The Alumni Buzz: Leveling Up with the CVILA

Zoe Kennedy is the Executive Director at Force Detroit, Tracie Campbell is a Program Manager at the National Office of Violence Prevention Network at the National Institute of Criminal Justice Reform, and Rahaman Kilpatrick is the Chief of Staff at Horton’s Kids in Washington, DC.

This interview has been lightly edited for clarity and length.

What made you want to apply to the CVILA?

Rahaman: I had been doing this work in Washington, D.C. for over 25 years, handling conflicts and building programs without ever hearing of CVI as a structured field. When my grant officer told me about it, I realized I had been doing [this work] organically. The CVILA was a chance to learn the formal side of it, to see if I was doing it right, and to find ways to improve.

Tracie: For me, it was about expanding my network. I wanted to connect with folks doing this work in different ways—beyond the lens of an office of violence prevention (OVP) director. The exposure to other perspectives, especially from places I hadn’t worked before, was invaluable.

Zoe: For me, it was about exposure. I wanted to learn how different cities approached the work—especially Chicago, which I’d heard about through our founder. I wanted to see and experience those strategies firsthand.

Let’s talk about how CVILA contributed to your career growth. What connections did you observe between what you learned during the CVILA and your professional advancement?

Tracie: Exposure was key. The CVILA helped me build stronger networks, make personal connections with people I had only followed online, and gave me tools I could bring into my new role. Now, I collaborate across the country using those relationships.

Zoe: Coming into the CVILA, I already had organizing experience, but the academy clarified and confirmed that. It expanded my understanding and helped me implement strategies like digital violence intervention and self-care models. I could articulate our work more professionally and take on leadership roles in my city.

Rahaman: [The CVILA] completely shifted my mindset. I used to focus only on programming, but the CVILA helped me see the bigger picture—like how to think about fundraising and board development, and even how to use more inclusive language, like saying “stats” instead of “data,” to make it more accessible to my team. Those five months changed how my leadership team viewed me and ultimately led to my promotion.

What impact did the CVILA immersive experiences have on your leadership and how you approach this work?

Tracie: The immersive experiences were the most impactful part of the academy. You can read and hear about the work, but nothing compares to walking those streets and learning directly from people doing the work. I had invaluable one-on-one conversations that reshaped how I approach challenges.

Rahaman: My team always knew I’d come back from the immersive experiences with big ideas! From the Firehouse in Chicago to the garden dedications in Miami, every place gave me something to bring home. Seeing Black men lead this work across the country was powerful—it reminded me we are doing this work, even when it does not always feel like it.

Zoe: The immersive experiences were the spirit of the curriculum. Seeing how other cities use culture—like spa-based healing or partnerships with influencers—opened my eyes to things we don’t do enough in Detroit. You cannot read about self-care and understand it until you live it.

If you could offer one piece of advice to future CVILA cohorts, what would it be?

Zoe: Network. Not just to have one—but to use it.

Tracie: Embrace the whole experience—step away from your daily fires and be present.

Rahaman: Open-mindedness. I thought there was not much left to teach me. I was wrong. Be open—you’ll learn from your classmates, instructors, and everyone.