Pauline Lex is an active GNIP volunteer who has contributed her skills and knowledge in numerous important ways. She contributed to spreading the word about GNIP’s mission as an outreach volunteer and served as a member of the Benefit for Innocence Committee in 2023. Learn more about Pauline’s ongoing partnership with GNIP.
Great North Innocence Project: Tell us about yourself.
Pauline Lex: I was born and raised in Minnesota living in the towns of Brooklyn Park, rural Cambridge, rural Le Center, and currently, Mankato. I consider Cambridge my hometown. I have lived on two different hobby farms for a total of 30 years. I very much prefer the country life to town life.
Since age 13, I have been interested in the criminal justice system - especially criminology. I took a different route but never strayed from my interest in the justice system - especially wrongful convictions and the death penalty, which I think is flawed and cruel.
After graduation, I received my associates degree, then an Administrative Secretarial Certificate. When my children were older, I also went back to college to obtain my Bachelor's Degree in Corrections and Ethnic Studies. Despite numerous unexpected life hurdles, I was successfully able to obtain my Master's Degree in Forensic Mental Health at the age of 55 in 2016.
Today, I work at a non-profit as a Mental Health Practitioner on the Mobile Crisis team. I help those struggling with depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and things of that nature. I also go into the county jail and talk with inmates who may need some help.
I have six fabulous grandchildren that live nearby. I love to tent camp and go on road trips and will do this solo if no one can come with. I love crafting, traveling, board games and cards, hiking, kayaking, fishing, studying, and watching thriller and mystery movies.
GNIP: How long have you volunteered with GNIP & when did you first get involved?
PL: I started to get involved with GNIP in late winter 2023 and have done three volunteer projects. These include working a table at the Mystic Lake Indian Affairs Conference, working a table at the Open Streets Cedar Riverside neighborhood event, and being on the Event Committee for the Benefit for Innocence Banquet.
GNIP: How did you learn about GNIP and why did you want to volunteer with the organization?
PL: I have known of the Innocence Project for a couple decades and read about a few cases but never looked into volunteering until this year when life was settling down a bit for me. I have never been a "put them away" advocate - actually, just the opposite. I believe there is a need for prisons for the worst of the worst, but it seems prisons are being used to house many that are not a threat in the community.
GNIP: What about GNIP’s mission and work speaks most to you?
PL: There are many players in the system who are just looking to "put someone away for the crime" at the expense of right or wrong. So, this is where the interest in the work that the GNIP does is focused - freeing those that have been wrongfully convicted and hopefully getting them exonerated while working on reforming the legal system to prevent further wrongful convictions.
GNIP: What has been the most meaningful part of your volunteer experience so far?
PL: Meeting and working with so many great people at the GNIP has been a blessing. Their hard work and dedication is amazing and it shows in the clients’ smiles. I absolutely loved working at the Benefit for Innocence and getting to meet some of the clients who are now freed from incarceration. Their stories of forgiveness and resilience bring encouragement to everyday life for everyone they meet. They are amazing souls.