Dr. Yusef Ismail, Community Contributor

Dr. Yusef Ismail is a visionary leader, nonprofit executive, and dedicated advocate for urban communities. His life’s journey—from overcoming personal struggles to building impactful community programs, resilience, transformation, and an unwavering commitment to social change.

Growing up in Newark’s Baxter Terrace, Dr. Ismail experienced firsthand the challenges of systemic poverty, violence, and limited opportunities. After enduring a near-fatal shooting, the tragic loss of a close friend’s mother to gun violence, and a five-year prison sentence, he made a defining choice—to turn adversity into action. Determined to be a force for change, he co-founded Stop Shootin’ Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing youth with educational, cultural, and economic alternatives to crime and violence. Under his leadership as Executive Director, Stop Shootin’ has secured substantial federal and private funding, developed transformative mentorship and violence-prevention programs, and expanded its reach to countless young people in need of hope and opportunity.

Beyond his work in community activism, Dr. Ismail is a highly accomplished nonprofit leader, programming strategist, and fundraising expert. With close to 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, he has successfully led initiatives in grant writing, strategic planning, program evaluation, marketing, and financial management. His ability to cultivate relationships with influential funders has resulted in significant support from esteemed foundations and institutions across New Jersey and New York.

Dr. Ismail’s dedication to service is matched by his academic excellence. He holds a Doctor of Public Administration with a specialization in Nonprofit Management from Capella University. Additionally, he earned a Master of Human Services with honors from Lincoln University.

Currently serving as a director at a large healthcare agency in New York City, Dr. Ismail spearheads strategic fundraising efforts to secure vital institutional funding for homeless and health services. His expertise in collaborative leadership, strategic communications, and community outreach continues to drive impactful change in underserved populations.

More than just a nonprofit leader, Dr. Ismail is a mentor, speaker, and champion for social justice. He believes that true transformation starts within the community, and he remains dedicated to empowering individuals—especially young Black men—to rise above their circumstances, embrace opportunities, and build legacies of success.

Through his work, education, and relentless passion for advocacy, Dr. Yusef Ismail is redefining what it means to lead, uplift, and inspire change today.