LANAISHA EDWARDS (she/her) is a Harbor City/Los Angeles native, dedicated to empowering at-risk youth, survivors and communities of color. She is a survivor of multi-violent crimes. In 2010 LaNaisha’s younger brother, Vinnie Edwards, was murdered. This tragedy caused her to reevaluate her life and start taking positive steps towards rebuilding and focusing on her education. In the summer of 2013, received AA in Liberal ArtsCompton Community College. During this time, tragedy struck yet again, with the murder of Edwards younger brother, Vaughn Edwards in 2016.

LaNaisha did not waver in her passion for peace in the face of this egregious act. In 2013, Edwards continued her education at California State University – Dominguez Hills where she received a BA in Human Service with a minor in Public Administration. She is currently enrolled at Vermont Law School working towards Masters Certificate in Restorative Justice.

LaNaisha has worked as a gang interventionist with the Los Angeles Gang Reduction Youth Development (GRYD) program. LaNaisha received formal Gang Intervention training through the Urban Peace Institute, where she completed the Los Angeles Violence Intervention Training Academy and became certified in violence/gang intervention. She also completed Leadership instructor training at Urban Peace where she has instructed gang intervention training.

Currently, LaNaisha works with Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice as the Lead Los Angeles Chapter Coordinator, is a member of the Los Angeles DA George Guscon transition team, the Los Angeles Victims Services Advisory Board, and a Steering Committee Member at Trauma Informed LA. LaNaisha is a decided community, and survivors advocate.