About DCG Consultants
Dr. Raj Sethuraju
Dr. Raj Sethuraju is an Assistant Professor in the School of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice at Metropolitan State University. He teaches courses in Victimology, Restorative Justice, and Diversity Matters for Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice undergraduates as well as a Community Building and Civic Leadership class for graduate students. He has over 20 years of experience implementing various Diversity initiatives in universities and colleges and in the communities that surround them. Raj also works and volunteers with various Restorative Justice nonprofit organizations in the TwinCities in Minnesota, including as the Co-Chair of the Criminal Justice Reform Committee with the NAACP of Minnesota. He has presented to Restorative Justice groups in prisons, is a trainer for the MNCOSA program run by the MN Department of Corrections, and is involved in training volunteers for other non-profit community Restorative Justice organizations.
Anika Bowie
Anika Bowie is a fierce advocate for people of color who have been relegated to the margins of society. She has focused on reforming the criminal justice system, impacting inter-generational poverty, and helping our community heal from historical trauma. She is currently the Vice President of the Minneapolis NAACP, served as a sworn Commissioner on St. Paul's Police Civilian Internal Affairs Review Commission, was a Smart Justice Ambassador for the American Civil Liberties Union, and has operated as Project Manager for several large grants awarded to Darris Consulting Group. Anika earned a Bachelor’s degree from Hamline University in Criminal Justice and Sociology minoring in Social Justice. She demonstrates her passion for racial equity by leading projects that dismantle institutionalized racism such as Warrant Forgiveness Day in Hennepin, Ramsey County, and Dakota Counties. Anika has built a reputation as a community educator, organizer, and connector by nourishing the seeds of trust with government officials, community, and youth.
Elizer Darris
Elizer Darris was arrested at 15, charged with homicide and eventually sentenced to life in prison.While struggling to find meaning and purpose in life, Elizer found his voice after allowing himself to be mentored by other, older inmates of who he saw had towering characters. After many years of training and studying under them, he became a community servant and activist for his fellow inmates. This work informed his Servant Leadership philosophy. Elizer eventually fought to get his life sentence overturned on appeal and after serving over 17 years in prison was freed. Upon release, he founded Darris Consulting and began volunteering in the community and working in local politics, initially securing a field operations position for the Terri Bonoff for Congress congressional campaign in 2016 and as Field Director for the Nekima Levy-Pounds for Mayor campaign in 2017. He is a JDAI consultant and youth empowerment specialist. Currently, Elizer runs field operations for the ACLU’s Smart Justice campaign over the Twin Cities and is a nationally recognized motivational speaker and writer on criminal justice reform matters. His focus is in reducing mass incarceration.
