Joel Dunn
I joined Lite-Waves as a Director because its trauma-informed, preventative model reflects my core mission: tackling issues before they escalate. My career has focused on supporting young people, especially Black males, facing serious challenges such as youth violence, county lines exploitation, and the school-to-prison pipeline.
As the founder and CEO of my own charity, I’ve worked across both the public and voluntary sectors, from hospital trauma units to prisons and frontline mentoring. My lived experience also drives my commitment to this work. After a custodial sentence became a turning point in my life, I trained as a mentor in prison, saw first-hand the impact of rehabilitation, and dedicated myself to creating positive change for others.
Building on this experience, I completed Master’s-level research into the school-to-prison pipeline at the University of Cambridge, deepening my understanding of the systemic barriers young people face — and the opportunities that can shift their trajectory.
During the course of my work, I advocate for early, trauma-informed interventions that can transform lives. I bring together lived, professional, and academic insight to strengthen Lite-Waves mission and champion the value of preventative approaches.
