerto Rico Bar Association ensures the campaign’s legal platform is both rigorous and rooted in deep civil rights advocacy. He provides the strategic legal framework necessary to transform the justice system into one that prioritizes equity and human dignity for all. His partnership with Cristine and the team reinforces a shared mission to bridge the gap between academic legal principles and meaningful, community-focused action.
Juan Carlos Velez Santana
Late Coordinator & Champion of Justice
The late Juan Carlos Vélez Santana served as the Coordinator of Proyecto Inocencia and was a central figure in the movement until his passing in March 2026. He was the "boots on the ground" leader that Kayla worked with closely to advance Cristine’s case. Swoogo +3* Unwavering Dedication: Even during global challenges like the pandemic, Juan Carlos was known for visiting correctional institutions to examine innocence claims firsthand.* National Leadership: He served on the Innocence Network Executive Board and chaired its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, ensuring that marginalized voices were at the center of the exoneration movement.* A Legacy of Action: Juan Carlos was an integral part of the legal teams that secured the release of multiple wrongfully convicted individuals who were serving unjust sentences. His commitment to Cristine’s freedom remains a guiding light for the current legal team.