On today’s episode, Dr. Lena Miller talks to Shannon about how Urban Alchemy is transforming public safety through compassion, presence, and second chances. Dr. Miller shares how formerly incarcerated individuals are changing communities by providing peace, protection, and human connection in high-trauma environments—demonstrating that healing is possible on a large scale when you meet people where they are. About Dr. Lena Miller & Urban Alchemy: Urban Alchemy is a nonprofit that provides jobs to formerly incarcerated individuals, placing them in frontline roles to help restore peace and safety in underserved communities across the U.S.
Here are three things you’ll learn in this episode:
Why Formerly Incarcerated Individuals Are Uniquely Equipped to Lead Community Transformation
Dr. Lena Miller highlights the unique skill set of formerly incarcerated individuals, especially those who have served life sentences. Through their time in high-stress environments like level four yards, they develop an acute sense of emotional intelligence and the ability to assess danger, manage conflict, and maintain peace. This makes them uniquely equipped to lead efforts like the "pit stops" initiative, where they work to reduce violence and build safer spaces in the most challenging neighborhoods.
How Emotional Intelligence and Trauma-Informed Care Reduce Violence and Build Safer Public Spaces
Dr. Miller emphasizes the importance of trauma-informed care in transforming community spaces. The "pit stops" initiative, designed to support the unhoused and at-risk individuals, utilizes emotional intelligence to de-escalate tense situations. The steady presence of trained individuals who understand trauma—often those who have faced similar struggles—creates an environment where violence is reduced and people feel safer, leading to cleaner and calmer public spaces.
What It Means to Create a Social Service Revolution Modeled After the Speed and Investment of the Tech World
Dr. Miller compares Urban Alchemy’s approach to social services to the rapid innovation seen in the tech world. She explains how their approach, driven by passion and efficiency, can achieve remarkable success even with limited resources. By applying the same level of focus and investment that the tech industry uses to drive change, they’re able to provide real, scalable solutions to complex social issues like homelessness, mental illness, and public safety—an idea that could revolutionize the social service sector.