RALEIGH, N.C. — Tuesday is Second Chance Lobbying Day at the General Assembly in Raleigh, where advocates will lobby for criminal justice and reentry issues. 

Many of the advocates have personal ties to the topics.

Many people who have been incarcerated say barriers exist for people with a criminal history as they are trying to make a new life after prison

Ashley Stallings McGregor and Stacie McGregor live in Raleigh with their family, and they don’t hide the fact that they’ve conquered a lot as a family. 

“We both come from, I guess, sort of big families. And one thing that we take with us and try to instill in our kids is that regardless of what life throws at you, families should be the one safe haven for you. We both experienced things in life where family was pretty much all we have," said Ashley Stallings McGregor.

Both women have served time behind bars and have overcome obstacles when it comes to getting back on their feet.

“I have had a judge tell me that I was a menace to society. It hurt at the time, but in the same sense, I know who I am. I know I'm not a menace to society. That's not me. That does not define who I am. And I strive. I just work a little bit more, a little harder to accomplish things than anybody who has not been convicted," said Ashely Stallings McGregor.

They will be present at the second chance lobbying day in Raleigh in hopes future legislation can help other people.

“I look at change and I’m like, you know, this is a good thing. This is a great feeling," Ashley Stallings McGregor said.

 Second chance lobbying day starts at 11 a.m. on the lawn at the General Assembly in Raleigh.