Robert Mackey

Lead Advocate, Connections for Success Youth Leadership Program, Sunlight Village 

Robert Mackey is a lifelong resident of Dayton, Ohio, a restored citizen, and the lead advocate for Sunlight Village‘s Connections for Success Youth Leadership Program, where he works to ensure the positive growth and development of some of our most at-risk youth. He is also a Kettering Foundation 2025 Dayton Democracy Fellow. Mackey is determined to ensure our youth and young adults play an active role through the power of their voice in shaping a more supportive and democratic society that establishes positive opportunities for them now and in the future. After serving decades in prison, Mackey, with his faith and the support of a loving family, returned to his community determined not to allow his circumstances to dictate his future and outcomes. His desire to make a difference in our most underserved West and Northwest Dayton communities has allowed him to put his skills, passions, and lived experiences to use as he established Cease Fire Peace Fire, an effort to end gun violence by the youth of our city. Mackey is a loyal volunteer with the Montgomery County Office of Reentry, where he graduated from the Reentry Career Alliance Academy program upon his prison release. The word no is not in his vocabulary when he is called upon to serve. Through advocacy, relationships, and podcasting, Mackey focuses on the causes and solutions with other dedicated leaders to end gun violence, create positive outlets for youth, and develop economic opportunities that will support self-sufficiency and end poverty.