The Invisible Wound: Helping our Youth Heal from the Trauma of Gun Violence 

Nina Vinik is the founder and executive director of Project Unloaded, an organization working to inspire the next generation to choose not to own guns through cultural campaigns. Prior to founding Project Unloaded, Vinik spent two decades working in gun violence prevention. At the Joyce Foundation, Vinik oversaw distribution of more than $50 million in grant funds to support evidence-backed gun violence prevention work. Before her role at Joyce, she had a successful career as an attorney, running legal programs to address gun violence and representing clients in civil rights and civil liberties cases.

She chaired the board of directors of the March For Our Lives Action Fund until 2021. Vinik also created the National Law Enforcement Partnership to Prevent Gun Violence, the Fund for a Safer Future, and the Toward a Fair and Just Response to Gun Violence cohort. Nina serves on multiple professional boards, as an Advisory Board member of the NYU Policing Project; an Advisor to the American Law Institute, Principles of the Law-Police Investigations; a Member of the Council on Criminal Justice; and a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation.

Sergio Argueta stands out as a prominent grassroots community activist on Long Island, renowned for his impactful work.  He was the driving force behind S.T.R.O.N.G. Youth, Inc. (Struggling To Reunite Our New Generation) as its founder, Executive Director, eventually transitioning to Board Chair.  His unwavering dedication has consistently centered on empowering at-promise youth through vital services and fostering community healing.

Sergio's educational journey includes earning an associate degree in Criminal Justice from Nassau Community College, a bachelor's degree in sociology with a minor in political science from Hofstra University, and a master's degree in social work from Stony Brook University.  Sergio became a licensed social worker with additional certifications in School Social Work and as an Attendance Teacher.  He further honed his administrative expertise by obtaining post-master certificates and earning NYS school building and district leadership certifications.

With a rich professional background, Sergio was a pivotal gang prevention and intervention specialist for the Nassau County Youth Board.  He has since emerged as a regional authority on street organizations and youth violence.  His leadership extended to Adelphi University, where Sergio served as the Baccalaureate Social Work Program Director.  He later transitioned to secondary education where notably, he ascended from a high school social worker to the Dean of Academic Services and Discipline at Uniondale High School and Lawrence Road Middle School, earning tenure in 2023.

Sergio's influence also extends to community organizing, notably as a Co-Convener of The Corridor Counts (T.C.C.), advocating for equity within marginalized Nassau County communities.  His impact has been recognized through extensive media coverage, including features in prestigious publications like Scholastic Magazine, New York Newsday, The New York Times, and VICE MAGAZINE.  He has also been a sought-after guest on numerous television and radio programs, such as M.S.N.B.C., CNN, FOX, Telemundo, Univision, Hot 97.1 F.M. Street Soldiers, W.B.A.I., and B.B.C. Radio & Television.  Sergio's voice resonates in documentaries like PBS Frontline and Al Jazeera, and hosted his own talk show, "Behind the News – Long Island," on W.B.A.I. radio.

In recognition of his commitment to racial justice and youth empowerment, Sergio earned a spot on City & State's Power 100 list in 2020.  He has shared his insights with students as an adjunct professor at Nassau Community College, St. Joseph's College, Stony Brook University, Millersville University in Pennsylvania, and Adelphi University, spanning Schools of Social Work, Criminal Justice, and Education.

Sergio Argueta's impact as a compelling speaker is profound, touching on an array of contemporary issues of race, class, gender, interpersonal violence, education, and criminal justice reform, just to name a few.  Beyond his professional accomplishments, he takes pride in his roots as the son of Graciela Argueta and as a devoted partner to Katiria Maldonado-Argueta.  His two daughters, Lei-Lani and Gianna Argueta-Maldonado, exemplify the strength that underpins his journey.