Meet 2026 ‘Peace Portraits’ Honoree Luis Bahena
Meet “Peace Portraits” honoree Luis Bahena, Scaling Community Violence Intervention for a Safer Chicago (SC2) Outreach Supervisor at New Life Centers. In his role, Bahena manages a team of mentors who connect with high-risk individuals in Little Village.
“Peace Portraits,” presented by the Illinois Peace Project, is a visual project dedicated to spotlighting the incredible individuals making a difference in Illinois. This year’s six honorees embody the spirit of “Peace Portraits,” as they work tirelessly to strengthen their communities, empower residents, inspire change, and foster peace and harmony in their communities.
“Peace is not just the absence of violence, but the presence of community wellness,” says Bahena.
“That’s what I think peace looks like — community wellness, having community buy-in with the mentoring programs and the things we’re trying to offer. [It’s] walking with families through tough times. Whether you like it or not, those high-risk people, people that society calls gang members, they’re part of our community. They have their own struggles too.
“Let’s be part of the solution, instead of pointing fingers, judging them, and casting them to the side. I’m slowly starting to see that come to fruition.”