Deron Smith

Deron Smith serves as the VIPS (Violence Intervention & Prevention Services) Director at UCAN, bringing over eight years of dedicated experience in the field of violence prevention and community intervention. He began his career contributing to the inception of READI Chicago, one of the first data-driven initiatives to integrate cognitive behavioral health supports with job readiness services for individuals directly impacted by gun violence. This foundational work shaped his commitment to combining research, strategy, and human-centered care to create sustainable change in underserved communities.

Deron holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Illinois University, where he developed the analytical and leadership skills that continue to inform his evidence-based approach to community safety and program design. Today, he spearheads the North Lawndale Public Safety Committee while leading several of UCAN’s signature programs, including SHERO, a trauma-informed initiative supporting women survivors, and REACH 21, a prevention-focused program centered on youth and young men’s development. His leadership focuses on strengthening community partnerships, empowering frontline staff, and designing interventions that address both immediate safety and long-term opportunity. Through these roles, he has built a reputation for thoughtful strategy, collaboration, and measurable impact, and he currently lends his expertise to ECHO’s CBI Design Table to champion innovative solutions that elevate community member voices and produce life-changing outcomes for the individuals and families UCAN serves.