Aswad Thomas
Vice President, Alliance for Safety and Justice & National Director, Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice
On August 24, 2009, Aswad was 26 years old and just three weeks from going to Europe to play professional basketball. As he left a convenience store, he was approached by two men intent on robbing him and he suffered two near-fatal gunshots to his back, ending his basketball career. Today, Aswad leads ASJ’s organizing efforts as the Vice President.
In this role, Aswad is dedicated to expanding ASJ’s national network of crime survivors to include those most commonly affected by violence, including young men of color, and help elevate those voices in state and federal policymaking debates. Aswad received a Master of Social Work, with a concentration in Community Organizing and focused area of study in Urban Issues, from the University of Connecticut, and a B.A. in Business Management from Elms College. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia with his Wife.
Aswad’s story has been featured in the New Yorker Magazine: “Black Wounds Matter”, NPR: “Black Men Who Are Crime Victims Have Few Places to Turn”, Sacramento Bee: “California’s crime survivors must speak out for smart justice”, VICE/The Marshall Project: “How I Came to Terms with the Man Who Shot Me”, Marshall Project: “We are Witnesses”, and the Hartford Courant: “On Hartford Streets, A Life Nearly Derailed by Bullets” and “Hartford Shooting Survivor Stands Against The Violence”. Prior to his time at ASJ, he was one of Connecticut’s most outspoken supporters of additional resources for victims of gun violence and became a leader in building coalitions across racial lines to advance justice reform and prevent gun violence. Aswad founded Hartford Action, a grassroots organization working to empower communities to change policy and improve the relationship between the Greater Hartford community and the justice system.
Jonathon Lewis
National Training Director, Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice
Jonathon earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX and a Masters in Public Administration from Bowie State University. Jonathon begin his organizing career during his collegiate years, where he mobilized young adults across the state of Texas around education, issue advocacy, and civic engagement.
He lives in Houston, Texas.
Danny Montes
Organizing Director, CSSJ
Previously, he was the Civic Engagement Strategist for the National Council of La Raza (NCLR), the nation’s largest Latino civil rights and advocacy organization. There, Danny worked with NCLR’s 62 California affiliated nonprofits to increase their capacity, civic engagement and advocacy efforts on issues such as criminal justice, health, housing, immigration and workforce development. Danny also worked with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) in Washington, D.C., to build investment and advocate for job creation legislation.
Danny is a seasoned trainer in organizing and legislative advocacy, starting in 2007 in partnership with the Midwest Academy, Wellstone Action, United States Student Association, and Young People For. He is also a former Public Policy Fellow for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute.
Felicia Adams
Senior Manager, CSSJ
Felicia earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Masters in Public Administration, with a concentration in Law and Public Policy along with certificates in Volunteer Management and DEI. Coupled with her years of experience, drive and skillset, she looks forward to utilizing her knowledge to eliminate inequities, increase division success, uplift survivors, and advance the work of CSSJ.
As the parent of a child who is a child abuse survivor, Felicia has a strong allegiance to the mission of ASJ. While commitment to children’s rights and justice are top priorities, in her downtime, she is a true football fan! In Fall 2021, Felicia relocated to Houston, Texas from Cleveland, Ohio along with her Siamese cat, Shichon dog, 40 houseplants and her two sons.
Kristina Plummer
Program Manager, CSSJ
Her career in social justice began when she was working with a nonprofit organization located in Washington, DC who provided trauma-informed art therapy services for youth, children, and families who were experiencing various forms of trauma including financial crisis, homelessness, and crime. As a passionate lover of the arts and serving the community, Kristina also served as program manager of a local arts agency who provided grants to local artists, schools, and community arts organizations to enrich the lives of others.
Kristina received her M.A. in Nonprofit Arts Administration from Goucher College and her B.A. in Vocal Performance from Agnes Scott College. She currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia with her beloved husband and puppy!
Tricia Forbes
Senior Manager, CSSJ Member Support
After moving to Austin, TX in 1998, Tricia served as the Executive Director of ProTex: Network for a Progressive Texas and was a co-founder of the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition. She has also held leadership positions as the Grassroots Advocacy Director at the American Heart Association; Executive Director at the SIMS Foundation, a mental health organization serving Austin musicians and their families; and Deputy Director at the Texas Fair Defense Project.
Tricia has extensive consulting experience and has worked with criminal legal reform organizations like the Austin/Travis County Reentry Roundtable, as well as several projects that advocate for access to health care. A survivor of violent crime herself who has been in recovery from alcohol and drugs for 14 years, she is passionate about working with other survivors to promote healing. She lives in Austin in a full house with her two amazing teenagers, two rowdy dogs, and a precious cat.
Juan Pablo Chavez
Florida CSSJ & Partnerships Manager
After moving to Florida, he worked with low-income senior citizens and faith leaders to access affordable housing and better public transportation. He has also worked with Latinos and faith leaders though the Florida Immigrant Coalition. As the Director of Clergy Organizing for Faith in Florida, he engaged 2,200 people of faith for various campaigns in support of proactive immigration policies while training 150 lay and clergy leaders to support local, state, and national policy changes in support of immigrant families in Florida.
David Guizar
CSSJ Training & Chapter Engagement Manager
When David was 10 years old in 1983, his older brother – and idol – was murdered. No one told him what happened, and David struggled in his teen years with fear and anger about the loss. After decades of drug and alcohol addiction, David became clean and sober. Then in 2012, another brother was killed while attempting to stop a stranger from entering a wedding party. David helped his family navigate this ordeal and has developed first-hand expertise in what needs – often unmet or hard to meet – people have after experiencing trauma.
Brian Kenner
Policy & Training Manager
Prior to joining the Alliance for Safety and Justice Brian served at the Safer Foundation as the Director of Policy, Advocacy, and Legislative Affairs. He was also Senior Policy Analyst for the Illinois House of Representatives where he served on committees concerning public safety funding, consumer protection, and high education.
Brian holds his BA in Communication and his MPA from the University of Illinois and currently resides in Chicago, Illinois.
Tina Rodriguez
California CSSJ Statewide Manager
Dyesha Darby
Ohio CSSJ Statewide Manager
Immediately prior to joining the Alliance for Safety and Justice she served as Youth Employment Program Manager with the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio, working to transform younger generations by promoting personal empowerment and economic self-sufficiency.
Dyesha has a bachelor of science degree in Education with a specialization in Human Development & Family Studies from Bowling Green State University, a master of arts in Early Childhood Education from Ashford University and is credentialed as an Ohio Certified Prevention Specialist.
Dyesha is a native of Lima, Ohio, where, among other activities, she volunteers as a Big Sister in the Big Brother Big Sister program and is a mentor for the Tomorrows Project, a youth education nonprofit focused on the environment.
Alexandra Abboud
Pennsylvania CSSJ Statewide Manager
Alexandra received her Bachelors in Social Work from Miami University and her Masters in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh, where she fell in love with the Pittsburgh community and took roots. She began her work engaging with youth in schools and residential treatment centers where she quickly witnessed the daily injustices that are experienced by so many people being touch by our systems, especially for survivors of crime.
As she watched so many of the youth she worked directly with be ignored, forgotten, and mistreated, her passion to tackle this on a larger level was ignited; and so began her transition into the crime survivor world. Alexandra transitioned into working as the Victim Assistance Coordinator in the City’s Department of Public Safety, where she developed the crime survivor program, provided trauma-informed care, advocacy and resources for survivors of crime. Her expertise includes crisis intervention, harm reduction practices, survivor supports, youth engagement and program development.
Priscilla Bordayo
Michigan CSSJ Statewide Manager
Priscilla has been featured on TCT, Moms Of Miracles, Driven By Women, The Every Day Series, Every Dope Girl, Cover Of Women’s Lifestyle Magazine (2019). She was the 2019 Women of the Year and 2020-10 over the next 10 award winner. She is currently up for the Governor’s award! Priscilla currently works for two non profits called EVE( Ending Violent Encounters) and Crime Survivors For Safety and Justice. CSSJ is her first National position where she is currently working on the Michigan Safer Act that focuses on victim Compensation and rehabilitation for those who commit crimes. Her newest role is, the State-Wide Manager for CSSJ.
Writing Addition:
Priscilla Bordayo was born in Texas but raised in the mitten, the beautiful four-season state of Michigan. She was the first in her family to attend and receive a degree at the college level. Priscilla comes from a very large family. Her mom had eight brothers and sisters while her dad had fourteen. She knew breaking the cycle of sexual abuse, even in education, was key to her success. She attended Southwestern Assembly of God University where she earned a Bachelors degree in elementary education. In the past she utilized her degree in childhood education, as a full-time Au Pair. Priscilla has such a passion to invest in the lives of children because she believes they are the future. She continues to mentor kids in and outside of school.
Priscilla is also a strong woman of faith and loves to sing. She currently is the Worship Director at Rivers of Life Church in Holt, Michigan, where she serves the ministry faithfully. It’s her passion to worship through song and to help others encounter Jesus through the gift he gave her. She believes Worship is a weapon for a breakthrough. She’s also the Events Director where so oversees all events.
In her free time, Priscilla loves watching movies. She also enjoys watching and playing all kinds of sports. She’s a finger lick’in rib eater with extra bbq sauce, and her favorite snack is French fries.
Many would say she’s a jack of all trades, as she is a go getter, a mover and a shaker, (the definition of her name),and not afraid to take a step on the adventurous side. On the top of her list are two of her favorite hobbies, shopping and interior design. It’s always a toss up to either buy a new blouse or Targets newest decorative pieces.
TraVonn Jones
Illinois CSSJ Statewide Manager
Prior to directing his efforts to social justice, TraVonn devoted 14 years of faithful and honorable service on active duty in the United States Marine Corps. TraVonn studied at Eastern Illinois University for several years prior to enlisting in the Marine Corps shortly after September 11th. Having served initially as an Airframes Structural Mechanic, TraVonn completed three combat deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with famed Heavy Marine Helicopter Squadron 252, amassing numerous unit and individual commendations in route. TraVonn was later hand selected and served nine more years on special duty assignment as a Career Planner. While doing so, Staff Sergeant Jones deployed another three times in support of Marine Expeditionary Units with prestigious units like 1st Marine Division, traveled to over 30 countries, and built a diverse and well maintained global network.
TraVonn continues to serve outside of uniform, as 2022 will be his 20th season as a football coach, now serving at Cahokia High School (Cahokia Heights, IL). Service is a lasting lifestyle lineage in the Jones family. TraVonn comes from a long line of educators, clergy, social service professionals, coaches, activists, organizers, and missionaries; TraVonn continues that tradition with honor and pride while instilling it in the next generation of Jones. TraVonn’s bride of 19 years, Maria was awarded the Presidential Volunteer Service Medal from President Obama and his five children (Derek, Deandre, TraVonn Jr, Alanah, and Adonis) often participate in service projects to include community food distributions at the onset of COVID-19. The Jones family lives in Belleville, IL and are proud to be leaders at New Life Community Church in East St. Louis, IL. Friends and family know TraVonn to be an excellent cook, detailed storyteller, and an uncompromising competitor.
Kimberly Youngblood
Texas CSSJ Statewide Manager
Celina Meadows
Arizona CSSJ Statewide Manager
After primarily working within military legislation and lending her voice to what is now the 2018 Military Families Protections Act (MFPA), Celina began to bridge her legislative efforts to create better practices in civilian legislation—supporting local AZ legislators in collaboration with the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV). Later, Celina helped Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice (CSSJ) in a victorious 2021-2022 legislative cycle, in which CSSJ had (2) bills signed into law HB 2604: Domestic Violence-emergency orders of protection and HB 2594: trauma recovery centers; grants.
Her work continues in community collaboration by expanding her advocacy to revisit her work in community crisis prevention while supporting best practices for system servicing trauma.
Mary Dunne
CSSJ Social Media & Community Associate
Keevy Wilkerson
Senior CSSJ Events & Community Associate
Propelled by her grief over the murder of her only brother John John, Keevy made the move to the non-profit sector, with hopes of amplifying the voices of victims of crime and their families. Her studies in Criminal Justice at Dallas Baptist University, led to a field research position at the Institute for Urban Policy Research at the University of Texas at Dallas.
She has organized conferences dealing with drug awareness policy change, gun violence, and mothers against teen violence. Her personal story about the ineffectiveness of the “War on Drugs” was featured as an opinion editorial on Russell Simmons’ Global Grind website.
Keevy is a proud mother of 3 boys, including a United States Airman, and her little sister who is an actress and activist. She is also a comedian committed to policy awareness, criminal justice reform and spreading joy.