El Sol (“The Sun”) is a Southwest Detroit–based Community Violence Intervention (CVI) and men’s wellbeing initiative focused on interrupting violence at its source by engaging those at the highest risk. Through trauma-informed relationships, fatherhood engagement, mental-health support, and pathways to economic opportunity, El Sol addresses the root causes of violence rather than its symptoms. Lex
Zavala is the Founder of El Sol, With 22+ years of experience in community development, community violence intervention (CVI), youth development, and harm-reduction work, Lex has led initiatives locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. His leadership includes appointments to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Community Violence Intervention Advisory Committee, serving as Vice President of the Corktown Business Association Board, and as a Board Member of Tech Troit. Lex’s work centers prevention, rites of passage, and leadership development—bridging public safety, education, and culture to create lasting pathways for youth, men, and communities to thrive.
