David A. Gethers

David A. Gethers, is the Assistance Senior Deputy Chief of the C.I.T.Y program for CASA of Cook County. He has a phenomenal story of transition & transformation, lived experienced and educational background, that will help individuals, communities, and organizations execute the mission and vision of their lives and programs.

Born on the south side of Chicago in the Englewood community, David dealt with his own share of family struggles, lack of resources and feelings of hopelessness. As a means to escape the poverty and struggles of the south side, David became a student-athlete. When college wasn’t an option, David joined the United States Marine Corp. He believed he would have a long successful career and change the trajectory of his life. Life and the Marine Corp threw David an unexpected curve ball. Due to a training accident, he had to have reconstructive ulnar, bone and nerve surgery on his right hand, wrist and forearm. As a result, he was no longer able to be a Marine. This was a devasting blow for David.

Returning home to Chicago, disappointed, hurt, lost, and unprepared for transition, David would go on to make a series of bad decisions. One of which, led to a 15 year prison sentence. It was here, David began his transformation journey. Challenged by his mother and grandmother to make something better of his life, in spite of the disappointing setbacks he had experienced. January 01, 2000, David begun journaling and would do so for the next 13 years. He attributes God, his mother & grandmother, and prison as the catalyst for his change.

September 12, 2013, David was released from prison and would execute the plans he created while in prison. He enrolled in Governor’s State University, becoming vice-president of the Student Senate, and graduated Cum Laude in 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication. He then went on to graduate in 2019, with his Master’s degree in Urban Ministry from Olivet Nazarene University.

David now uses his story of TRAGEDY, TRANSFORMATION, and TRIUMPHANT, to empower, encourage, and enrich the lives of transitioning veterans, under-served, under-resourced, and under-valued communities. He is the author of WeakDay Remedies: A Transformational Journal, the founder of DAG Speaks LLC, and the creator of Defy the Odds Mentoring Program and Winning the Transition Battle.