5th Change Makers Panel Discussion

Lashonia Thompson-El is the visionary founder and Executive Director of The W.I.R.E. – Women Involved in Reentry Efforts, a distinguished DC non-profit established in 2013. This remarkable organization, accessible at www.thewiredc.org, is a dynamic network of formerly incarcerated women dedicated to offering invaluable peer support and advocacy for women currently incarcerated and those transitioning from incarceration. Notably, The W.I.R.E. extends its mission to at-risk girls in ward 8, fostering empowerment and change.

A graduate of Trinity Washington University, Lashonia holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Human Relations, underscoring her commitment to the betterment of individuals and communities. Her impactful journey includes leadership of the Violence Reduction Unit at the DC Office of Attorney General (OAG), where she spearheaded the District's premier gun violence intervention program. Lashonia's expertise in Restorative Justice is evident, with her recent contributions to Peace for DC, notably in launching the DC Peace Academy, a vital training resource for violence interrupters, credible messengers, and safe passage workers in the district.

Further enriching her extensive repertoire, Lashonia has played pivotal roles in the DC Corrections Information Council, where she inspected prisons housing D.C. residents and advocated for humane conditions of confinement. She has also been a dedicated contributor to (MORCA) The Mayor's Office on Returning Citizen Affairs, coordinating specialized female reentry services.

Lashonia Thompson-El's remarkable journey is encapsulated in her compelling book, "Through the WIRE: My Search for Redemption." This poignant narrative delves into themes of trauma, youth violence, and incarceration, reflecting her deep commitment to addressing these critical societal issues.

A proud Washingtonian, Lashonia balances her professional endeavors with her roles as a wife and grandmother, embodying her dedication to both family and community betterment.

Jawanna Hardy is a dedicated activist known for founding Guns Down Friday, a transformative initiative in Washington, D.C & Prince George’s County.

Having served in the U.S. Air Force for six years, including a significant deployment in mortuary services in Qatar, Jawanna gained a profound understanding of the human cost of violence and the critical importance of community support during times of crisis. Her involvement in the launch of FEMA's search and recovery unit further underscored her commitment to aiding and assisting during dire circumstances.

Upon returning home, Jawanna was confronted by a harsh reality: the streets of her beloved community were rife with violence, resembling a warzone in their own right. Witnessing the trauma experienced by communities without proper therapy or support, she was compelled to take action. In 2018, she co-founded Guns Down Friday alongside her daughter, Dnayjah Joseph.

At the forefront of her efforts is the mobile trauma unit, a powerful tool through which Jawanna organizes vigils, community gatherings, and provides essential resources to children and families grappling with the aftermath of violence. Jawanna’s remarkable efforts have garnered significant recognition. The Greater Washington Community Foundation named her one of the ten Black Voices for Black Justice DMV Fellows, while the National Coalition of Black Civic Participation and Washington’s Business Journal honored her as a Top 40 under 40 recipient.