Urban Training Research Advocacy Institute & Network (U-TRAIN)
The Urban Training, Research, Advocacy, Institute, and Network (U-Train) is a trauma-informed cohort leadership development program for women of color active in violence prevention work in their communities.
Twelve Black women from seven different states were selected to participate in the initial U-TRAIN cohort free of charge. These women have done valuable work for gun violence prevention organizations, but lack the emotional support, financial resources, and infrastructure needed to advance as professionals. At the conclusion of their training, cohort participants will be interviewed in depth to garner critical feedback on how the U-TRAIN program can be improved in the future.
Twelve Black women from seven different states were selected to participate in the initial U-TRAIN cohort free of charge. These women have done valuable work for gun violence prevention organizations, but lack the emotional support, financial resources, and infrastructure needed to advance as professionals. At the conclusion of their training, cohort participants will be interviewed in depth to garner critical feedback on how the U-TRAIN program can be improved in the future.
Welcome to the inaugural cohort to participate in the U-TRAIN program! (Jan-Dec 2022):
"SEG's U-Train cohort consists of women who are in search of healing for themselves and their communities. They have stepped up to the plate to embrace the opportunity to gain leadership training to effect change. SEG leadership are working with the women in the initial U-Train cohort, seeking avenues to support their vision and mission while protecting them from exploitation. The evolution to realizing the U-Train program has woven through building their trust, identifying their unique needs, and developing a curriculum that will help them obtain funding and sustain leadership efforts in their communities. SEG has identified mentors and leaders in disciplines such as wellness, public speaking, and other key areas of leadership development to support this cohort."
- Dr. Portia Jackson Preston, assistant professor of public health at California State University, Fullerton |
National Black Violence Prevention Advisory Council

The National Black Violence Prevention Advisory Council is a network of Black scholars, experts, and practitioners who support Sustain Equity Group’s work with evidence-based research and recommendations. Council members represent a wide range of disciplines, including public safety, public health, psychology, sociology, criminology, education, economics, law enforcement, legal, and media. The council is committed to SEG’s mission of creating equitable opportunities and outcomes for Black women in the workplace.