Chanel Frias is a lifelong resident of Syracuse, New York. She is a graduate of Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSW)and a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) with a concentration on Children and Families from Clark Atlanta University. Chanel enjoys spending time with family and friends and is a lover of animals. She enjoys yoga and leisure reading. She is an advocate for holding space for Black and Brown people who have endured historical and ongoing community trauma, Chanel was the lead facilitator for the Syracuse Cure Violence SNUG program's therapeutic healing circles. Syracuse Cure Violence (SNUG) is an evidence-based program, utilizing the Chicago Cure Violence model, designed to reduce gun violence among Syracuse youth, ages 13-22 in the south and southwest neighborhoods.

Chanel’s commitment to social justice and service continued on as a Violence Education Prevention Outreach Social Worker at Upstate Medical University Hospital. Chanel worked primarily with self-identified current and former gang members in the city of Syracuse, who were victims of non-accidental trauma. During her work as the VEPOP social worker, Chanel was able to provide assistance to victims during their hospitalization and during their transition back into the community. Chanel pioneered the VEPOP Achievement Celebration in order to incentivize patients who successfully completed their individualized goals while participating in the VEPOP Program. Frias also worked within the foster care system as an Assistant Director of Berkshire Farms Center and Youth services as well as a Special Education

school social worker at OCM BOCES, serving children who have been identified as severely emotionally disturbed, autistic, or otherwise mentally or behaviorally challenged.