Since its opening in 2000, the National Sexual Violence Center was under the direction of Karen Baker — until April 2018, when Yolanda Edrington was named the new NSVRC Director.
Edrington first started working at NSVRC in 2017 as associate director, and then served as interim director before being officially promoted to director earlier this year. Edrington has more than 15 years of experience in leadership and community engagement.
Being NSVRC Director involves managing NSVRC’s operations, including collaborating with national partners and creating and sharing resources on sexual violence prevention.
NSVRC Director
Edrington has worked at Hamilton Health Center in Harrisburg, PA and the American Cancer Society. She also serves as the Vice President of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Harrisburg Chapter, and advocates for HIV/AIDS awareness. Edrington brings with her a commitment to social change and a focus on diversity, inclusion, and anti-oppression.
“I believe a bright light is being shone on sexual violence, harassment, and abuse,” said Edrington, “from the entertainment industry to workplaces across the country. I’m excited for this incredible opportunity to lead NSVRC into our next phase.”
Edrington’s background in community engagement has already been made evident, as she’s worked to bring members of the community to NSVRC for “lunch and learns” on various topics.
In just the short time she’s been at the helm of NSVRC, Edrington has already inspired us, and we’re thrilled to see where her leadership takes us!
Karen Baker, the previous NSVRC Director, was recently promoted to CEO of PCAR/NSVRC.
Learn about her tour across the state at http://www.pcar.org/crossing-commonwealth
This article appears in the Fall 2018 print edition of The Resource.