Dr. Jamila T. Davis
 

Co-Founder & Executive Director, Institute of Research for Social Justice in Action (IRSJA)

Dr. Jamila T. Davis is a nationally recognized author, educator, and transformative leader committed to dismantling the trauma-to-prison pipeline and advancing healing-centered justice in urban communities. As Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Institute of Research for Social Justice in Action (IRSJA), she leads a bold movement to shift systems by empowering credible messengers, elevating youth leadership, and developing grassroots-driven solutions to violence, poverty, and systemic harm.

​

A formerly incarcerated woman turned Ph.D., Dr. Davis is the creator of several groundbreaking programs, including the Voices of Consequences Enrichment Series, I Love Me More, and Be the Changemakers. Her curricula are used nationwide in schools, prisons, and reentry programs to support healing, leadership development, and educational advancement for justice-impacted individuals.

​

Through IRSJA, she co-leads national initiatives such as Pull Up 4 Peace, the Community Practitioner Certification Program, and the New Direction Leadership Empowerment Initiative (NDLEI)—blending personal experience with academic research to build scalable, equity-focused models for change.

​

Dr. Davis’s work is driven by a deep belief in second chances, generational healing, and the power of community-led transformation. Her leadership continues to inspire a national movement grounded in purpose, resilience, and liberation.

Angelo Pinto, Esq.

Director of Strategic Oversight & Policy Development

Co-Founder, Institute of Research for Social Justice in Action (IRSJA)

Angelo Pinto, Esq. is a nationally respected civil rights attorney, policy architect, and movement strategist committed to building justice from the ground up. As the Director of Strategic Oversight & Policy Development and Co-Founder of the Institute of Research for Social Justice in Action (IRSJA), Angelo leads the design and implementation of transformative policy, public safety initiatives, and leadership development programs across the country.

​

With over 15 years of experience at the intersection of law, grassroots organizing, and education, Angelo has helped shape historic campaigns such as Raise the Age NY, Justice for Kalief Browder, and Justice for Breonna Taylor through Until Freedom. His work centers credible messenger leadership, youth empowerment, and community-driven policy reform.

​

At IRSJA, Angelo drives strategy for national initiatives including New Direction Leadership Empowerment, Pull Up 4 Peace, and One Hood W.E.N.S., ensuring that those most impacted by systemic harm are also the architects of solutions. A trusted advisor, trainer, and speaker, he continues to equip emerging leaders with the tools to dismantle systems of oppression and build new models rooted in equity, healing, and power.

Khalil Tutt

Senior Community Practitioner & Trainer

Founder & President, New Direction 360

​

Khalil Tutt is a respected violence prevention strategist and community leader, serving as Senior Community Practitioner & Trainer with IRSJA. He is also the Founder and President of New Direction 360, a Newark-based organization focused on credible messenger intervention, youth mentorship, and public safety reform.

​

Khalil’s journey from incarceration to community leadership is a powerful example of transformation. He developed the foundation for New Direction 360 while incarcerated, inspired by political movements and a vision for community healing. Upon release, he mobilized former gang members, launched the One Hood violence interruption model, and partnered with city officials to implement Safe Passage and reentry initiatives.

​

A graduate of the Community Practitioner Certification Program at Kean University, Khalil specializes in trauma-informed outreach, conflict mediation, and grassroots engagement. His work continues to shift narratives and drive real change in Newark and beyond.

Shadee Dukes

Senior Community Practitioner & Field Support Coordinator

Co-Founder, New Direction 360

​

Shadee Dukes is a respected high-risk interventionist and community strategist, serving as Senior Community Practitioner & Field Support Coordinator with IRSJA. He is also the co-founder of New Direction 360, a Newark-based grassroots organization focused on violence prevention, youth empowerment, and community healing.

​

With over a decade of frontline experience, Shadee has led trauma-informed, community-centered initiatives across Newark. His foundation was built through his work with the Newark Community Street Team (NCST), where he managed crisis response, hospital-based interventions, and Safe Passage programs for youth.

​

At New Direction 360, he plays a vital role in coordinating field operations, mentoring credible messengers, and supporting partnerships with schools, hospitals, and city agencies. He is a graduate of the Community Practitioner Certification Program at Kean University, the CVI Leadership Academy, and holds multiple certifications in trauma response, public safety, and emergency care.

​

Known for his integrity, lived experience, and commitment to community transformation, Shadee continues to lead with purpose, helping shape safer, more empowered futures for urban youth and families.

Alia Clark

Senior Community Practitioner & Outreach Specialist 

Chief Operating Officer, New Direction 360

​

Alia Clark is a strategic leader, educator, and community advocate serving as Senior Community Practitioner & Outreach Specialist with IRSJA. As Chief Operating Officer of New Direction 360, she leads violence prevention and youth development programs across Newark, with a focus on outreach, empowerment, and safe community spaces.

​

With over a decade of experience in education and grassroots leadership, Alia brings a deep commitment to culturally responsive engagement and trauma-informed practice. She is co-founder of the Ladies of New Direction, an initiative providing healing circles, mentorship, and leadership development for women and girls impacted by violence and systemic barriers.

​

A certified community practitioner and two-time Master’s degree holder, Alia is known for her ability to build trusted partnerships, train credible messengers, and translate vision into impact. Her work continues to drive equity-centered solutions that restore hope and power in urban communities.

Christina Dykes

Program Manager, Institute of Research for Social Justice in Action (IRSJA)

Founder & CEO, Genius

​

Christina Dykes is a strategic leader, equity advocate, and education innovator serving as Program Manager at the Institute of Research for Social Justice in Action (IRSJA). In this role, she supports the design and implementation of community-based solutions that drive justice reform, educational access, and systems transformation across urban communities.

​

Christina is also the Founder and CEO of Genius, an Alabama-based organization dedicated to unlocking the brilliance of young people through academic support, family engagement, and social-emotional development. Under her leadership, Genius has impacted hundreds of students and families, producing measurable gains in achievement and empowerment.

​

With a professional background that spans education, philanthropy, and community development, Christina also leads Cosmos Creative, where she provides strategic planning and consulting services for mission-driven organizations. She has helped secure over $4 million in funding for grassroots initiatives and specializes in stakeholder engagement, curriculum design, and capacity building.

​

Christina’s work is fueled by a deep belief in the power of equitable ecosystems—and a commitment to ensuring every child and community has the opportunity to thrive.

Jacobie Williams

Senior Coordinator, One Hood W.E.N.S. Initiative – Birmingham

Founder, EverybodyWENS

​

Jacobie Tarell Williams is a dynamic mentor, strategist, and community organizer dedicated to restoring hope, purpose, and peace in Birmingham’s most impacted neighborhoods. As the Senior Coordinator for IRSJA’s One Hood W.E.N.S. Initiative in Birmingham, he plays a central role in building grassroots leadership, mobilizing credible messengers, and launching healing-centered violence prevention strategies across the city.

​

Jacobie is the founder of EverybodyWENS, a movement rooted in mentorship, faith, and self-empowerment that uplifts youth and men through life skills development, purpose discovery, and trauma-informed outreach. He currently serves with the Birmingham Housing Authority, where he supports community development efforts that directly address cycles of violence, poverty, and disconnection.

​

From organizing citywide peace events to coaching the next generation of change agents, Jacobie leads with authenticity and impact. His work continues to shape safer, more spiritually grounded communities where healing and transformation are possible.

Andre “A.T.” Mitchell Mann

Senior Advisor for Violence Prevention & Training, Institute of Research for Social Justice in Action (IRSJA)

​

Founder & Executive Director, Man Up! Inc.

Gun Violence Prevention Czar, New York City

Andre “A.T.” Mitchell Mann is a nationally respected violence prevention expert, civic leader, and master trainer with over three decades of experience transforming urban communities through healing-centered public safety strategies. As Senior Advisor for Violence Prevention & Training at the Institute of Research for Social Justice in Action (IRSJA), he provides strategic guidance on curriculum development, credible messenger leadership, and systems-level violence intervention.

​

A.T. is the Founding Director of Man Up! Inc., a Brooklyn-based organization he launched in 2004 following the tragic killing of 8-year-old Daesean Hill. Under his leadership, Man Up! became one of the first New York State organizations to adopt the Cure Violence model and is widely recognized for helping reduce gun violence in East New York by over 50%.

​

In 2022, he was appointed Gun Violence Prevention Czar by New York City Mayor Eric Adams and serves as Co-Chair of the Mayor’s Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. He is also a co-architect of the NYC Crisis Management System, now a national model for community-based public safety infrastructure.

​

A.T. is the co-author of 10 Steps to Healing the Wounded Healer—an IRSJA-powered curriculum that delivers trauma-informed care strategies to frontline workers, credible messengers, and practitioners who serve high-risk communities. This work supports healing and sustainability for those who lead violence prevention efforts on the ground.

Certified in restorative justice, recovery coaching, trauma-informed care, and violence interruption, A.T. is also a trusted consultant to grassroots organizations and government leaders across the country. His mission is rooted in peace, purpose, and the power of transformation from within.