From the Streets to the Seats: Partnership for Knowledge Exchange

In this casual ‘fireside chat,’ EKBN Director Katie Philp sits down with longtime collaborator, Ruben Saldana, to explore the development of partnerships that elevate the role of lived experience in evidence production and use. They’ll discuss the importance of trust between grassroots and grasstops organizations, how practice and research can co-evolve through partnership, and the impacts of these collaborations in youth development contexts.

Ruben Saldaña is the founder of Credible Messengers of Florida and founder and head coach of RuCamp, a mixed-martial arts program for youth. As a formerly incarcerated gang leader, Ruben has dedicated himself to youth mentorship and youth violence prevention efforts. Credible Messenger Mentors have lived experiences similar to the youth they mentor, such as former justice system involvement or gang participation. Ruben is a recognized leader in youth gang deterrence and violence prevention, serving as an expert consultant for local governments working to address youth crime.

Registration coming soon.