Self-described as unapologetically intense when it comes to conflict, Jill Cardenas works to teach and implement restorative justice practices. She tells the stories of how peace-making and peace-building can make a difference for the individuals impacted and for our communities.

Jill Cardenas is dedicated to making Savannah a more conflict-resilient community and serves as the Executive Director of The Mediation Center of the Coastal Empire, Savannah’s leading organization dedicated to helping citizens proactively manage conflict, create alternatives to litigation and increase access to justice.

Under Jill’s leadership, The Mediation Center has collaborated with the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System and the Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team to launch the innovative Positive Peer Influencer Program in area schools. She also organizes the annual Peace in the Park event in Daffin Park, which celebrates the power of peace and honors local peacebuilders.

Jill helps communities establish their own mediation centers through the National Association for Community Mediation and serves on the State Disciplinary Board of Georgia. She also chairs the Rotary Peacebuilders of Savannah and is a General Civil and Specialized Domestic Violence Mediator.