DeVone Boggan
Innovator. Author. Leader.
Meet The 2025 Social Impact Power List
DeVone Boggan
Chief Visionary Officer, Advance Peace
“Helping a city or community reduce gun violence reduces trauma and harm exposure to the impacted communities, as well as to those first responders who must respond and investigate to such violence.”
“Safer cities have greater community and economic development opportunities that can support an increased tax base. This revenue can be used to increase opportunities for vulnerable communities.”
Ashoka Fellow since 2023
DeVone Boggan
Chief Visionary Officer, Advance Peace
DeVone and Advance Peace are building a new system for community-led gun violence prevention. DeVone’s focus is on healing, nurturing, and building up the few young people responsible for the majority of gun violence so that they can become healthy and leave violence behind. In each city where they work, they partner with the government to spread a new paradigm of wellness and support rather than ineffective punishment and neglect.
2022 The James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award
DeVone Boggan
Chief Visionary Officer, Advance Peace
DeVone Boggan has dedicated his life to helping young people heal and transform their lives. When the city of Richmond asked him to help reduce the gun violence ravaging the city, he knew a life-altering opportunity awaited. In 2007, Boggan became the first Neighborhood Safety Director in the country working within government to reduce gun violence in urban areas without the tools of law enforcement. Where many saw an insurmountable problem, Boggan saw humanity and the need for practical solutions informed by the individuals at the center of gun violence.
2016 Distinguished Service Award
DeVone Boggan
Chief Visionary Officer, Advance Peace
Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence (now known as Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence)
2015 NBCUniversal NationSwell AllStars.
DeVone Boggan
Chief Visionary Officer, Advance Peace
Boggan, along with five other innovators, was named a NBC Universal NationSwell All Star in 2015. These innovators are taking a new approach to addressing America’s challenges.
Richmond Anti-Violence Program Recognized as a National Model.