Davon Woodley

Community Coordinator

Davon Woodley, born and raised in Harlem, has dedicated his life to advocating for criminal justice reform and empowering communities. His journey into activism was deeply influenced by his personal experiences, including witnessing the effects of mass incarceration on his own family. At the age of 24, Davon himself was sentenced to four years in prison in upstate New York. During his incarceration, he became a facilitator, helping individuals inside transition back into society with plans and resources to lower recidivism rates and foster holistic alternatives to living on the outside.

Upon his release, Davon emerged as a prominent social justice leader for formerly incarcerated individuals. He campaigned for JustLeadership USA's #CloseRikers Campaign and has been featured on platforms like Fox News Good Day New York, advocating for bail reform and mass bailout. His story and insights have been shared across various media outlets, shedding light on the challenges of incarceration, successful reentry into society, and breaking down barriers for individuals returning from prison.

After completing parole in 2018, Davon served as a community board member for East Harlem's Community Board 11, contributing to the human services and economic development committees. He furthered his education, graduating with a certification in Human Services and Peer Navigation from John Jay College Institute for Justice and Opportunity.

Previously, Davon served as a Project Manager and Urban planner at the Polo Ground Houses with the Center for Court Innovation under the Mayor's Action Plan. In this role, he collaborated with neighborhood residents to address safety concerns through participatory budgeting processes. Additionally, he mentored at-risk young adults aged 16-24 through The Children's Village NEXT STEPS Program, guiding them in advancing through high school and college while promoting emotional development and motivational interviewing.