State of Public Safety 2025 SUMMIT PROGRAM 2025

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The State of Public Safety in St.

Louis

Finding Solutions to Teen

Trauma and Violence

WELCOME

Christopher Ramsay, Chief of Staff Office of the Dean Washington University School of Law

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Dr. Christi Griffin, Founder and President, The Ethics Project

INTRODUCTION OF RENE KNOTT, MODERATOR

PANEL & COMMUNITY DISCUSSION

Rene Knott, Moderator, Morning News Anchor, KSDK

WORKING LUNCH STRATEGY SESSIONS

CLOSING SESSION & CALL TO ACTION

NETWORKING

Welcome

WELCOME MESSAGE FROM THE ETHICS PROJECT

In St. Louis, we understand that true public safety is not simply the absence of crime—it is the presence of healing, opportunity, and hope. At The Ethics Project, we believe that creating safer communities requires us to look beyond symptoms and address the root causes of violence and trauma, especially among our youth.

Too often, children and teens carry invisible wounds from experiences of neglect, abuse, systemic inequities, and community violence. Left unaddressed, this trauma can manifest in ways that perpetuate cycles of harm. That is why we are committed to bringing Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) to our region—to equip caregivers, educators, and community leaders with the tools to build trust, nurture healing, and foster resilience.

Today’s summit is not just a conversation it is a call to collective action. It is a space where community members, practitioners, and policymakers come together to share wisdom, confront hard truths, and imagine solutions rooted in compassion and evidence-based practices.

I am deeply grateful to Washington University School of Law for hosting this important gathering and for their partnership in advancing this work. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to the many individuals and organizations who have lent their time, expertise, and support to make this summit possible.

Together, we can create communities where all children—and all people—are seen, valued, and given the chance to thrive. Thank you for joining us in this essential work.

Program

10:00 A.M.

Welcome, Statement of Purpose, Short video on TBRI

10:05 A.M.

Introduction of Judge Michael Dickinson Zoom presentation on Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI)

Audience's Questions, Comments, Suggestions

10:35 A.M.

Introduction of First Panel Panels' Opening Statements

Audience's Questions, Comments, Suggestions

11:15 A.M.

Introduction of Second Panel Panels' Opening Statements

Audience's Questions, Comments, Suggestions

11:50 A.M.

Lunch Strategy Sessions (Pick up lunch and follow guide to your chosen strategy session )

12:00 P.M.

Working lunch strategy sessions. A facilitator will guide the open discussion on the designated topic of each room. A scribe will take notes on solutions and will report to the full assembly

12:50 P.M.

Return to the auditorium for the third panel, closing session and call to action.

1:00 P.M. . Introduction of Third Panel Panels' Opening Statements

Audience's Questions, Comments, Suggestions, Scribes from each strategy session will report to the full assembly on conclusions and solutions. Call to action.

2:00 P.M.

The summit ends Exit to the main hallway for networking and tables

Panels & Discussion

MENTAL HEALTH, TRAUMA, & VIOLENCE

Dr. Kendra Holmes

President & CEO

Affinia Healthcare

Serena Muhammad

Deputy Director

St. Louis Mental Health Board

Dr. Candice Cox, LCSW

Visionary Creator

KHAOS

Brandon Sterling Director

Save Lives Now! Initiative

Sal Martinez CEO

Employment Connection

Panels & Discussion

LAW, NON PROFITS & THE ARTS

Jennifer Lorentz

Director, Diversion Unit

Office of the Circuit Attorney

City of St. Louis

MK Sadiq

Research and Evaluation Manager

St. Louis Regional Arts Commission

Yusef Scoggin

Executive Director

Delmar DivINe

Andrea Purnell

Manager, Community Collaborations

Saint Louis Art Museum

Mary Quandt, Attorney

Director, Public Health Policy

Missouri Appleseed

Panels & Discussion

YOUTH SPEAK

Jason Watson

Show Me Peace

Precious Barry

Public Speaker

Class of 2027

Washington University

Gabrielle Hurt, Chair

Mayor’s Youth Cabinet*

Class of 2025

Rosati Kain High School

M’Kenzie Moore

Mayor’s Youth Cabinet*

Rosati Kain High School

Christen Griffin

Member, Civilian Oversight Board

City of St. Louis

CEO, Juvenile Minds Entertainment

Strategy Sessions

MENTAL HEALTH, TRAUMA, & VIOLENCE

Serena Muhammad

Dr Kenda Holmes

Dr Candice Cox

Moderated by: Dr Marva Robinson

ART & HEALING

MK Sadiq

Andrea Purnell

Christen Griffin

Moderated by: Cassandra Griffin

THE ROLE OF NON PROFITS

Brandon Sterling

Yusuf Scoggins, MD

Moderated by: Keith Antoine Willis, Sr.

YOUTH MENTORING & PARENTING

Precious Barry

Gabrielle Hurt

M’Kenzie Moore

Jason Watson

Moderated by: Precious Jones

YOUTH & THE CHURCH

Doug Petty, Ph.D.

Dr. Cassandra Gould

Moderated by: Alfred Long

Reddit Hudson

Jennifer Lorentz, Esq.

Mary Quandt, Esq.

Moderated by: Heather Fleming

SPEAKER BIOS

Dr. Christi Griffin is a retired attorney who founded the nowmulti-award winning organization, The Ethics Project (TEP) The mission of TEP is addressing the lack of ethics within our legal system that results in wrongful convictions and the impact of over-incarceration. She is the author of two books including Incarcerations in Black and White, The Subjugation of Black America and speaks nationally on issue of criminal injustice and racial disparities.

Rene Knott Rene Knott is a multiple-Emmy Award winning veteran journalist and morning news anchor at KSDK’s Today in St. Louis, where he’s been a trusted voice since 2004. After starting his career in Oregon and Washington, D C , he transitioned from sports to news, while sharing inspiring local stories A pulmonary surgery survivor and dedicated family man, Rene is deeply involved in the St. Louis community, known for his authenticity, warmth, and passion for connecting with viewers.

Christopher Ramsay is the Chief of Staff of Washington University St. Louis School of Law. He has previously served as Director of Dean’s Office of Operations, Adjunct Faculty Instructor in the College of Arts and Sciences,, Associate Director of Skandalaris Center for Interdisciplinary Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Assistant Dean of Academic Success and Undergraduate Admissions and Assistant Dean, Washington University McKelvey School of Engineering,

Dr. Kendra Holmes is the President & CEO for Affinia Healthcare She is the first woman and the first Black person to be selected as the organization’s President and CEO in its 117-year history An active member of the community, Dr Holmes, a pharmacist has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer where, she oversaw health center operations including: radiology, laboratory, nursing services, security, WIC, maternal child, and services for unhoused citizens.

Dr. Kendra Holmes is the President & CEO for Affinia Healthcare She is the first woman and the first Black person to be selected as the organization’s President and CEO in its 117-year history An active member of the community, Dr. Holmes, a pharmacist has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer where, she oversaw health center operations including: radiology, laboratory, nursing services, security, WIC, maternal child, and services for unhoused citizens.

Dr. Candice Cox, LCSW, is the creator of the KHAOS Mindset, a trauma-informed methodology that empowers individuals to assess, address, and reduce toxic stress through holistic healing and emotional resilience. With a background in clinical social work and a passion for community wellness, she integrates culturally sensitive, strength-based strategies into therapeutic and educational spaces. Through her work with KHAOS Inc.

Serena Muhammad is the Deputy Director of the Saint Louis Mental Health Board where she leads cross-sector initiatives that focus on alleviating the social, educational, and health inequities that keep people and places from reaching their full potential. Ms. Muhammad is member of the City of St. Louis Joint Board of Health and Hospitals and also served as the Founding Board Chair of Build Missouri Health.

Brandon Sterling is the Director of the Save Lives Now! Initiative (SLN). SLN coordinates proven anti-violence tactics, technical assistance, and crime data across law enforcement and governmental jurisdictions, neighborhoods, service providers and local residents. Regional in scope, SLN focuses resources in areas identified to have high incidents of violent crime. Sterling previously served as VP of Development for the United Way of Greater St. Louis.

Sal Martinez serves as CEO of Employment Connection whose mission is to assist individuals with limited opportunities to self-sufficiency. Martinez also serves on a number of civic boards including: St. Louis Housing Authority, Civil Rights Enforcement Agency, North Newstead Association, Hamilton Heights Neighborhood Association and the Community Builders Network He has also received numerous community service awards from such entities as: Human Development Corporation, and others.

Jennifer Lorentz is the Director of Diversion Programs for the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office. Ms. Lorentz graduated with her undergraduate degree from Washington University, her law degree from Washington University School of Law, and a master’s degree from the University of Missouri in Criminology and Criminal Justice. In her current role, Ms. Lorentz has developed robust programming for those who commit lowlevel, non-violent offenses in the City of St. Louis aimed at offering an effective alternative to traditional prosecution.

Yusef Scoggin, MD, is the Executive Director of the Delmar DivINe Charitable Foundation, with leadership experience in healthcare, human services, and community advocacy He previously served as CEO of Covenant House Missouri and held key leadership roles for the City and County of St. Louis. Dr. Scoggin’s work emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and social justice, with a focus on addressing social determinants of health to transform communities experiencing hardship.

MK Sadiq is a poet, sociologist and research and evaluation manager at the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis. (RAC) His current research is an exploration of the art worlds of St. Louis, which includes a history of the arts in the region from 1816 to the present day. This work will provide a complete picture on the arts and culture sector of St. Louis He is the founder of Urbstetiks, a multidisciplinary arts and culture organization rooted in the Black Arts Movement tradition.

Andréa Purnell is the community collaborations manager for the Saint Louis Art Museum working to spearhead crossdepartmental initiatives and engagement strategies to increase and expand the museum’s audience profile Purnell has maintained a successful artistic career as an actor, writer, director, and stage manager and was co-creator of the Museum’s “The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century,” exhibit, a global art history of hip hop culture.

Mary Quandt, JD, MPH is the Director of Public Health Policy at Missouri Appleseed. She is an expert on Medicaid policy and incarceration in the state of Missouri, and her work focuses on implementing policies that improve the dignity and health of incarcerated individuals. Through research, advocacy, and education, Missouri Appleseed works to improve the systems and policies at the intersection of public health, criminal justice, and child welfare.

Jason Watson is St. Louis native raised in the Walnut Park now serving as the Senior Vice President of Engagement with Mission St. Louis. Having started in workforce development, Jason now oversees the SHOW ME PEACE program, which focuses on violence intervention and creating safer neighborhoods. A father of three sons Jason strives to inspire future generations. His efforts work garnered him recognition with the Young Professionals Award by The St. Louis American.

Precious Barry Is a youth activist and public speaker dedicated to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. She began her journey in civic engagement at 14 years by interviewing politicians and immersing herself in historical and political education. Precious is now entering her third years at Washington University. Widely recognized as a leading voice of Gen Z, she has delivered keynote speeches, facilitated community forums, and engaged directly with policymakers to drive change throughout the St. Louis region.

Gabrielle Hurt is a graduating senior at Rosati Kain Academy High School with an interest in studying pre-law and political science at Spelman College in Atlanta. Gabi served as a member of Mayor Tishaura Jones’ Youth Cabinet and is actively involved in the community. Her passion for learning and serving others, particularly in underserved communities, prompted her to form her own 501c3 called “Pages of Promise Literacy Outreach.”

M’Kenzie Moore is a rising Junior at Rosati-Kain high school who served on Mayor Tishaura Jones’ Youth Cabinet. M’Kenzie is also a member of the Varsity Volley Ball team and is active in the community.

Christen Griffin is a member of the Civilian Oversight Board for the City of St. Louis. He is CEO of Juvenile Minds Entertainment which was created to showcase films dedicated to underrepresented communities and addressing many issues like mental health, institutional racism, black-onblack crime, poverty, and other issues through visual art and film. He is also the CEO of Ethos Streaming is a black owned streaming channel that focuses on producing and uplifting content created by filmmakers and content creators from underrepresented communities.

THANK YOU

WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW

Dr. Stefanie Lindquist, Dean

Darryl Barker, Director of Multimedia Tech

William Matthews

ORIGINAL PLANNING COMMITTEE

Tony Neal

Nicolle Barton

Chief Shanette Hall

Christopher Ramsay, Chief of Staff

David Ellington

Elizabeth Miller

Dr. Christopher Tinson

Allan Moore

Dr. Tiffany Taylor Johnson

Dr. Marva Robinson Benny Gilliam

SPEAKER

Judge Michael Dickinson

PANELISTS, FACILITATORS, & MODERATORS

Rene Knott, Moderator

Dr. Kendra Holmes

Dr. Candice Cox Serena Muhammad

Brandon Sterling

Jennifer Lorentz

MK Sadiq

Mary Quandt

Sal Martinez

Yusef Scoggin

Andrea Purnell

Jason Watson

Precious Barry Gabrielle Hurt

M’Kenzie Moore

Rev. Doug Petty, Ph. D.

Dr. Cassandra Gould

Christen Griffin

Alfred Long

Precious Jones

SCRIBES & MONITORS & VOLUNTEERS

Peggy Laramie

Linda Robinson

Joe Durso

Nicole Usher

Mildred Clines Ave March

Cassandra Butler

Dr. Marva Robinson

Liela Wise

Bolanle Ambonisye

Kennedy Thomas

David Fingal

Rita Golliday

YOU are the solution. Every role matters. Mother. Father. Neighbor. Teacher. Mechanic. Artist. Coach. Violence and trauma affect us all. Healing doesn’t require a title— It requires compassion. Show up. Speak up. Lift up.

Together, we build safer, healthier communities. Together, we are the solution. #CommunityHealing #StopTheViolence #YouAreTheSolution #TBRI #TheEthicsProject #ChangetheConversation

#AddYourOrganization #FindYourConnection

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