LaNaisha Edwards
LaNaisha Edwards is currently earning a Master Certificate in Restore Justice at Vermont Law school with the goal of advocating for more Restorative programs within the justice system and impacted communities.
She is a survivor of multiple violent crimes, activist, restorative justice practitioner and advocate. Since the murder of LaNaisha younger brother she continued to share her story publicly with the goal of showing their is healing in storytelling. She is dedicated to creating opportunities for transformation and healing for everyone impacted by violence including people who have been harmed and people responsible for harm. LaNaisha supports victims/survivors in elevating their voices in many areas; local, and state policy in advocating for change. She consults, trains, and supports survivors with their media present and understanding it is important for victims/survivors to share their own narratives.
LaNaisha's work is formed through her lived experience. After the murder of her young brother LaNaisha started her journey to healing by turning her pain into power. Working with organizations across California and supporting programs that focus on reducing community and gang violence. She has worked with Los Angeles Gang Reduction Youth Development (GRYD) program, Urban Peace Institute where she is a one of many violence interruption training facilitators. LaNaisha is the Los Angeles Chapter Coordinator for Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice, the Program Director for Restore Justice and one of the lead co-chair for the Los Angeles District Attorney Office Crime Victims Advisory Board. She is also the Co-Director of United Communities for Peace where she leads our restorative justice work with victims and incarcerated individuals, both inside prisons and in the community.
LaNaisha work is an expression of her longstanding commitment to addressing systemic oppression and disparities that impact communities of color.