Event Recap: CVI Leadership Academy Graduation of Second Cohort
We are thrilled to share some exciting updates about the work happening at the University of Chicago Crime Lab’s Community Violence Intervention Leadership Academy (CVILA).
White House event
Last Thursday, alumni of the CVILA were invited to the White House for an event recognizing the first anniversary of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. At the event, President Biden and Vice President Harris announced new executive actions aimed at reducing gun violence, including expanding the collection of gun violence data. Having our graduates present for such a significant occasion was a powerful testament to the leadership and impact of the CVILA community.
Graduation of second cohort in Los Angeles
Two weeks ago in Los Angeles, we celebrated the graduation of the second cohort of the CVILA. The 31 graduates – who include CVI leaders from 20 cities across the country and the Caribbean – received a five-month hands-on education to improve their organizations and support their mission to prevent and reduce gun violence and save lives in communities of color disproportionately harmed by the direct and indirect consequences of gun violence.
We were honored to have great guest speakers and congratulatory video messages from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention Deputy Director Greg Jackson, and NBA Champion, 15x All-Star, and Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett. It was such a proud moment for everyone involved.
CVI Leadership Academy second cohort
Watch the recording of the graduation
View a gallery of photos from the event
After the ceremony, we celebrated with a Sneaker Ball, and were thrilled to announce the recipients of the Capstone Innovation Fund awards. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Annie E. Casey Foundation and the Everytown Community Safety Fund for their generous investment.
CVI Leadership Academy second cohort capstone winners
Hear from participants about their time in the academy.
WEBINAR Untapped Levers for Reducing Gun Violence: The Impact of Behavioral Science Programs
Join us on Thursday, October 10th at 2:00 PM CT for a webinar that will explore the latest findings on behavioral science interventions and their effectiveness in reducing gun violence. This event will provide an in-depth look at our growing portfolio of research on community violence intervention (CVI) programs, offering compelling evidence that behavioral science strategies can significantly improve public safety.
Crime Lab in the news: Crain’s Forum on public safety
- At the community level, violence intervention gains credibility — and dollars follow – Featuring CVILA Executive Director Dr. Chico Tillmon and CVILA inaugural cohort alumni Myesha Watkins (Cleveland, OH) and Sam Castro (Chicago, IL)
- Crime is down, data shows. Here’s why it doesn’t feel that way. – Featuring CVILA Executive Director Dr. Chico Tillmon, Director of National Programs Kim Smith, Chief (retired) Charlie Beck, and CVILA inaugural cohort alumnus Zoe Kennedy (Detroit, MI)
- Commentary: Data-driven tactics prove effective in bridging Chicago’s safety gap – Co-authored by Director of National Programs Kim Smith and Policing Leadership Academy Executive Director Meredith Stricker
Save the date
Join us for the launch of Cohort 3 in Chicago on December 2nd! More details to come, but mark your calendars for what’s sure to be another exciting step forward for CVILA.
Thank you to our CVILA funders and supporters!
The Community Safety Leadership Academies, which the CVILA is a part of, were launched with a leadership gift from Ken Griffin, founder and CEO of Citadel and founder of Griffin Catalyst, and a gift from Michael Sacks, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GCM Grosvenor. The CSLA is also supported by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Bulls Community Assist Fund, and White Sox Community Fund, which are both funds of the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, Bulqit, Dalio Education, John DeBlasio/DeBlasio Family Foundation, Thomas and Susan Dunn, Perry Fisher, Matt Hinerfeld and Nora Jaskowiak, IMC, R.J. Melman and Lettuce Entertain You, Motorola Solutions Foundation, Neubauer Family Foundation, Ken O’Keefe, Options Clearing Corporation, Pritzker Pucker Family Foundation, Jeff and Maggie Shapack and Shapack Partners, Steans Family Foundation, United Airlines, Anonymous Foundation, and Anonymous Individual.
The graduation was supported by the Annie E. Casey Foundation and Everytown Community Safety Fund, and a number of other supporters.