Founder
Raquann Mitchell
Founder of Developing Lives. Born and raised in Baltimore, building the kind of community and support he wished he'd had growing up.
About
About Developing Lives.
Our story
Who we are
Developing Lives is a Baltimore-based community organization focused on youth development, healing, mentorship, and community empowerment.
We were created from real-life experiences, real struggles, and a real passion for helping our community. Growing up in Baltimore, we witnessed firsthand how trauma, violence, poverty, lack of resources, and broken support systems continue to affect our youth and families every single day. Too many young people are growing up without guidance, opportunities, safe spaces, or people who truly believe in them.
Our goal is to create a community-centered organization that provides mentorship, educational support, life skills, emotional support, and positive opportunities for youth and families throughout Baltimore City. We believe that with the right guidance, resources, and support, our youth can break cycles, heal, grow, and create successful futures for themselves.
As Baltimore natives, this mission is personal for us. We are not outsiders looking in — we are individuals who come from these communities and understand the challenges many families face daily. That is why Developing Lives focuses not only on youth development, but also on healing, empowerment, and rebuilding stronger communities from the inside out.
At Developing Lives, we believe every life has value, every child deserves opportunity, and every family deserves support.
Leadership
The people behind the work.
Say Her Name Organizer
Izhnae Lane
Organizer of the annual Say Her Name walk — leading the planning, partnerships, and on-the-ground work to make the walk a moment that lasts.
Our mission
Mission
To create safe, supportive, and impactful spaces where youth and families can heal, grow, develop, and build stronger futures through community, mentorship, education, and empowerment.