IBS Associations
Research Affiliate, Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence
Brief Biography
Jonathan McMillan is a keynote speaker, author, journalist, activist, consultant & advocate for the empowerment of BLACK communities and BLACK young people. He is the founder and Chief Success Strategist of Be Better Than Average, a consulting company that provides assessment & strategic insight into personal development, gangs & youth violence prevention, intervention and critical response and post-incarceration support. He has authored two books, the most recent is titled "I Am Better Than Average; 101 Affirmations to Help You Build & Live A Better Than Average Life." In 2021 the City & County of Denver hired Jonathan to lead their Youth Violence Prevention Action Table and implement the newly developed strategic plan to reduce and prevent community violence.
He has previously served as the chairman of the Denver African American Commission where he worked to be an authentic advocate for the community by crafting programs and policy and recommending legislation for the mayor to back. In 2020, he was appointed by Mayor Michael Hancock to the Crime Prevention and Control Commission. Additionally, Jonathan also sits on the board of directors for multiple community and nonprofit organizations including Park Hill Strong which is a Community That Cares youth violence prevention initiative, Bayaud Enterprises, and the Colorado Juvenile Defenders Council.
He has been honored as one of Denver Spectrum Magazine’s 2016 African Americans Who Make a Difference, on the My Brother’s Keeper Initiative – Denver 25 top contributors and was a recipient of the Wellington and Wilma Webb Legacy & Leadership Award from the Urban Leadership Foundation.
Jonathan McMillan considers his greatest achievements as being a father of four wonderful children and husband to an amazing wife, Tameka.
