The Youth Justice Leadership Institute (“YJLI”) deepens the capacity of Black, Indigenous, Latine, Middle Eastern and North African, Asian and Pacific Islander, advocates, organizers, healers, and creatives who hold racially marginalized identities and are committed to are committed to abolishing harmful systems and investing in community models of care. YJLI is a 6-month interactive fellowship, from June to December of 2026, that provides instruction in healing justice and leadership curriculum, relationship building, coaching, professional development and networking resources. Upon completion of the fellowship, fellows are welcomed into an alumni-base to receive lifelong support, access to network resources, and connection to additional opportunities to continue building their skills.
Recognizing that those most impacted by systems of oppression need access to individual and collective healing opportunities, YJLI is grounded in healing justice for BIPOC leaders. YJLI connects advocates to mentors, cultivates a supportive network amongst cohorts and alumni, facilitates advocacy learning opportunities, and shares individual and communal healing opportunities.
Meet our 2026 Fellows!
Our 2026 Youth Justice Leadership Institute fellows bring a wealth of experience in restorative and healing justice, policy advocacy, youth leadership development and community activism. Throughout the year these fellows will learn and grow their leadership skills together while bringing new knowledge and growth into their work. Each fellow will also be working on an advocacy project to move youth justice toward healing and transformation across the country!
Learn more about our 2026 fellows:
LV (Lord-Vincent) Crutcher
LV (Lord-Vincent) Crutcher (he/him) is the Founder of The Namaste Collective, a healing-centered wellness and education organization based in Portland, Oregon. Drawing from his own experience navigating foster care and…
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Jeremy Page
Jeremy Page (he/him) is the Justice Reform Program Manager at the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform, where he coordinates communication, technical assistance, and training for juvenile justice initiatives while…
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Jorge Gütirón
Jorge Gütirón (he/him/él) comes with over 10 years of experience in college access, student support, and educational advocacy. He currently works as a College Liaison, where he supports incarcerated and…
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Anaum Virani
Anaum Virani (she/her) is a graduate of the University of Florida, where she earned a B.A. in Religion and Political Science. As a student, she held multiple leadership roles, including…
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Darian Appleton
Darian Appleton (she/her) is a passionate leader and youth justice advocate with experience in integrated behavioral health, program development, and project management. Drawing on her academic background in criminology, psychology,…
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Beatriz Batres
Beatriz Batres (she/her) is a community organizer and immigrant rights advocate with nearly a decade of experience advancing campaigns to end immigrant detention in the United States. A former asylum…
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Cierra Chenier
Cierra Chenier (she/her) is a Black New Orleans writer, historian, and Strategic Storyteller at Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights. At LCCR, she leads narrative change efforts to combat harmful perceptions…
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Ariel Liddell
Ariel Liddell (she/her) is a youth development leader committed to expanding equitable opportunities for young people. With a Master’s in Children’s Law and Policy, which shapes her commitment to bridging…
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Courtney La’Tonica
Courtney La’Tonica (she/her) is the Director of Operations and Programs at Sowing Seeds into the Midlands in Columbia, SC, where she works closely with justice-involved youth. Her work is rooted…
Read MoreTestimonials
NYJN’s Youth Justice Leadership Institute provides a community of long-lasting support for advocates of color working in the movement for youth justice and broader social change. Hear what YJLI alumni have to say about the program:
“The Youth Justice Leadership Institute was my introduction to the national youth justice reform movement. That experience, and the fellowship that I continue to have with the YJLI alumni network, have supported my professional/personal growth as an advocate for youth justice system reform.”
“One of the things YJLI did for me was that it brought me to understand that I could be a leader toward justice reform. It also allowed me to connect to other people and really elevated my leadership as it pertained to being in rooms with leaders making decisions about Black and Brown bodies.”
“YJLI absolutely catapulted my career. I don’t have a Masters degree. I credit my progress to the fellowship distinguishing me alongside powerful alumni. It does the same thing that going to Harvard or Yale does.”
“YJLI is the community of leaders I needed to advance youth justice at home and across the country. My cohort and I leaned on one another to learn about best practices in our current work and also think outside the box of what a youth justice system that addresses root causes of violence and centers healing could look like for young people today.”
“The Youth Justice Leadership Institute was a life and career changing experience for me. I applied for a fellowship and gained an extended family. The fellowship pushed me out of my comfort zone and required me to stretch and take up space in a way that is not only inherent in leadership, but required. ”
“The Youth Justice Leadership Institute offers you the tools needed to move your work forward from a place of love, compassion, empathy, and justice. The experience of YJLI has allowed me to find my voice and has elevated my understanding of what is needed to transform the systems that have caused hurt to communities of color.”
“Participating in the YJLI was an amazingly unique experience that words truly cannot explain. The program curriculum and activities have been instrumental in my professional development and success. However, it was the family that I gained during my year-long fellowship that I cherish the most. These relationships have remained steadfast over the test of time and distance. Being a YJLI Fellow was life-changing for me.”
Youth Justice Leadership Institute: Investing in Leaders of Color, Alumni Lookbook
NYJN established the Youth Justice Leadership Institute (YJLI) in 2011 to deepen and strengthen the leadership of Black, Indigenous and other People of Color (BIPOC) advocates working to create true youth justice. Download our YJLI alumni lookbook and join us in celebrating over a decade of transformative leadership development.
