Talks | Firsthand: Gun Violence

Bocanegra oversees the management and implementation of READI Chicago’s evidence-based and trauma-informed program to reduce gun violence and promote safety and opportunity in the city. As a pioneer in the field, Bocanegra brings years of experience in community-based organizations and programs created to address trauma and build resiliency among those most impacted by violence. Most recently, he served as executive director for the YMCA of Chicago’s Youth Safety and Violence Prevention program. Previously, he cochaired Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s Public Safety and Accountability Commission for a Safer Chicago.

Lisa D. Daniels is an advocate, leader, and speaker in the field of restorative justice who helps individuals and families find healing in the aftermath of violence and crime. She is the founder of the Darren B. Easterling Center for Restorative Practices, a nonprofit organization that offers behavior health and trauma-recovery services to Chicago’s most underserved communities. After the untimely death of her son Darren in 2012 due to street violence, Daniels decided to tell his story in a way that reshaped the narrative about who he was and the legacy he left behind. Through the Center, she oversees initiatives that give those affected by gun violence the tools, resources, and support they need to heal and erase the residue of trauma on their lives. Daniels was appointed by Governor Rauner to serve as a member of the Illinois Prisoner Review Board, a body that makes decisions regarding parole, conduct, and executive clemency of incarcerated individuals.

Harris currently serves as the Community Policing Sergeant in Austin’s 15th District of the Chicago Police Department. Over his 16-year law enforcement career, he has worked exclusively in the Englewood, Austin, and Garfield Park communities. Born on the west side of Chicago, Sergeant Harris served in the United States Marine Corps. He takes pride in the volunteer work he does with Chicago area youth, where he sits on both the Local School Council at George Westinghouse College Prep High School and the board of Garfield Park Little League.

Pacione-Zayas directs the vision for policy and leadership initiatives at Erikson Institute, an academic institution focused on child development. She is charged with articulating and executing Erikson’s policy agenda to generate systemic solutions leading to equitable opportunities and positive outcomes for young children, families, and communities. Pacione-Zayas also directs the Community Data Lab, which equips local leaders with precise and accessible data on young children to inform systems coordination, resource allocation, and policy through the Early Development Instrument Pilot Project and Risk and Reach Project. She also served on the Educational Success Committee of Governor J.B. Pritzker’s transition team and the Education Committee of Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s transition team.

Sociologist Papachristos’ research aims to understand how the connected nature of cities – how their citizens, neighborhoods, and institutions are tied to one another – affect what we feel, think, and do. His main area of research applies network science to the study of gun violence, police misconduct, illegal gun markets, street gangs, and urban neighborhoods. An author of more than 50 articles, Papachristos’ work has appeared in journals such as JAMA, The American Sociological Review, Criminology, and The American Journal of Public Health; and publications such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, and the Chicago Tribune have covered his work.