Marquinn McDonald

Marquinn McDonald

Nominating Committee

Marquinn McDonald is a dedicated public servant and subject matter expert in community violence and harm reduction, with over 25 years of experience in executive protection, security, and violence prevention. He serves as the 2nd District Council Member on the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA), helping guide police oversight and public safety strategies in Chicago. Marquinn is the co-founder and president of WatchGuard Chicago, a grassroots organization focused on public safety, violence and harm reduction, de-escalation, and youth mentorship. He also serves as the Dean of Students at It Takes a Village Leadership Academy, a social justice-based school where he leads school culture and restorative practices. A fifth-degree black belt and martial arts world champion, Marquinn integrates tactical training with holistic approaches to healing and discipline. His life’s work reflects a deep commitment to accountability, safety, and transformation across schools, communities, and city systems.

Marquinn McDonald