Gabrielle Dunai

Meet Gabrielle Dunai  

Hi! I’m Gabrielle Dunai—a nonprofit leader, mother, survivor, and lifelong advocate for families and communities. I’m running for office because I believe leadership should be rooted in lived experience, guided by compassion, and driven by the voices of the people it serves. I’ve spent over a decade working on the front lines of our community—supporting families navigating trauma, poverty, and systemic barriers, and leading programs that create real, lasting change. My commitment to this work comes from a deeply personal place: I am a survivor of both gun violence and domestic violence. I understand what it means to fight for safety, stability, and dignity—not just for myself, but for my child, and for every family like ours that has been left behind by broken systems.

Grounded in Community, Built on Experience:
I hold a Master of Social Work from Grand Valley State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Aquinas College. Over the years, I’ve served in leadership roles across the nonprofit and public service sectors—designing trauma-informed programs, supporting high-risk families, and advocating for policy reforms at both the local and national levels.Currently, I serve as  Pantry and Volunteer Coordinator at Jehovah Jireh Ministries of West Michigan, where I lead over 100 volunteers in coordinating food distribution, outreach, and essential services for our community. I also serve nationally as a Lived Expert Consultant with the U.S. Children’s Interagency Coordinating Council, contributing to federal policy and research that centers the voices of families and survivors of gender based violence.My previous work includes roles as Community Programs Coordinator at A Glimpse of Africa and as an Education Specialist and Parent Coach at Vibrant Futures and Bright Beginnings, where I helped launch early childhood initiatives, build parent advisory boards, and break down barriers to childcare, education, and health services.

​Leading with Purpose and Recognition:
My work has been recognized across the state for its impact and integrity. In 2024, I received the Advocate Award from the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Grand Rapids—an honor given to leaders driving meaningful change in their communities. I was also named a Mari Martin Champion for Change Award Finalist, recognizing my leadership in equity, survivor advocacy, and systems transformation.Beyond my professional roles, I serve on several boards and coalitions, including the  Domestic Violence Action Network of Kent County, Violence Prevention Alliance of the Lakeshore,Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Grand Rapids, and Resilience’s Survivor Advisory Council, where I continue to fight for survivor protections, safer communities, and stronger policies.​

Why I’m Running
I’m running because I believe every person deserves a seat at the table—especially those who’ve been told their voices don’t matter. I’m running for families trying to make ends meet. For survivors fighting to be believed. For young people growing up in communities that deserve investment, not neglect.Our communities don’t need performative politics. We need people-first leadership that listens, responds, and delivers. I am ready to bring that leadership—grounded in lived experience, backed by years of service, and driven by a vision of justice, dignity, and opportunity for all.