De’Shawn has demonstrated exemplary leadership, peer support and compassion throughout his time at Youth Radio, a partner of Start Strong Oakland.  He is deeply committed to eradicating teen dating violence in his community and enacts that commitment at school and with his friends, both here and at home. De’Shawn is a consistently unifying presence for his peers: he facilitates compassion among other students and quells arguments by presenting both sides of disagreements in a manner such that both are clearly understood, regardless of one’s personal stance on the issues.