I do what I do because it needs to be done, and because it makes a difference in the type of society we pass on to future generations. Despite a 30 year low in crime, nearly 25 million people were victims of crime last year. That’s unacceptable. Many of those 25 million were children and youth, and that is even more unacceptable.

I do what I do because it needs to be done, and because it makes a difference in the type of society we pass on to future generations. Despite a 30 year low in crime, nearly 25 million people were victims of crime last year. That’s unacceptable. Many of those 25 million were children and youth, and that is even more unacceptable. As a child, I was often a victim, and I remember thinking two things: First—that I hadn’t done anything to deserve the maltreatment. And second—that there was rarely any individual, group, or organization available or willing to assist or protect me. For these reasons, I’ve committed my life to preventing crime, and creating safer, and more caring communities. I work to help foster safe environments where respect, concern, and kindness are everyday ideals. I strongly believe that we must do more to address the causes of crime, violence, and victimization. We must be proactive, thereby reducing the opportunities for crime to occur, improving lives, and strengthening communities. I’m of the opinion that we are on the planet to do something useful—to serve a meaningful purpose. I do what I do because I want to be of service to community—not just family and self.

This essay and portrait is part of a community-art and leadership project called “wdydwyd?” Tony Deifell (KNLP-16) invited his colleagues in the Kellogg Fellowship to reflect on what motivates them to follow their personal and professional paths by answering the question, “Why do you do what you do?”


“wdydwyd?” has reached over 1.5 million people worldwide and it has been used for team-building at Google, Twitter, many colleges and universities, nonprofits and K-12 classrooms. And, according to Wired Magazine, “In Silicon Valley, that question has been the hottest team-building meme since Outward Bound – and it’s spreading.” For more information: http://wdydwyd.com/leadership.


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