My good friend and Stanford GSB classmate,
Sam Yagan has diligenced many individuals, organizations, and efforts trying to reduce gun violence and make Chicago safer. That journey has led him to
Chicago CRED, whose holistic, community-based approach matches my belief in pragmatic solutions that deliver real, lasting change. I have since learned that one of CRED’s original funders was another Stanford GSB classmate/social entrerepreneur,
Nichole Taylor Wilson, during her time at Chicago Beyond. Two exceptional people with exceptional moral compasses rarely make the wrong bet.
It’s no surprise that they were compelled by Arne Duncan, former CEO of Chicago Public Schools and U.S. Secretary of Education under President Obama. After leaving Washington, he returned home and co-founded Chicago CRED, which reduces gun violence by providing street outreach, therapy, life coaching, education, and employment opportunities to those at highest risk.
Arne’s lifelong connection to Chicago and his commitment to this work have inspired me deeply. CRED’s approach resonates because it acts pragmatically. The program moves fast, produces results, and—especially in these polarizing times—benefits from remaining nonpartisan. Independent evaluations have shown that CRED’s participants face dramatically lower rates of arrest for violent crimes compared to peers outside the program. The model doesn’t just theorize—it delivers impact today.
CRED’s approach resonates because it acts pragmatically. The program moves fast, produces results, and—especially in these polarizing times—benefits from remaining nonpartisan. Independent evaluations have shown that CRED’s participants face dramatically lower rates of arrest for violent crimes compared to peers outside the program. The model doesn’t just theorize—it delivers impact today.
This week, Sam and I invited friends in Chicago to a private screening of a new documentary produced by World Within, a film that highlights Chicago CRED’s success and its impact in reducing gun violence in our city. It offers both sobering truths and hopeful outcomes—a powerful reminder that Chicago’s challenges do not define us, and that through commitment and collaboration, we can create a safer, stronger city for everyone.
If you want to learn more in advance, here’s a short video introduction to CRED’s work: Watch here.
To learn more about Arne’s pioneering work at CRED, visit https://www.chicagocred.org/team/
