Isabelle Appleton is an AmeriCorps VISTA serving with the Center for Appellate Litigation as the Program Coordinator for Books Beyond Bars. She graduated from Vassar College in 2019, where she studied Religion with a focus on how belief structures our political and civic lives.

Prior to her tenure with BBB, Isabelle worked in publishing and community organizing at Farrar, Straus and Giroux, The New Press, Transportation Alternatives, and Stony Point Center. Born in Manhattan and raised in St. Louis, MO, Isabelle returned to NYC in 2019.

Isabelle's favorite part of her work with BBB is corresponding with incarcerated people, whose notes - filled with biting commentary on life in prison, sometimes prose, remarkable insights on life, expressions of grievance, and often even personal encouragement - inspire her everyday both professionally and personally.