LaVonte Stewart Sr., MPA Recognized as Male Ally Honoree for Advancing Youth Leadership and Violence Prevention

By Kendra Hall

CHICAGO — Community based leaders continue shaping how cities respond to youth violence, educational disparities, and gaps in access to opportunity. Sustainable change often begins with individuals who combine lived experience, policy knowledge, and long term presence in the neighborhoods they serve.

Among those being recognized for this impact is LaVonte Stewart Sr., MPA, Executive Director of Lost Boyz Inc., an award winning youth serving nonprofit rooted in mentorship, violence prevention, and leadership development.

Stewart will be honored as a Male Ally on March 7, 2026 at the Women’s Empowerment and Awards Brunch Gala in Philadelphia, hosted by Droppin’ Jewelz LLC in support of Jewelz Foundation Incorporated. The event highlights leaders whose work strengthens women, families, and youth while reinforcing community accountability and collaboration.

Stewart earned his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Chicago State University and began pursuing a Master’s degree in the same field before stepping away to support his family during a period of illness. That season redirected his focus toward direct community engagement and youth mentorship.

After completing his undergraduate degree, Stewart began working closely with young people through baseball programming, building trust with youth navigating instability and limited access to positive role models. These early efforts became the foundation for Lost Boyz Inc., an organization designed to provide mentorship, structure, and opportunity for youth facing violence and systemic barriers.

While continuing his graduate education, Stewart worked for the Black United Fund of Illinois, specializing in gang intervention and violence prevention. During his tenure, he authored the Safe Passage program, a coordinated safety initiative currently utilized by Chicago Public Schools to protect students traveling to and from school.

His experience in violence prevention expanded into public service. Stewart served six years with the Illinois General Assembly, first in the House and later in the Senate. He worked as Chief of Staff to 26th District State Representative Kim DuBuclet and held roles including District Liaison, Special Projects Manager, and Associate District Director to 13th District State Senator Kwame Raoul.

Through these positions, Stewart connected legislative priorities with neighborhood level needs, strengthening partnerships between government offices and community organizations. His work supported initiatives addressing education access, public safety, and economic opportunity.

He later earned a Master of Public Administration from DePaul University and served as Vice President of Pi Alpha Alpha, the national honor society for public administrators. His academic training reinforced his approach to leadership, combining data informed strategy with neighborhood engagement.

Stewart also spent nearly three years working with the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office, supporting outreach and financial empowerment initiatives aimed at increasing economic awareness within underserved communities.

Today, as Executive Director of Lost Boyz Inc., Stewart continues expanding mentorship programming, youth leadership development, and violence prevention initiatives across Chicago. The organization provides structured pathways for young people to build identity, discipline, and direction through sports, education support, and community engagement.

Stewart’s leadership reflects a long term commitment to prevention rather than reaction. He prioritizes consistent engagement with youth before crisis points occur, emphasizing mentorship, exposure, and structured opportunity as tools that redirect outcomes. This approach strengthens trust between families, schools, and neighborhood institutions.

Lost Boyz Inc. operates with a model centered on accountability and presence. Programs are designed to keep youth connected to positive networks through sports, civic engagement, and leadership cultivation. Participants are encouraged to develop confidence, responsibility, and decision making skills that carry into adulthood.

Colleagues often highlight Stewart’s ability to bridge systems. His experience in public administration allows him to translate policy into practical community action while ensuring that neighborhood voices remain central in decision making processes. This dual perspective strengthens both program design and long term sustainability.

As a father of four and resident of his childhood community of South Shore, Stewart maintains close ties to the neighborhood that shaped his early life. His leadership reflects sustained investment and daily presence rather than distant oversight.

The Women’s Empowerment and Awards Brunch Gala will convene leaders across health, education, advocacy, entrepreneurship, and public service. Stewart’s recognition as a Male Ally acknowledges his active support of women led initiatives and his commitment to strengthening families through youth development and civic leadership.

Through mentorship, public administration, and grassroots organizing, LaVonte Stewart Sr., MPA continues building systems that prioritize safety, opportunity, and accountability for the next generation.