About Our Founder, Leesa Ross

Leesa Ross is a dedicated mother of three who transformed her personal tragedy into a mission to promote gun safety. After losing her oldest son, Jon, to a college-age handgun accident in 2009, Leesa channeled her grief into action. In her memoir, At Close Range, published by Texas Tech University Press in 2020, she recounts how Jon’s accident during his college years profoundly changed her life and inspired her advocacy.

In 2018, Leesa founded Lock Arms for Life, a nonprofit, non-partisan organization based in Central Texas. Lock Arms for Life is committed to reducing gun-related tragedies by promoting safety through awareness, education, and resources. The organization’s mission is straightforward: ensure every gun is locked when not in use. By collaborating with healthcare providers, educational institutions, and public safety organizations, Lock Arms for Life has effectively expanded its reach, providing safe storage education, resources, and gun locks to hundreds of families.

Lock Arms for Life has earned recognition as a grant recipient from the City of Austin/Office of Violence Prevention and formed partnerships with the Department of Public Safety, the University of Texas SafeHorns program, and the Austin Police Department. The organization is dedicated to supporting gun owners and the broader community.

Leesa’s dedication extends to her involvement in various safety and advocacy programs. She is an alumnus of the 2018 Survivor Fellowship program, the 96th Citizens Police Academy class, and the Be SMART program. Additionally, she serves as a valued board member of SafeKids Austin, an organization committed to child safety. Through the Get ACTIVE campaign, Leesa provides students and young adults with tools to prevent gun tragedies and stay safe.

Leesa’s advocacy work has been featured in numerous media outlets, including Austin’s Fox affiliate, Spectrum News, Good Day Austin, KLBJ’s Come and Talk It radio program and podcast, the Austin American Statesman, the Associated Press, the Daily Texan, and the Texas Observer. She champions Second Amendment rights as part of her goal to promote safe gun ownership.