WATCH: Metropolitan Peace Academy Management and Supervision Fellows Reflect on the Program
Designed for individuals already on the front lines of gun violence prevention, the inaugural Metropolitan Peace Academy (MPA) Management and Supervision Fellowship program has provided fellows with the critical leadership and management skills needed to succeed in supervisory roles and the ability to create lasting change in their communities across Chicago.
Throughout the fellowship, participants engaged in intensive training sessions, deepening their understanding of the CVI ecosystem, refining their leadership styles, and developing the tools needed to navigate high-crisis situations.
As the six-month program ends, six fellows reflect on their journeys—what they have learned, how they have grown, and the impact they will carry forward.
“This fellowship has supported my growth as an emerging leader by giving me the tools and knowledge I need to continue to just grow in this field and elevate myself as an individual.”
— Daniel Malave, Lead Outreach Professional at Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP)
“It has motivated my growth. I’m seeing myself in spaces and places that I never thought I could see myself before.”
— Charon Jones, Lead Outreach Professional at Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP)
“[This fellowship] was a toolbox where I could grab [skills] out of it and it helped me build my own project.”
— Samuel Santana, Program Manager at Alliance of Local Service Organizations (ALSO)
“One thing that stood out to me was learning about the CVI ecosystem, how it works, how we collaborate, and how each part is important.”
— Artemio Williamson, Reentry Supervisor at Institute for Nonviolence Chicago (INVC)
“This fellowship supported my growth as an emerging leader by giving me the confidence … it gave me the opportunity to see so much more in me.”
— Suncheka Henderson, Case Manager at Claretian Associates
“[I’ve learned the importance of] just being patient and meeting people where they are.”— Keyante Dent, Youth Development Coach at UCAN
