Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley
Hasshan Batts- Executive Director of Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley
Hasshan is a prison survivor, healer, son, father, grandfather, brother, husband, friend and former survivor and former perpetrator of gun violence. In addition, Hasshan is a Tri-sector leader, philanthropist, author, Community Epidemiologist, community based participatory researcher, leading expert on Trauma Informed Care, Reentry and Community engagement and dynamic keynote speaker.
Hasshan is the Executive Director of the Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley, Fulbright specialist, adjunct professor, post-doctoral Research fellow, Rider-Pool Collective Impact fellow, distinguished Robert Wood Johnson Culture of Health Leader alum, Pennsylvania Commissioner on the Governors’ Advisory Commission on African American Affairs, and Co chair of the Governors public safety and gun violence commission.
Hasshan holds a joint MSW from North Carolina A&T and The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, a post graduate certificate in Global Health and Doctorate in Health Sciences from Nova Southeastern University and a strategic perspectives in non profit management certificate from Harvard Business School.
Jeani Garcia- Promise Neighborhoods
Jeani Garcia is a Community leader & Social Activist with over 7 years of helping her community. After having lost her precious son Kareem to gun violence in 2012 , Jeani has dedicated her life to helping teenagers & young adults transition out of gangs & connect them with people who love them & resources to support them.
She has also started the support group Mother 2 Mother, She has been at the side of mothers and families who have also lost their loved ones to gun violence.
Jeani is instrumental in creating a safe place for herself and fellow grieving mothers on the journey of grieving & healing as well as processing their collective hurt and sadness.
Outside of working with mothers, teenagers & young adults, Jeani is very active in supporting individuals that are in desperate need of housing, safety, food & other necessities to sustain quality of life. Jeani is vocal in the community & a respected leader who promotes change, unity & peace for everyone.