Meet ‘Peace Portraits’ Honoree Dr. Vanessa Perry DeReef
Meet “Peace Portraits” honoree Dr. Vanessa Perry DeReef, Chief Training Officer at Metropolitan Peace Initiatives (MPI). Dr. DeReef is a fundamental leader in training Chicago’s Community Violence Intervention (CVI) workforce of street outreach workers, case managers, and victim advocates at MPI’s Metropolitan Peace Academy (MPA).
“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 five 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.
To Dr. DeReef, her work is her “ministry and passion.”