As a lifelong resident of Newark, New Jersey, born and raised, David has dedicated himself to advocating for the empowerment and inclusion of the community, especially our city's youth in decision-making processes at every level.
His journey began at First Avenue Elementary School and then Arts High School, where he served as the youngest and longest serving Student Body President for three years, senior class president, National Honors Society vice president, debate captain, student representative to the Board of Education representing Arts High, and co-chair of the Newark Students Union.
This is where his passion for youth development was ignited. Since then, he has worked to ensure Newark's young people have access to the opportunities they deserve and a voice in shaping their future.
One of his proudest achievements was spearheading the creation of student governing bodies at the BOE level and in every high school grade level through a policy proposal he authored to the Newark Board of Education. This initiative provided an essential platform for youth voices to be heard and valued in shaping their educational experiences.
His commitment to youth advocacy led him to serve as the program coordinator for the Abbott Leadership Institute's YMS Program in Newark, where he mentored young individuals, equipping them with the tools to advocate for themselves and their communities.
He was also a proud career pathways facilitator and coordinator of the student advisory board at the Newark Youth Career Pathways program, operated by the Newark Alliance. In this capacity, he had the privilege to guide Newark’s youth towards successful futures by providing mentorship and exposure to post-secondary pathways and career opportunities.
In his current role as the Youth Impact Program Manager for the Center for Justice Innovation, he works closely with legal bodies including various police departments, probation departments, courts, schools, and community organizations to advance restorative justice initiatives.
Under his leadership, the Youth Impact Program (formerly referred to as Youth Court) recruits and trains high school students to become facilitators of restorative and transformative justice practices, helping to address low to mid-level offenses through community-based solutions. The program expands access to opportunity for post-secondary success and create the leaders of tomorrow through civic engagement.
He originally was a referral in the fourth grade to the Youth Court program for his behavior – an experience that changed his life. After having an opportunity later in life to intern for Judge Victoria Pratt, he was recommended to join the Youth Court and became a youth judge for three years in high school. Today, he runs the program.
This full circle moment speaks to who he is and why he does this work. These experiences have strengthened his collaborative relationships with key stakeholders, positioning him as an effective advocate within the justice system.
His dedication to youth justice and community empowerment extends to his work as a visionary behind the Youth Advisory Board for the Center for Justice Innovation.
Formerly representing New Jersey as a board member, he helped shape policies and initiatives to further support the center in its programming and practices.
Now, as the vice chairman of the Civilian Complaint Review Board, his commitment to ensuring accountability, fairness, and justice for the residents of Newark is unwavering.
His extensive experience working with legal, educational, and community organizations has uniquely prepared him to meet this moment.
He is honored to continue his lifelong mission of uplifting our community by promoting transparency and fostering trust between public institutions and the people they serve, our people, we the people.
- Born and raised in Newark
- Graduate of Arts High School
- Former Newark Students’ Union Leader
- Former Career Pathways Instructional Facilitator, Newark Youth Career Pathways
- Former Youth Programs Coordinator, Abbott Leadership Institute
- Program Associate, Newark Future Policy Makers, Advocates for Children of NJ
- Program Associate, Arts Education Newark
- Youth Impact Program Coordinator, Center for Justice Innovation
- Judge, Newark Debate Academy
- Vice Chairman, Newark Civilian Complaint Review Board
- Author of Student District Governance Policy 9130
- Certificate, Youth Mental Health First Aid, NCMW