The Urban Peace Institute

Ben Owens, also known as Taco, supports Urban Peace Institute’s efforts to create safety as a Community Violence Intervention Specialist. Ben is a product of change and reformation of character. As a former gang member turned activist, his involvement with the African American gang culture for over 40 years has forged relationships with rival gang members and often the victims of gang and gun violence. As a Peace Fellow, he travels across the country to train and learn from other intervention workers. He is currently a supervisor with Advocates for Peace and Urban Unity (APUU) and is the Executive Director of Detours Mentoring Group Inc. in Gardena, CA. He sits on the Executive Board of the Southern California Ceasefire Committee where he collaborates with former and active gang members, victims of crime, clergy, community members and law enforcement to resolve community conflict and gang-induced violence in the Greater Los Angeles area. Ben supports the training of peacemakers through the Urban Peace Academy and brings years of experience in training partners and various stakeholders working to create safety.

Tina Padilla serves as the Executive Director of Community Warriors 4 Peace in Northeast Los Angeles. Raised in the same neighborhood, Tina's upbringing instilled in her a deep commitment to support and serve her community. Tina developed her expertise through lived experience, and aspired to break the cycle of trauma and hardship that plagued her family due to their involvement in gangs. Tina has participated in various programs including Alcohol & Drug Abuse (AA and NA), Domestic Violence, Anger & Stress Management, YAAP (Youth Awareness Adult Program), YOP (Youth Offender Program), and CBT (Cognitive Behavior Treatment), Tina acquired invaluable expertise. She obtained her certificate in Drug and Alcohol Counseling from Glendale Community College alongside her Associates of Science degree, followed by a Bachelor's in Human Development. Tina is also a nationwide trainer for the Urban Peace Institute and also sits on the board of the Los Angeles Violence Intervention Coalition. Tina is all about making positive changes so that future generations can thrive in love and healing rather than experiencing trauma and loss.

Kevin Orange, also known as “Twin”, was born and raised in South-Central Los Angeles. As a former gang member turned community leader, Twin has dedicated his life to healing the community he once harmed. Twin co-founded the non profit Advocates 4 Peace & Urban Unity (APUU) in 2008. Through his leadership, APUU works to educate communities about the root causes of violence and has successfully reduced violence through community violence intervention efforts and various programs. Twins efforts extend beyond activism, he is a friend, a mentor, and a great representative for South Los Angeles.His work has earned him numerous awards and recognition for his commitment to creating safer communities for future generations to come.

Javier serves as the Executive Director of "Arise & Go," a non-profit organization based in Harbor City, Los Angeles, dedicated to redirecting the lives of gang members in a positive direction and empowering those who are ready to embrace change. Born to immigrant parents from Mexico, Javier's upbringing in Harbor City included a childhood filled with sports, close friends, and family. Despite his positive upbringing, the gang life was admirable, and a way to represent his community. He placed the burden upon himself to uphold the destructive values of street life in high regard. This led him on a 20-year journey that was filled with everything the gang life has to offer, including its consequences.
In 2007, Javier experienced a profound spiritual awakening and surrendered his life to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. This transformative event granted him a fresh start on life, affording him the opportunity to mend fractured relationships with his children, family and community. His passion and dedication is providing a safe space for transformation of fellow gang members, fostering healthier, happier, and safer communities, through Community Violence Intervention.

Jerald "Pee" Cavitt brings decades of experience to his role as Executive Director of Chapter TWO Inc., located in South Central Los Angeles. Pee is passionate about Community Violence Intervention and goes above and beyond to advocate for the people who live in the most challenging and overlooked, high crime areas. Known for his ability to identify and empower key Community Intervention Workers, Chapter TWO Inc. has thrived, expanding its influence across South LA. Pee's leadership has led to national collaborations that bring ongoing resources to community members in need. With a steadfast commitment to a brighter future for South LA, Pee and his team are committed to making a lasting impact of positive change for future generations.

Josh Green focuses on reforming overly punitive criminal and juvenile justice systems and supporting and developing policies that meaningfully address the needs of residents in high violence areas. Josh partners with communities and individuals to reform overbroad gang suppression strategies. He also develops and advocates for system level reforms through UPI’s work on reforming the Los Angeles Probation Department and supporting the creation of the Los Angeles Office of Youth Diversion and Development. Josh currently serves as a member of the Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council (JJCC) and as the co-chair of the JJCC’s Community Advisory Committee. He also serves on several of the County’s justice advisory bodies, including the CCJCC Youth Diversion Subcommittee and the County’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Public Safety. Previously, Josh served as the Equal Justice Works Fellow at Advancement Project, sponsored by Munger, Tolles & Olson, LLP and Edison International. As a fellow, Josh developed and implemented a program to minimize the negative consequences of civil gang injunctions in Los Angeles communities and to provide representation to individuals who believed that they had been wrongly added to a gang injunction. Prior to his work as a fellow at Advancement Project, Josh graduated from Harvard Law School where he was the Editor-in-Chief of the Harvard Journal on Racial and Ethnic Justice.

Andre Christian promotes peace in communities, uplifts gang intervention, interrupts violence on the frontlines, and educates people on what gang intervention is. In his role at UPI, Andre is able to bring his lived experience and relationships to promote safety in the community. He was born and raised in Los Angeles and started doing the work in 1995. He began his journey as a community intervention worker because he wanted to save lives and keep people out of prisons. He leads Watts Life United, an organization that incorporates car clubs with gang intervention as a tool to build relationships and bring people together through a commonality. Most of his work resides in the Watts community but is able to go into different communities and prevent and/or stop the violence.

Claudia Bracho serves as a Community Violence Intervention Specialist with the Urban Peace Institute working to create safety in Los Angeles communities. Through this unique role, she supports peacemakers throughout the region and works to expand the Los Angeles Violence Intervention Coalition. Claudia has over 25 years of experience working in violence prevention and intervention, most recently serving as a Program Director with the H.E.L.P.ER. Foundation. Throughout her career, she has provided direct services for Black and Latino youth and gang-involved adults to break the devastating cycle of violence and incarceration. Claudia has also leveraged her expertise to act as a trainer and panelist to guide efforts to prevent violence. Claudia holds a Bachelor’s Degree from California State University Dominguez Hills. Moreover, she is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, and Peace-building at California State University Dominguez Hills.