Gregory Ellis

Youth Development Coordinator

What drives Gregory Ellis is not just professional expertise, but lived experience. As someone who has walked the path from justice-impacted to a youth educator, and now community leader, Gregory brings more than qualifications: overall understanding. With over a decade of experience empowering at-risk and justice-involved youth, Gregory brings a wealth of experience and identifies as a credible messenger and respected youth advocate. Over the years, Gregory has coordinated youth programming in some of New York's most underserved communities, as well as being certified in Gang Trained, a Department of Justice Initiative.

At Exodus Transitional Community, Gregory partnered with the Credible Messengers team at Rikers Island, resulting in a 40% reduction in violence at the Robert N. Davoren complex. With expertise in trauma-informed interventions, conflict mediation, and youth mentorship, Gregory served as a Senior Youth Specialist for the New York State Department of Corrections; he also facilitated a group for the Alternative to Violence (AVP) project, and was also a youth sports coordinator where he combined sportsmanship, civic engagement, and skill-building to inspire positive change. Known for being resilient, a natural leader, and having the ability to bridge cultural divides, Gregory aims to equip young people with the tools to overcome challenges, embrace leadership roles, and contribute to community restoration.

email: gellis@youthrepresent.org