Teny Gross

A veteran of the Israeli Defense Force, Teny began his career working to build peace between Palestinians and Israelis. Soon after, he became a street outreach worker in Boston. In 2000, he became founder and CEO for the Institute for the Study and Practice of Nonviolence in Providence, RI. In 2015, Teny was recruited to Chicago to aid in the city’s violence reduction efforts. He founded the Institute for Nonviolence Chicago and now serves as Executive Director. Teny is actively involved in shaping Chicago’s citywide community violence intervention strategy and building partnerships with key institutions–what he terms the New Civilian Architecture of Violence Reduction. Teny has a BFA from Tufts, an MTS from Harvard, and a fellowship in Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management from Harvard Business School.

Representative Bob Morgan (IL-58) 

Representative Bob Morgan serves Illinois’ 58th District. He lives in Deerfield with his wife, Sonya and two children. Bob serves as the chair of the Firearm Safety Reform Working Group and led the passage of the Protect Illinois Community Act banning the sale of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. He also currently serves as Chair of the House Health Care Licenses committee and Vice Chair of the House Insurance Committee. Bob previously served as the lead healthcare attorney for the State of Illinois where he was instrumental in securing health care for over 650,000 Illinois residents and ensured they were covered under ACA’s Medicaid expansion. He was lauded for his efforts to implement the Affordable Care Act and the Illinois Medical Cannabis Program. Active in the local community, Bob is a tireless advocate for those without a voice. He is an active Board Member of the Anti-Defamation League and serves on the Board of Trustees of Equip for Equality. 

Father Dave Kelley

Father Dave Kelly is a Catholic priest and co-founder of the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation (PBMR) in Chicago. He is a leading advocate for restorative justice, which aims to address the root causes of violence and promote healing through dialogue and reconciliation. Father Kelly has been recognized for his work with numerous awards, including the Cardinal Bernardin Award and the "Champion of Change" award from the Obama Administration. He serves as the chaplain for the Chicago Police Department and is committed to promoting greater understanding and cooperation between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Father Kelly's inspiring work has made a significant impact on the lives of countless individuals and communities impacted by violence.

Reverend Ciera Bates-Chamberlain

Rev. Ciera Bates-Chamberlain was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago. She is committed to the fight for social and economic justice by strengthening communities through radical theology. As the Founder and Executive Director of Live Free Chicago-Live Free Illinois, Ciera works with Black churches to create safe, economically viable, and self-sustained Black communities. Prior to Live Free Chicago, Ciera served as the senior organizer at a faith-based organization.

Ciera received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Lamar University, a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and a Master's in Theological Studies from McCormick Theological Seminary. She has worked as an adjunct professor at Northeastern University, a mental health professional, and a strategy consultant. In 2013, Ciera was ordained as a minister through the Church of Jesus Christ House of Prayer Inc.,  where she served as the church administrator for the Chicago congregation. Ciera is a proud wife and mother of three daughters, one son, and a blended family of 9.