Meet Our Founder & CEO

Hasaani Hylton's journey began as a young dreamer with a big heart and a deeply rooted belief in the dignity, potential, and inherent worth of every person. That belief would become the foundation of a professional journey dedicated to creating opportunities for growth, strengthening human connection, and helping individuals and communities realize what is possible when people are genuinely seen, heard, and valued.

Throughout her career, one guiding philosophy has remained constant:

• People deserve the space to be understood.
• People deserve opportunities to grow.
• People deserve a voice.

A nationally recognized Restorative Justice Practitioner, specializing in program design and strategic implementation, Hasaani brings more than two decades of experience in restorative justice and over 30 years of experience in training and professional development. Her work spans education, mental health, juvenile and adult justice systems, and community development, where she has supported individuals, organizations, institutions, and jurisdictions in cultivating more restorative approaches to relationships, leadership, and systemic change.

Her professional contributions include training hundreds of practitioners and community members nationwide in restorative justice philosophy and practice, with particular expertise in restorative circle facilitation. She has also trained and certified hundreds of professionals in Mental Health First Aid, helping strengthen understanding, awareness, and responsiveness to mental health needs. Through facilitation, coaching, curriculum development, and technical assistance, Hasaani has helped a myriad of entities move beyond isolated restorative interventions and toward building cultures grounded in compassion, accountability, connection, and hope.

A native of Washington, D.C., Hasaani has contributed extensively to restorative initiatives in her hometown, collaborating with educational institutions, community organizations, and government agencies serving young people, families, and justice-involved populations. Her work has included supporting returning citizens, as well as other individuals serving in restorative leadership roles during and post-incarceration. These experiences have deepened her understanding of the transformative possibilities that emerge when people are equipped with meaningful opportunities, supportive relationships, and the tools to contribute positively to their communities.

Her commitment to developing restorative practitioners has also shaped her leadership in higher education and professional learning. Hasaani had the honor of developing the Restorative Justice Post-Graduate Certificate Program at New York University's Silver School of Social Work, where she still serves as Program Director and Adjunct Professor. She also provides specialized restorative coaching through the University of San Diego's Center for Restorative Justice, supporting practitioners and leaders responsible for advancing restorative initiatives across diverse settings.

Throughout these experiences, Hasaani recognized a recurring truth: sustainable transformation requires more than effective programs or promising practices. It requires intentional investment in people - their development, their relationships, their opportunities, and their capacity to create meaningful change.

That conviction ultimately gave rise to Humanity Investment Group (HIG).

As Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Hasaani brings together her lifelong commitment to humanity, her extensive restorative practice experience, and her passion for education, empowerment, and philanthropy. Through HIG, she seeks to expand opportunities for personal and professional growth, strengthen individuals and communities, and advance restorative approaches that honor human dignity while fostering accountability, connection, and collective well-being.

For Hasaani, Humanity Investment Group is more than an organization. It is the expression of a lifelong calling and an invitation to invest in the possibilities that emerge when humanity is placed at the center of everything we do.

Continue to learn more about HIG How can I work directly with Hasaani?