In July, The Beat Within announced with great sadness the passing of its founder and executive director, David Inocencio. Over the past six weeks, our Beat Within team has worked tirelessly to publish a special tribute issue of The Beat Within Magazine. In this issue, youth, David’s colleagues, former and current TBW participants, and community leaders shared their reflections on the impact of The Beat Within, David Inocencio, and the topic of grief. The issue was empowering and almost therapeutic, rallying our team to stand up and ensure that the beat goes on, as David always said.
With passing the torch, The Beat Within remains committed to its mission to provide incarcerated youth with consistent opportunities to share their ideas and life experiences in a safe space that encourages literacy, self-expression, critical thinking skills, and healthy, supportive relationships with adults and their community. In reflecting since David’s death, we know that the unique work of The Beat Within is just as important today as it was 27 years ago when David started the first workshops in the San Francisco Juvenile Hall.
After careful consideration, reflection, and the full support of the Advisory Board, The Beat Within is pleased to announce that David’s partner, wife and widow Lisa Lavaysse will be assuming the role of executive director effective immediately. Lisa has worked by David’s side at The Beat Within as Program Director and Volunteer Coordinator since 2010. She has operated workshops, coordinated development efforts, and worked closely with staff at the facilities where we operate programs. Lisa came to The Beat Within for a love of the program after working at New America Media for years, The Beat Within’s former parent organization.
While there is no replacing David, Lisa stands ready to assume her new role and seamlessly continue program operations with the support of a strong team already in place. Alyssa Maanao will assume the role of Program Manager and Volunteer Coordinator, and Simone Zapata will continue in her role of Managing Editor.
The Beat Within has established the David Inocencio Memorial Fund to honor our trailblazing founder, David Inocencio. For nearly three decades, David was a light in the dark world of detention facilities across the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. This fund will support workshops, magazine publication, and general operations of The Beat Within. The Beat Within is looking for steadfast volunteers to run workshops across the Bay Area. Please contact us if you are interested in being a volunteer or intern with The Beat Within.