RESTORATIVE JUSTICE SPECIALIST (she/her)

Donna Stewart is a passionate advocate for restorative justice and youth empowerment. Donna facilitates restorative justice dialogues for CCEJ, helping youth, families, and impacted community members heal from harm. She works to divert youth from incarceration by fostering accountability and repair through facilitated discussions.

Raised as a second-generation Iranian American in California's Central Valley, her experiences fueled a desire for educational equity. Studying Middle Eastern and African History at UC Davis, she questioned the Eurocentric focus in schools and embraced anti-oppression pedagogy. This passion led her to UCLA for a Master's in Education, where she discovered restorative justice practices.

Donna spent seven years as a high school social studies teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). She actively challenged Eurocentric views and fostered student relationships through restorative circles. She even designed an elective to train students in conflict resolution and peer mediation.

In her final LAUSD years, Donna transitioned to a Restorative Justice Teacher role, guiding students involved in conflicts and building a strong school community. Her goal: dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline by prioritizing relationships, healing, and accountability over punishment.

Donna's unwavering commitment to alternatives in the justice system led her to the California Conference for Equality and Justice (CCEJ). There, she facilitates dialogues about harm and conflict resolution for youth involved in the juvenile justice system