Daniel Perez ’17
Why this Organization/Cause is Important to You or the Nominee
Daniel Perez is one of the most civically engaged people I’ve ever met. Beyond the many boards he serves on, events he organizes, and groups he volunteers with, the Neighborhood Justice Program (NJP) stands out as an organization that is closest to Perez’s heart, and that makes a massive positive impact in our Los Angeles community. NJP represents a powerful, community-driven approach to justice that restores rather than punishes. As a restorative justice diversion program, NJP gives first-time offenders of minor community-related crimes an opportunity to take responsibility for their actions, repair harm, and rebuild trust, without carrying a permanent criminal record. Through his work as a panel facilitator several times a week, Perez has witnessed firsthand the life-changing impact of this model. He has guided participants and volunteers through NJP’s four-step restorative process — helping individuals reflect on their actions, understand the harm caused, and commit to making amends. For Perez , NJP exemplifies hope in our justice system: it strengthens communities, fosters accountability, and restores belonging for both participants and volunteers. NJP’s impact on Los Angeles is remarkable: over 8,995 cases have been referred, 92 percent of participants have completed the program, and the recidivism rate for graduates is only 5 percent. Perez is proud to contribute to an initiative that transforms lives and builds a safer, more compassionate city.
Length of Service with the Organization/Cause
Seven years
Share Advice to Guide Students Hoping to Pursue a Career with Social Impact or in Nonprofit Industries
"Service rooted in justice begins with truly seeing and understanding each person’s story. In the Neighborhood Justice Program, I’m reminded daily that accompaniment and accountability can restore dignity, not just for individuals, but for entire communities. My advice to students is to approach every act of service with empathy and curiosity, seeking not only to help but to transform through Magis: doing more for others and with others."
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