They not like us

Conference 2025

Together in healing, hope and love

Join us for a powerful conference focused on “Health and Safety Through Individual and Community Empowerment.” This event centers the voices and experiences of those impacted by gun violence, offering trauma-informed self-care, expert-led sessions, and strategies for healing, advocacy, and justice. Together, we’ll unite community members, leaders, and stakeholders to create a safer, healthier future for Vallejo and Solano County.
  • Location: 200 Maritime Academy Dr, Vallejo, CA 94590
  • Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
  • Time: 10AM – 4PM
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Speakers & Hosts

Meet the inspiring voices and dynamic leaders who will guide us through this transformative event. Our speakers and hosts bring a wealth of experience, passion, and commitment to healing, advocacy, and empowerment. From expert insights to heartfelt stories, they’ll spark conversations that unite and uplift our community.
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DeVone Boggan

Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Advance Peace
Sponsor

Dionne Carter

Strategy Manager
Advance Peace Vallejo

Host

Tinisch Hollis

Executive Director
Californians for Safety and Justice
Keynote
Speaker

Celina Perez

Executive Director
First Chance Vallejo

Moderator

Cassandra James

Solano County Board of
Supervisors District 1

Speaker

Cameron Clark

Executive Director
Developing Organizing Visions for Everyone
Panelist

Orlando Graham

Advance Peace Neighborhood Change Agent & Community Leader
Boys & Girls Empowerment Group (BGEG)
Panelist

Melvin E Jones III. (MEL)

Vallejo Human Relations Commissioner, Activist
& Lion Club Member

Panelist

Michelle Monterrosa

Co-Founder/ Executive Director
The Sean Monterrosa Project


Panelist

Isabel Reyes

Founder
Eric Reyes Foundation
Panelist

Shawn William

Grammy Nominated
Spoken Word Artist
Facilitator

Kerby Lynch, PhD

Director of Research
Ceres Policy Research
Facilitator

Donald Frazier

CEO
Building Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency (BOSS)
Facilitator

Reina Robinson

CEO/Founder
Center for Urban Excellence (CUE)

Self-Care
Leader

Andre Humphrey

Founder & Executive Director
Inner City Bliss

Self-Care
Leader

DJ heyLove*

Event DJ & MC
DJ & MC

Safe Spaces to Heal - Facilitator: Shawn Williams

Explore the complexities of depression, mental health, and loss in this insightful discussion. Learn how to foster safe spaces for healing and growth—both within yourself and in your community—by understanding emotional challenges and building pathways to support and connection.

Survivors for Justice & Advocacy (Policy Driven Actions) - Facilitator: Dr. Kerby Lynch, Director of Research | Ceres Policy Research

Discover how survivors of gun violence are shaping change through policy and community advocacy. This workshop highlights survivor-led justice models and key legislative efforts, empowering attendees to explore actionable solutions for their own communities.

Best Practice: Community-Based Trauma Recovery Center - Facilitator: Don Frazier | BOSS

Learn how the Community-Based Trauma Recovery Center model delivers trauma-informed care to survivors of violence and loss. This workshop highlights compassionate, evidence-based practices like advocacy, mental health services, and case management, all tailored to meet individuals where they are emotionally, culturally, and economically. Discover how this multidisciplinary approach creates pathways to healing, recovery, and socioeconomic inclusion, ensuring survivors feel safe, respected, and empowered.

Workshops

Explore workshops designed to nurture self-care, empower personal growth, and guide healing. These sessions provide practical tools, expert insights, and supportive spaces to help attendees process, reflect, and move toward holistic wellness. Let the journey to healing and empowerment begin.
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Schedule
& Map

Find everything you need to navigate the day with ease. Explore the event schedule and map to plan your experience and stay on track of the day, workshops, and activities.
Download schedule

Time

Location

Activity

Host

9:00AM-10:00AM

Marketplace Lobby

Breakfast + Registration

10:00AM-10:30AM

Compass Room (Doors open at 9:30AM)

Opening & Welcome
🔺 Spoken Word Performance
🔺 Guided Meditation
🔺 Music Meditation

DeVone Boggan
PoloJoe
Andre Humphrey

10:30AM-11:30AM

Compass Room

Greetings & Land Acknowledge from Solano County Supervisor

Morning Panel
🔺 They Not Like Us: Lived Experiences of Interpersonal & Community Gun Violence

Cassandra James

Panelists
Celina Perez – Host
Cameron Clark
Orlando Graham
Melvin Jones
Michelle Monterrosa
Isabel Reyes

11:30AM-11:45AM

BREAK + Resource Tables

11:45AM-12:30PM

Compass Room

Keynote Speaker

Tinisch Hollins

12:30PM-1:30PM

LUNCH + Resource Tables

1:30PM-2:15PM

Compass Room

Trauma and Healing Activity
🔺 Community Adverse Experiences Survey
🔺 Self-Care Activity

Facilitator:
Reina Robinson

2:15PM-2:30PM

Break & Resource Tables

2:30PM-3:30PM

Compass Room

Break Out Sessions
1. Survivors for Justice & Advocacy (Policy Driven Actions)
2. Safe Spaces to Heal
3. Best Practice: Community-Based Trauma Recovery Center

Facilitators:
1. Dr Kerby Lynch
2. Shawn William
3. Don Frazier

3:30PM-3:45PM

Procession to Memorial Ceremony

2:30PM-3:30PM

Cal Maritime Lawn

Memorial Ceremony & Closing

Presenter:
Dionne Carter

location

Driving & Parking Instructions:
To join us at this impactful event, follow Maritime Academy Drive and look for directional signs guiding you to the Marketplace. On the map, follow the yellow dotted directional line to reach the FREE designated parking lot located in front of Mayo Hall.

For public transportation:
Take the RED LINE on SolTrans. Follow the directional signs to easily navigate the walking paths leading to the Marketplace.

Download Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? We’ve got answers! Explore the FAQ section for helpful details about the event, including transportation, parking, schedules, and more. Find everything you need to make your experience seamless and stress-free.
The event will take place at Cal Maritime, located at 200 Maritime Academy Dr, Vallejo, CA 94590. Detailed directions and parking information will be provided upon registration.

Yes, this event is completely free to attend.

Yes, food will be provided during the event to ensure attendees are comfortable and nourished throughout the day.

Free parking is available on-site. Attendees can follow directional signage upon arrival for designated parking areas.

Yes, if you are unable to attend, you may transfer your spot to someone else. Please contact Dionne at dionne@advancepeace.org in advance to confirm the change.

This is an in-person event, allowing attendees to fully engage with the sessions, workshops, and community activities.

The event runs from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, featuring impactful workshops, engaging discussions, and networking opportunities. Doors open at 9:00 AM with registration and breakfast. Please plan to arrive early.

Unfortunately, childcare will not be provided during the event.

Yes, the venue is fully wheelchair accessible to ensure inclusivity for all attendees.

Absolutely! Volunteers are welcome and appreciated. Please contact us for more details on how you can assist.
Dionne@advancepeace.org

Share the event using #TNLUVallejo and direct people to www.eyespy.marketing/TNLU2025. Encourage your network to join this impactful day.

For media inquiries, please reach out to Dionne at Dionne@advancepeace.org

If you have any questions about the event, please contact Dionne at Dionne@advancepeace.org

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DeVone Boggan

Prior to founding Advance Peace, DeVone served as Neighborhood Safety Director and Director of the City of Richmond (California) Office of Neighborhood Safety (ONS). As Director of ONS, DeVone was responsible for the development, implementation, and management of comprehensive approaches to reducing firearm assaults, preventing retaliation associated with firearm conflict, and transforming the lives of the city’s most lethal young men. DeVone is a national authority on urban gun violence prevention and intervention.

Dionne Carter

Dionne is a passionate community leader in the pursuit of social justice, health equity, and community transformation. For over three decades, Dionne has led numerous initiatives throughout the Bay Area including community outreach programs, educational workshops, and community coalitions. Her efforts have brought families impacted by gun violence, local lawmakers, and organizations to work together for peace. She continues to be a guiding light for many, bridging the gap between spirituality and public health, and tirelessly working to make a difference in the lives of others.

Tinisch Hollins

Tinisch Hollins is a dynamic community organizer and policy advocate with decades of experience driving public safety and justice reform. As Executive Director of Californians for Safety and Justice, she has spearheaded historic criminal justice reforms, including automatic record expungement laws. Appointed to Governor Newsom’s Reimagine San Quentin Advisory Committee, Tinisch helped transform the prison into a rehabilitation center. Her leadership with Crime Survivors Speak led to California’s first Flexible Cash Assistance Fund for crime victims, showcasing her dedication to equity, advocacy, and community-driven change.

Celina Perez

Celina Perez is a dedicated community leader and the founder of First Chance Vallejo, where she provides essential resources to underserved populations. Celina serves as a Juvenile Justice Commissioner for Solano County and as Chaplain for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Vallejo Post 1123, offering support to local veterans. Celina holds three degrees from the University of Maryland Global Campus and is a proud military police veteran. A devoted mother of two, she brings her passion for service and extensive experience to her hometown of Vallejo.

Cassandra James

Cassandra James, a seasoned advocate with nearly two decades of experience, has worked on homelessness, domestic abuse intervention, and supporting formerly incarcerated women. Now representing Solano County’s First District as Supervisor, she is one of only six Black women serving statewide. Formerly Vice President of Solano-Napa BWOPA, she has served on numerous community boards and earned degrees in politics and law from Mills College. A proud Vallejo resident and caregiver for her grandmother, Cassandra remains deeply committed to advancing housing access, equity, and community-driven progress.

Cameron Clark

Cameron is the Executive Director of Developing, Organizing Visions for Everyone, a nonprofit dedicated to assisting formerly incarcerated individuals in successfully reentering society. Born and raised in Compton, Cameron’s life took a transformative turn after serving a 16-year-to-life sentence due to gang involvement. While incarcerated, he earned a business certification and became a credentialed Drug and Alcohol Counselor through the California Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselors program. Now living in the Bay Area, he cherishes time with his sons and inspires others with his journey.

Orlando Graham

Orlando Graham, a Neighborhood Change Agent with Advance Peace and founder of the Boys and Girls Empowerment Group, is a dedicated community leader in Vallejo’s Country Club Crest, affectionately called the “Mayor of the Crest.” Once involved in illegal activities, becoming a single father transformed his path. Graham mentors youth, organizes events like “Hoop It Up” basketball, supports families in need, and leads initiatives such as health screenings and the Big Brother, Big Sister program for at-risk youth. He believes, “Children are our future, and we need to invest in them.

Melvin E Jones III. (MEL)

Gun shot survivor of 22 years who lives his life as a T-11 paraplegic with chronic depression.

Michelle Monterrosa

Michelle Monterrosa is a San Francisco native and a tireless advocate for justice, inspired by the tragic loss of her brother, Sean Monterrosa, to police violence in 2020. As a trauma-informed leader, she blends personal experience and professional expertise to support survivors and drive systemic reform. Michelle is the co-founder of The Sean Monterrosa Project, a transformative initiative addressing systemic issues, advocating for police accountability, and elevating Sean’s legacy. Through this work, she pushes for transparency, accountability, and justice in policing and public safety.

Isabel Reyes

Isabel Reyes, is of Mexican decent and Native of Chicago, ILL, moved to Vallejo at a very young age. She is a mother of two boys and a grandmother of three beautiful grandchildren. Isabel has been employed at the non-profit La Clinica Vallejo for over 25 years. In 2016, Isabel lost her younger son Eric to gun violence in Vallejo. Isabel recognized she had to do something in order to help today’s youth. In September 2016, Isabel founded the Eric Reyes Foundation in honor of Eric’s memory, that would focus on her beloved son talents and supporting youth and families in Vallejo community.

Shawn William

My workshop detects and deals with mental health, anxiety and depression that so-called “Strong people” are afraid to talk about by providing a safe space to listen, learn and better love yourself.

Kerby Lynch, PhD

Kerby Lynch is a Black feminist scholar, activist, and small business owner in Vallejo, California. With a PhD in Geography from UC Berkeley, Lynch’s work focuses on racial equity, community reinvestment, and reparations. As the Director of Research at Ceres Policy Research, she uses GIS technology to advocate for policies that address historical injustices and promote healing in marginalized communities. Lynch is also a founding co-owner of La Dell’s Shoes, a family-run business providing affordable fashion to the Vallejo community for over 15 years.

Donald Frazier

Donald Frazier, CEO of Building Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency (BOSS), has over 30 years of experience leading efforts to address systemic inequities and mass incarceration. Under his leadership, BOSS underwent rapid expansion, creating award-winning reentry programs, violence prevention initiatives, and expanding housing countywide. A Chicago native, Donald’s early exposure to poverty and injustice shaped his mission to promote equitable socio-economic policies. Known for his innovative thinking and collaborative approach, he has dedicated his career to uplifting disadvantaged communities and challenging the structural causes of poverty and systemic inequity.

Reina Robinson

Reina Robinson is the Founder and CEO of the Center for Urban Excellence, a certified resilience and mental wellness practitioner, author, San Francisco Bay Area community developer and co-chair of the Board at the Museum of Children’s Art. With a focus on digital media literacy, spectrum thinking, and social and economic opportunity development, Reina’s work embodies a commitment to fostering hope, healing, and antifragility. Utilizing Afrofuturism, art, and education, Reina shares her experiences to empower and uplift system-impacted communities. When not working, she enjoys BBQing with family and dancing at a music festival.

Andre Humphrey

Andre Humphrey founded Inner City Bliss (ICB), a nonprofit organization established in 2018 to provide accessible trauma-informed meditation and yoga practices to BIPOC youth and adults. As a certified trauma-informed meditation and yoga practitioner with over a decade of experience, Andre has utilized indigenous healing practices to navigate and heal from his childhood trauma.Through ICB, Andre has positively impacted over 5,000 youth, primarily from Black and Latinx communities in San Leandro, Oakland, and Richmond.

DJ heyLove*

DJ heyLove* grew up in the Bay Area surrounded by different cultures, ethnicities, and art. Her mission is to spread love thru music by bringing people of all colors, creeds, beliefs, and backgrounds together with a universal medium of expression in hopes of uplifting and uniting their spirits, minds, bodies, and hearts. She strive to manifest experiences of joy with the cause of creating value, sharing art, and bringing beauty and culture in our communities. She has shared the stage with artists such as Grammy Award winners the Robert Glasper Experiment & Esperanza Spalding, as well as Seun Kuti, Emily King, Jose James, Questlove, Slum Village, and The Funky Meters.

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