About Us
The Institute for Research for Social Justice and Action (IRSJA) was founded in 2024 as the culmination of decades of transformative work by our founders through groundbreaking initiatives like Be the Changemakers and the VIP School Empowerment Coalition. These programs have long been dedicated to empowering individuals, particularly from marginalized communities, to create sustainable change. Our founders recognized a critical need to bridge the gap between lived experience, grassroots advocacy, and academic research to equip others with the tools necessary to drive meaningful change.
IRSJA was created with a bold and urgent vision: to empower communities most impacted by systemic inequities to lead the fight for justice, dismantle barriers, and reimagine a society rooted in equity and healing. At our core, we believe that those closest to the challenges hold the wisdom and power to create the solutions. By amplifying these voices and providing access to rigorous training, academic partnerships, and actionable research, IRSJA ensures that the work of social justice is informed by the realities of those who live it every day.
Our mission is to serve as a platform for education, advocacy, and action, fostering collaboration between credible messengers, academics, and community leaders. Together, we develop innovative approaches to tackle issues like poverty, racial inequity, mass incarceration, and educational disparities. Through our programs, we empower individuals to become changemakers who not only identify solutions but also implement them in ways that promote lasting community impact.
IRSJA is more than an institute—it’s a movement. A movement to center voices that have been historically silenced, to build coalitions across disciplines and communities, and to create a future where justice and opportunity are accessible to all.
The IRSJA was founded on the belief that the people most affected by systemic inequities must be at the forefront of solving them. Through research, education, and policy advocacy, we empower communities to lead the way in tackling racial, economic, gender, and environmental injustice.
Our five key pillars are:
1. Community-Driven Research: Our research is led by the voices of marginalized communities, ensuring that solutions are rooted in lived experiences.
2. Evidence-Based Policy and Advocacy: IRSJA transforms research into actionable policy that addresses systemic disparities in criminal justice, healthcare, housing, and more.
3. Education and Leadership Development: We offer training programs and resources to equip changemakers with the knowledge they need to drive meaningful reform.
4. Collaboration and Partnership Building: By working with academic institutions, nonprofits, and corporations, we expand the reach and impact of our social justice initiatives.
5. Restorative Practices and Healing: Through trauma-informed care programs, we provide healing pathways for individuals impacted by systemic injustice.
Our Mission
