“ Power only concedes to a power greater than itself ”

— The Streets

Donnie Lee is the founder and Executive Director of Boston Street Union, a community-based organization dedicated to outreach, advocacy, and mentoring for at-risk youth, individuals impacted by gang violence, and underserved communities throughout Boston.

Donnie's passion for this work is rooted in his own life experience. As a young man, he became involved in gang activity, leading to years of violence, substance abuse, and incarceration in federal prison. Those experiences gave him a firsthand understanding of the challenges many young people face and ultimately inspired him to change the direction of his life.

After rebuilding his life and becoming a devoted single father, Donnie committed himself to creating opportunities for others who are walking the same difficult path he once traveled. In 2010, he founded Boston Street Union with a vision of reaching people where they are, building trust through mentorship, advocating for those whose voices often go unheard, and helping individuals discover purpose beyond the streets.

Today, Boston Street Union works to prevent violence, strengthen neighborhoods, and empower youth through mentorship, community outreach, leadership development, and meaningful partnerships. The organization believes that lasting change happens when communities unite to invest in their young people and provide hope, guidance, and opportunity.

As a mentor, advocate, and community leader, Donnie uses his personal journey as proof that transformation is possible. His mission is to inspire others to break cycles of violence, overcome adversity, and become leaders who create lasting change in their families and communities.