Isis Sapp-Grant
Isis Sapp-Grant is not a stranger to the problems of gangs, violence and juvenile delinquency that plague American Cities. As a fifteen-year old, Isis was one of the leaders of a youth gang in New York City. Gang life caused Isis to lose friends to violent deaths, prison and drugs. After losing her boyfriend to a gang-related shooting and facing the reality of her own self inflicted destruction, Isis began to slowly turn her life around. With support from mentors, she received an undergraduate degree from Stony brook University and her Masters in Social Work from New York University. At age 17, Isis began working with communities to address youth violence and the growing gang epidemic on the east coast. By 18, Isis was a counselor for the New York State Division for Youth working in group homes and secure facilities. The experience confirmed the need for the work that Isis made her mission. For over 20 years Isis has worked to educate, advocate and change how law enforcement, schools, agencies and the Juvenile justice system works with high risk youth and youth in crisis. Isis has facilitated workshops and provided motivation to youth in schools, housing and juvenile detention facilities throughout the country, sharing her personal experience but also focusing on steps needed to rebuild lives. She has focused on addressing not only the visible problems but also the underlying systematic problems of racial disparities, poverty, violence and hopelessness.
