Dr. Gabriel Velez
Associate Professor, Educational Policy and Leadership | Marquette University

Dr. Gabriel Velez is a developmental psychologist and associate professor at Marquette University who partners with SWIM to advance research and programming centered on restorative justice, youth wellness, and community healing. His work explores how adolescents particularly from marginalized communities develop their identities in response to social challenges, peace education, and justice initiatives.

A longtime collaborator of SWIM and the Marquette Center for Peacemaking, Dr. Velez leads and supports projects that elevate youth voice and meaning-making, including studies on how Black and Latino/a students experience restorative justice. He also examines how major events such as the COVID-19 pandemic impact youth identity and resilience. Dr. Velez’s commitment to equity and empowerment aligns deeply with SWIM’s mission to promote trauma-informed, community-centered healing.