Michael Duque is a deeply dedicated member of the East Austin community. Born and raised in the neighborhood, he’s dedicated his adult life to uplifting the community and helping prevent at-risk young people from making mistakes they’ll live to regret.
Michael’s own youth was shaped by his decision to rob someone, which resulted in three years in prison. He came out determined to never re-offend and to spend his life supporting young people in East Austin and other returning citizens.
Since that day, he founded a nonprofit, Hoop Shop Girls Basketball. For more than a decade, the organization has used sports to help push young women into college. More than 100 young ladies who passed through the program have won scholarships and pursued higher education.
He also has spent his career working for programs that support returning citizens. He joined Urban Alchemy, drawn to the organization because he wanted to work more directly with the community. He’s been impressed by the difference UA has made in such a short time – and felt welcomed and supported in the ARCH due to the transformation of the site under Urban Alchemy’s leadership.
As DOJ Reimagining Justice Project Director, Michael is helping neighborhoods like East Austin figure out how to make a dent in nonviolent crime. Right now, he and his team are talking to members of impacted neighborhoods by going door-to-door. If he can help his community reduce crime, he knows the area will become a better place to live for everyone.