Daniel Pirkel

Born and raised in NW Indiana, I spent much of my childhood in football, motorcycles and video games. Since my incarceration 15 years ago, I have won a favorable legal decision on appeal and I earned a bachelor’s degree through Calvin University (2021) in Faith & Community Leadership in Social Work.

2022 PEN America Prison Writing Contest – Honorable Mention in Nonfiction Essay for “The Unintended Consequences of Retributive Justice“

2019 PEN America Prison Writing Contest – Honorable Mention in Nonfiction Essay for “Parole Reform“