Dawan Williams
Restorative Justice Program Manager
Mural Arts Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA USA
“The mindset is 100%—maybe 110%—of your success.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationDawan Williams
Milestones
My road in life has taken me all over.
As a teenager, I was deep in the streets of Philadelphia and I had a child on the way—I was applying to jobs and wanted to get out but wasn’t successful.
I ultimately ended up in prison.
In prison, I participated in the Fathers and Children Together (FACT) project, a collaboration with Mural Arts that helps incarcerated men reconnect with their kids and become positive role models.
After being released, I was invited to join the restorative justice program at Mural Arts to help get it off the ground—I haven’t looked back since!
In addition to my role as restorative justice program manager for Mural Arts Philadelphia, I’m also the vice president of restorative justice for NOMO (New Options More Opportunities).
Career
Restorative Justice Program Manager
I work to strengthen our community in Philadelphia through restorative justice initiatives.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Non-Profit Organizations
Politics
Upholding a Cause and Belief
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for everyone
Restorative justice starts on your block first. Start by speaking with your neighborhood kids or inviting people in your neighborhood to start a little group in the park. If you enter this field with pure intentions of helping, then everything else will fall into place.
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Society in General:
"You can't do this. You won't make it. You'll be back."
Challenges I Overcame
Formerly Incarcerated
