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NSVRC offers the Visionary Voice Awards, in conjunction with Sexual Assault Awareness Month each April, to recognize the creativity and hard work of individuals around the country who have demonstrated outstanding work to end sexual violence. Each year, state, territory, and tribal coalitions select an outstanding individual to nominate for the awards. Nominees may be partners from a local community or other outstanding individuals that have worked to end sexual violence.
Arkansas
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Jonesboro Police Department The Jonesboro Police Department is the epitome of what victim-centered law enforcement is. The JPD works to invest in its community and the well-being of its citizens. The department conducts regular training for the law enforcement officers. In addition, they continuously update agency policies and protocols that are both victim-centered and trauma-informed. The agency strives to be inclusive of every member of its community and has created a culture of service. The Jonesboro Police Department works closely with victim service agencies and public assistance programs to ensure that victims of sexual violence and other crimes against persons have every possible resource available. The JPD is also the host of their area Council on Sexual Assault Response (CoSAR) Team. This team is comprised of local law enforcement agencies and first responders, victim advocacy and other related service providers, community leadership, medical and mental health professionals, prosecutors, and a diverse group of community members. All team members work together to ensure the services and resources for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, stalking, and human trafficking is and remains exceptional. The Arkansas Coalition Against Sexual Assault is proud to partner with the Jonesboro Police Department. We are incredibly grateful for the effort this department makes daily to meet the needs of their community. Congratulations to all! |
California
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Margaret Sauza ValorUS (VALOR) is honored to present the Visionary Voice Award to Margaret Sauza, the Executive Director for Sure Helpline, located in El Centro, next to the Mexicali, Mexico border. Margaret is a fearless person that tirelessly steps in to address the many needs in her community. Her advocacy and leadership are unstoppable. She works diligently to raise awareness and advocate about concerns in her community and supports survivors of sexual violence through their pathway to healing. Margaret’s approach to ending sexual violence exemplifies intersectionality. She is dedicated to feeding the homeless, providing emergency shelter to victims, and ensuring that survivors in detention receive support services. Under her leadership, she has built powerful relationships to support survivors in prisons, jails, and immigrant detention centers. Margaret currently serves as the Vice President for the VALOR Board of Directors. |
Colorado
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Al Mascarenas Al Mascarenas is a Latinx trans male. He is the Empowerment and Advocacy Coordinator for Deaf Overcoming Violence through Empowerment (DOVE), the only organization in Colorado dedicated to Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, or Hard of Hearing (DDBDDHH) victims/survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of abuse. Al understands the importance of unique diverse and cultural experiences that impact how survivors navigate their healing and has worked passionately to bring access, awareness, and education to the intersections of DDBDDHH; Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC); and LGBTQIA+ identities. Al’s work not only within the communities he is a part of, but also his gentle curiosity and intentional effort to understand other communities — particularly Native communities — embodies the purpose of the Visionary Voice Award. Where one might see obstacles, Al teaches that there are many ways of responding to them and leveraging different strengths. He is humble in meaningful ways that lift up the importance and justice in communicating with one another through the lens of true humanity. |
Connecticut
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State Representative Liz Linehan Since joining the Connecticut General Assembly in 2016, Representative Liz Linehan has been a steadfast and dedicated advocate for children and has used her position to increase the prevention of child sexual abuse and increased protective factors for children at risk. Representative Linehan is a collaborative and creative thinker who works both at the Capitol and in communities to identify solutions to complex problems while never forgetting the human impact of policy making. She works to bring survivors to the table, to make their voices heard, and to celebrate their resiliency. |
Delaware
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Debbie Litten In Debbie's role as the Client Services Manager for YWCA Delaware for the past five years, Debbie Litten is a tireless advocate. Debbie is never too busy or too tired to give her all to a survivor, often urging a survivor to call her personal cell phone or letting them know it is “never too late to call her.” Debbie has also been a wonderful mentor to new advocates, training them in everything from how to be a supportive voice on the hotline to helping survivors access the best medical care possible. She is both kind and empathetic, eager to help advocates find their confidence while encouraging them to engage in best practices to support survivors. Debbie also has served as a subject matter expert on sexual assault with the Delaware Alliance Against Sexual Violence's Advisory Board. Her contributions to the DAASV Advisory Board were significant in aiding the new start coalition of DAASV to assure survivors voices remain at the center of the coalitions work. Delaware survivors would be far less fortunate without Debbie to support them and ensure the YWCA meets their needs. Her work and dedication is aligned with the spirit of the Visionary Voice Awards. |
Idaho
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Rachel Davis Rachel Davis, an advocate with the YWCA of Lewiston-Clarkston, has demonstrated time and time again that her willingness to center clients is her passion. We recognize the immense contribution she made to her wellness group at the YWCA, ensuring the healing process is equally as important as holding space for traumatic experiences. Her goal was to give clients and staff an opportunity to have fun and play to return their work and lives refreshed. One of these sessions included crafts. Rachel shares her experience with partner organizations both locally and across the state, notably the Idaho Center on Disabilities and Human Development. The Idaho Coalition is especially proud of her work with a community children’s support group. Rachel advocates for and engages youth about healthy relationships, building self-esteem, and tools for self-confidence. She receives their enthusiasm and energy as a gift in our collective work to end violence. We asked Rachel what inspires her work: “The roots of violence and oppression in our communities run really deep and require an entire culture shift to eliminate. In the meantime, each individual that we serve has a positive impact on society. While some of the stories of the women I’ve served weigh heavy on my heart, to be someone that people can come to and hear the truth about themselves — that they have so much worth and that they don’t deserve the abuse they’ve endured — has been incredibly soul-filling and healing. To see even one person rediscover their power makes all the work we do here worth it.” |
Iowa
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Sen. Janet Petersen Sen. Janet Petersen works tirelessly on behalf of survivors and victims of sexual harassment, abuse, and assault. Representing Des Moines, IA, Sen. Petersen has committed to introducing bills every session that will empower and uplift survivors, including critical legislation that would eliminate the civil statute of limitations for sexual abuse. The bill to eliminate statute of limitations still has not passed the Iowa Legislature, though Sen. Petersen keeps fighting for it each and every year, and pushing her colleagues in the Senate on both sides of the aisle to support such legislation. Sen. Petersen isn't afraid to hold those who cause harm accountable for their actions. Following a landmark sexual harassment case that resulted in the state of Iowa paying a $1.75 million settlement in 2017 against a Senate Republican staffer at the Iowa Capitol, Sen. Petersen called the behavior of her male-identifying colleagues in the Senate “appalling.” She went on to say, “The Iowa Senate can no longer be a sanctuary for predatory behavior.” Since then, she’s worked to ensure a safer work environment for all Iowa workplaces, while acknowledging there’s still so much to be done. Sen. Petersen is a change-maker, a hero, and an advocate for survivors. For all of these reasons, we believe she deserves the Visionary Voice Award. |
Kansas
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Victoria Pickering Victoria Pickering, Director of Advocacy, started with MOCSA in 2015 and has been a long-time advocate for survivors of gender-based violence in the Kansas City area. She started her work in the field more than 15 years ago, as a MOCSA volunteer and working weekends in a domestic violence shelter, while pursuing her B.A. in Philosophy from UMKC. In her current role, Victoria manages MOCSA’s Advocacy and 24-hour Crisis Line Services, and works to improve our community responses to survivors by training professionals on trauma-informed and inclusive services and advocating for systems and policy change. Additionally, Victoria sits on the Membership Committee of the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence and is the coalition’s Regional Liaison to the Kansas City Region. |
Louisiana
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Morgan Lamandre Morgan Lamandre has been the leader in legal advocacy for sexual assault survivors in Louisiana for nearly a decade. She has pioneered the awareness, advancement, and implementation of survivors’ legal rights not only in the courtroom, but at the state legislature and across the institutions associated with a survivors’ journey. Morgan led the legal team at STAR (Sexual Trauma Awareness & Response) since 2013, providing direct pro bono legal services to survivors focusing on safety, privacy, restoration of dignity, and achieving justice in various forms. Morgan is now focusing on policy work as STAR’s Policy and Compliance Director. Through years of deft relationship building, diligence on task forces, and careful and considerate drafting of legislation and informative committee testimony, Morgan has led the way to usher in valuable and impactful change for Louisiana survivors. Morgan’s passionate dedication has saved lives and will continue to do so long into the future. LaFASA is exceedingly proud to nominate Morgan Lamandre for the 2022 Visionary Voice Award. |
Maine
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Maine Transgender Network MECASA staff and the Executive Directors of all seven of Maine's sexual assault support centers have nominated MaineTransNet for the following reasons:
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Maryland
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Roberta Eaton Roberta Eaton has been a dedicated advocate for sexual assault survivors for more than 10 years. Currently, she is the Interim Executive Director at DAWN, an organization focusing on providing healing support services to survivors who live in Maryland; Washington, DC; and Virginia. Roberta is a passionate advocate for the rights of all individuals, including people with disabilities. In addition to her powerful work as an advocate for sexual assault survivors, she is also a national trainer, helping to train new and advanced advocates on trauma-informed practices. Her past work experience includes being the assistant director for a deaf-centered nonprofit organization, Deaf World Against Violence in Columbus, Ohio. She has also worked for Vera Institute of Justice as a senior program associate designing a national deaf virtual services program that aims to improve accessibility to support services for survivors who are deaf and hard of hearing. |
Michigan
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Denise M. Berry Denise Berry is the visionary and dedicated executive director of Shelterhouse, a comprehensive domestic violence and sexual assault service program located in Midland, Michigan. As a leader Denise is described as determined, fearless, and dependable. As an advocate for survivors, Denise's tenacity is unmatched. Denise works diligently to serve survivors of sexual assault throughout their lifespan and with integrity and grace. Denise is a leader in the field, cultivating an extensive Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program. She is working to expand services available to survivors by adding SANE capabilities to the myriad of services at Shelterhouse. Denise has been creative in finding funding to support the expansion of the SANE project, moving nurses from contract to full-time employees. Denise is passionate about outreach to underserved communities, including overseeing the creation of Intersections at Shelterhouse, a program for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Denise Berry generously shares her expertise regarding sexual assault services and program administration with other programs throughout the state. Denise is a dynamic leader on behalf of survivors. MCEDSV is proud to honor Denise's vision and dedication to the movement. |
Minnesota
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MayTong Chang MayTong Chang believes that “If you invest in Hmong women, they will teach what they learn and it becomes a ripple effect, benefiting everyone around them.” MayTong has invested in her community, the Hmong community, through leadership, compassion, and dedication. MayTong has led numerous projects and initiatives addressing violence within and against the Hmong community. She has brought to light the impact of abusive international marriages through presentations and contributions to multiple reports (including Abusive International Marriages: Hmong Advocates Organizing). In addition, she co-founded Viv Ncaus Women’s giving circle, attended the Hmong Women’s Global Summit, and was featured on Twin Cities Public Television’s Original on #MeToo in the Hmong community. MayTong has also equipped new advocates to work with Hmong victims/survivors through presentations and educational events. MayTong has been involved in anti-violence work since 2004 and currently serves as the Advocacy Program Director at Transforming Generations. The organization’s mission is to organize, educate, and transform cultural and power dynamics to end gender-based violence. |
Missouri
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Jennifer L. Carter Dochler Jennifer Carter Dochler, MSW, got her start in domestic and sexual violence work as a campus organizer at the University of Texas in Austin. It was at UT Austin where she ultimately decided she wanted a career where she could get paid to be a feminist. She began at the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence in 2003 as a Program Development Specialist, and has served as the Public Policy Director for the past six years. She knows if you can succeed at systems change, you can potentially help thousands of people. This belief is embodied in the work Jennifer has done to build a statewide infrastructure for sexual assault response in Missouri. Beginning in 2016, Jennifer was given the responsibility for convening a meeting with sexual assault advocates, sexual assault nurse examiners, law enforcement, and other allied professionals to ask the question, “What can we do to make sure a sexual assault survivor is supported, regardless of where they are in Missouri?” There was no shortage of responses to the question. It was Jennifer’s organizing efforts that resulted in Missouri hospitals using the same forensic evidence collection kit, the Missouri Attorney General taking up the cause of clearing the state’s rape kit backlog, and the passage of legislation to create the Missouri Rights of Victims of Sexual Assault Task Force. Originally from Houston, Jennifer’s Texas roots can be spotted in the state Capitol when she’s wearing her cowgirl boots to committee hearings. |
Nebraska
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Kirby Williams Kirby Williams is an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. She holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Clinical Psychology from Missouri State University. Since 2014, she has worked in her professional and personal life to raise awareness and promote prevention of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and stalking. She currently focuses the majority of her work on serving Native American survivors of these crimes. Kirby has conducted numerous trainings addressing violence dynamics, including for the Missouri Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Training (SANE), Nebraska State Patrol, the Nebraska Victim Assistance Academy (NEVAA), the Mayor of Omaha’s Native American Advisory Board, and other agencies and organizations throughout the United States. She is a Class 5 graduate fellow of the National Human Trafficking Leadership Academy (HTLA), in which she and 11 other Indigenous fellows addressed how culture can be used as a protective factor in the trafficking of all Indigenous youth. For her work in violence prevention, she was named an inaugural recipient of the Cherokee Phoenix’s Seven Feathers Award. In addition to her understanding of violence against Native Americans, she has a background of knowledge and training in psychological diagnostics, statistical analysis, the impact of trauma from a physical and psychological perspective, healing from a culturally relevant perspective, and yoga teaching. She currently serves on the board for the Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs (NCIA). |
Nevada
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Traci Trenoweth For two decades, Traci has grown within and helped grow programs at her agency, Advocates to End Domestic Violence (AEDV). First working as a Child Care Coordinator just 10 hours a week, she now runs the Sexual Assault Response Advocates (SARA) Program full-time. Traci has been with AEDV for 20 years and masterfully runs her program which includes: facilitating staff and volunteer trainings, working with teens in the prevention program, coordinating one of their largest fundraisers, being back-up for her teams and working with victim-survivors in addition to community members. Another thing about Traci that really stands out is that her retention rate among staff is nearly unheard of; staff stay an average of 12 years at her agency! Clearly, Traci has a devotion that she is able to inspire others with. Her dedication can also be seen in that she chose to delay her C-section until two days after her fundraiser and has opted to bring her phone along to take crisis calls while prepping for her wedding, on the way to family funerals, and even in the hospital while waiting to have her little ones. For Traci though, that’s because it’s all about helping others and getting to assist survivors on their healing journeys. For her, it’s not a job; it’s a lifelong commitment to victim-survivors and her community. Thank you, Traci, for making Nevada a better place to live and work! |
New Hampshire
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Kathryn Kiefer Kathryn “Kitty” Kiefer has been a longtime champion for victims of crime and integral to New Hampshire’s prevention work. In her role as College Consortium Coordinator at the state’s Attorney General's Office, she is a true leader who encourages college/university professionals and campus partners to think critically and ask hard questions about individual, relational, and organizational change. As coordinator, she sits on the executive board for the New Hampshire Campus Consortium Against Sexual and Interpersonal Violence, a collaborative group of community partners and experts dedicated to sharing resources and prevention strategies to address interpersonal violence on college campuses. Kitty has been instrumental in leading conversations around the implementation of NH RSA 188-H, which makes the Granite State a leader in providing the most comprehensive protections to sexual assault survivors at colleges and universities. Her innovative thinking, commitment, and attention to detail has ensured college professionals and community stakeholders are prioritizing planning and implementation of this landmark legislation. Time and time again, Kitty gives so much of herself and her expertise to this field, and her passion and inherent ability to uplift and amplify others is truly inspiring to the advocates who work alongside her. Her talent for facilitating productive and transformative group work and team-based projects is remarkable and has led to significant systemic change that has improved survivors’ experiences throughout the state. Interpersonal violence prevention and response at New Hampshire institutions of higher education has been—and continues to be—wholly transformed by Kitty’s contributions, leadership, and expertise. |
New Jersey
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Ashante S. Taylorcox The New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault is proud to nominate Ashante Taylorcox. Ashante is a queer, licensed counselor in the state of New Jersey, 2021 Echoing Green Fellow, and the Founder and Executive Director of You Are More Than Inc (YAMT). YAMT is a survivor-led non-profit organization aimed at supporting marginalized survivors of commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking by empowering them within mental health, education, and financial sectors of aftercare support. Over the last seven years, Ashante has worked to create safer environments for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ survivors by improving aftercare services for survivors, and she aims to shift the way marginalized survivors are empowered, uplifted, and supported within the anti-trafficking community. Across her work, Ashante focuses on ways to build upon trauma-informed systems to cultivate empowering, supportive, survivor-informed environments and pathways of healing that move beyond cultural competence to cultural humility for survivors within our care. |
New York
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Luz Márquez-Benbow The New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NYSCASA) is proud to nominate Luz Marquez Benbow, a Black Boricua, an adult survivor of child sexual abuse, and a survivor leader. Luz has worked for more than 20 years creating strategies to prevent violence, creating support systems for survivors of color, and advocating for the inclusion of women of color in all aspects of ending sexual violence. In the late 1990s, Luz led outreach and policy initiatives at NYSCASA. In 2003, she co-founded the National Organization of Sisters of Color Ending Sexual Assault (SCESA). In her 10-year tenure with SCESA, she worked closely with national policy advocates and members of Congress to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) in 2005 and 2012. Most notably, Luz co-led efforts to develop VAWA’s Culturally Specific Grant Program to ensure that all national violence against women policy encompasses the needs of survivors of color throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Currently, Luz is focused on working in her own Black Latin community and locally in her beloved city of Troy, NY. Luz founded the International Alianza de Mujeres Negrx (#IamNegrx), a survivor-led network of Afrolatinx mobilizing to end sexual violence across the Black Diaspora. Luz is one of the founders of Troy 4 Black Lives, a collective of organizers in Troy who came together in 2017 to seek accountability and transparency after police shootings of two Black people, Dahmeek McDonald and Edson Thevenin. |
Ohio
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Kathryn Farmer Deputy Director and Child Advocacy Center Director of Crime Victim Services. Ryn has been with the agency since 2014. She oversees the following programs: Day One; Court Advocacy; Court Appointed Special Advocates; Elder Victim Ministry; Guardian Program; Prevention Program; Putnam County. Kathryn “Ryn” Farmer received a Bachelor’s degree in social work from Taylor University and a Master of Social Work degree from Baylor University. She is the Rape Crisis and Anti-Human Trafficking Director at Day One of Crime Victim Services, the Chair of the Northwest Ohio Rescue and Restore Coalition, a member of the Ohio Amber Alert Advisory Committee, and the Vice President for the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence’s Board of Directors. Ryn’s first interactions with OAESV were in the capacity as a Rape Crisis Director in Northwest Ohio. “One of the aspects I value most about OAESV is that they provide critical leadership in how sexual violence intersects with race, gender, class, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, ability, age and so much more.” She is committed to working alongside OAESV to help provide a comprehensive response to survivors who are impacted by sexual violence. Ryn is a fierce advocate and professional. |
Pennsylvania
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Ann Emmerling Ann Emmerling has been with Blackburn Center Against Domestic & Sexual Violence for 31 years, serving as Executive Director since July 1992. As Executive Director, she provides leadership and strategic planning for all of the agency’s services, acts as a liaison to the community, and is actively involved in funds development and management. Ms. Emmerling served for six years on the Advisory Council of the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, acting as that Council’s first Chairperson. In addition, she is a past member and past President of the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape. Ms. Emmerling has contributed to the work of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), currently serving on the Victim Services Advisory Committee (VSAC). In her role with VSAC, she chairs the Access To Services Subcommittee and serves on the Services and Standards Subcommittee. |
Puerto Rico
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Ángela Jiménez Hernández Ángela Jiménez has more than 21 years of experience working with the population of women and minors who are survivors of violence in Puerto Rico (PR). With an academic background in human behavior and public administration, she is a legal advocate that specializes in gender violence and sexual aggression. Currently, Ángela is the coordinator of a DV and SA survivors group known as “Conversatorio Entre Mujeres” that provides survivors direct contact with professionals and supports them in the multiple processes that they live through. Throughout her career, Ángela has worked in several organizations such as hospitals, local women’s offices, DV and SA shelters, university programs, among others. She is a consultant and public speaker for governmental agencies, universities, our DV and SA state coalition, and different community and grassroots groups. In addition, Ángela is a member of several committees working for women's rights, access to justice, and the prevention of gender violence in Puerto Rico. She has been and is a faithful believer in community and pro bono work. A woman who dreams of a country where women are respected for the mere fact of being women and not a single child is abused, Ángela is a feminist and gender violence and sexual aggression advocate that works tirelessly to eradicate behaviors that restrict the dignity and physical and emotional integrity of women and children. In her day to day, she contributes to achieving gender equality and equity in PR, and we are honored to call her our colleague. |
Rhode Island
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Susan J. Duffy, MD, MPH Day One is pleased to nominate Susan Duffy, MD, Head of the Emergency Room at Hasbro Hospital and longtime advocate for children in Rhode Island, for the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) 2022 Visionary Voice Award. Susan Duffy, MD is an attending physician in the emergency department at Hasbro Children's Hospital. She received her degree from Brown Medical School and completed her pediatric residency at Massachusetts General Hospital. She earned her master's in public health at Columbia University. Dr. Duffy is an associate professor of emergency medicine and pediatrics at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. Her specialties include medical education, child maltreatment, and sexual and domestic violence. Since the Violence Against Women Act was passed and signed into law in the mid-nineties, Sue has been an advocate for victims of sexual assault. Working in partnership with what was then the RI Rape Crisis Center, Dr. Duffy helped train emergency department personnel, doctors, and nurses in screening for and responding to sexual abuse. She provided leadership and training for all staff in her own emergency department at Hasbro Hospital, which she directs to this day. Susan has served on two of Day One's statewide task forces: the RI Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children Task Force as well as the RI Adult Sexual Assault Task Force. Dr. Duffy's commitment to supporting victims of sexual violence and to providing care of excellence has been resolute and unwavering. |
South Dakota
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Mona Herrington Ramona (Mona) Herrington is a cultural outreach manager at the University of Nebraska—Lincoln based in Rapid City, South Dakota. Mona has led multiple projects focused on reducing sexual and related forms of violence among Native Americans in Rapid City and on nearby Indian Reservations. Mona has a deep commitment to and passion for improving the lives of Native Americans. Mona is one of the most respected community leaders in Rapid City. She has led numerous projects in the community that focus on critical public health issues that disproportionally impact Native Americans such as preventing sexual violence and adverse childhood experiences, reducing homelessness and food insecurity, providing COVID-19 relief, and supporting women’s reintegration into the community following incarceration. Mona exemplifies a commitment to her Lakota values, especially compassion, generosity, and fortitude. Mona is patient and tireless in her advocacy for her community. Her caring attitude and her ability to meet youth, families, and community partners where they are fosters respect and builds strong lasting relationships. Beyond her local impact, Mona’s work has received national attention. For example, Mona has co-authored eight peer-reviewed journal articles that focus on reducing sexual violence and other health disparities among Native Americans. Mona is an enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, a veteran of the U.S. Army and Navy, and co-founder of the nonprofit One Rapid City. Mona is mother to four children, grandmother to 12 grandchildren, and relative to many others in the community for whom she serves through tireless volunteer work and advocacy. |
Tennessee
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Rachel Bruning Rachel has served with the Avalon Center's Domestic and Sexual Violence Program since 2008, becoming the Executive Director in 2015. Rachel has been a tireless and committed advocate for survivors of sexual assault. She is known in the community for her education and advocacy efforts. Rachel was instrumental in organizing the Cumberland County Sexual Assault Response Team, ensuring survivors have access to high quality, coordinated community services. |
Texas
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Foxye Brown Jackson Foxye Jackson is a Registered Nurse, Master Reiki practitioner, certified youth coach, mentor, and trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. In 2017 she founded I Speak Foxye, a nonprofit organization for sexual assault awareness, prevention, and healing. Foxye brings a unique approach to her work, combining her personal survivor experience and her training as a nurse to support her community and supporting survivors to transform trauma into wellness. She has played an integral role in training advocates across the state to better understand the prevalence of sexual assault in the African American community and the foundation of beliefs that create a culture of victim-blaming, denial, and ostracization by the Black community. Her presentation "What Happens In This House Stays In This House" speaks to how religion and the Black Jezebel stereotype have created a cycle of underreporting. Her approach has helped us explore religion's history and its effect on sexual assault reporting rates, the body and brain's response to trauma, and how to effect change in the culture. |
Virgin Islands
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Desiree Ritter Lambertis Desiree Ritter Lambertis has been advocating for sexual assault and rape victims since 2009. Working for the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) Victim/Witness Advocate division in the St. Thomas/St. John District, Desiree is a trailblazer for the victims, witnesses, and victims' families. She educates those affected of their rights, building a support system for the court process by arranging court accompaniment, notifying them of the arrests, arraignments, motions, hearings, dispositions, sentencing, and appellate proceedings. Ms. Lambertis takes pride in crisis intervention by assessing and evaluating victim needs. She generates referrals for appropriate services such as shelter, mental health counseling, peer support groups, emergency financial assistance, protection, and relocation. She offers formal and informal education and training to criminal justice and community agencies regarding victim rights and victim witness services. In addition to her work with VIPD, Desiree supports the Virgin Islands Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Council through partnerships in various awareness events, and outreach initiatives. She volunteers for the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) and has utilized her radio appearances to promote and educate the community on sexual assault awareness issues. |
Washington
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Rosa Cifuentes Rosa Cifuentes is a community leader that has earned the trust from the Latinx community in the South Sound area in WA State. She is originally from Ecuador and she enjoys celebrating culture and language and serving her community. Rosa is in love with nature. Rosa has been serving the Latinx community since 1990 in various roles. Since 2000, her focus has been to work with sexual assault survivors and do prevention work. She worked at CIELO providing support groups and advocacy services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault; she also worked one-on-one with parents and led classes to help parents better understand the impacts of domestic violence and sexual assault with their children, families, and communities. In 2007, she began working at Planned Parenthood, also working with families, one-on-one with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, providing survivors with information and referrals to additional services. Working in these two agencies, Rosa’s role as a community advocate demonstrated the importance of understanding the community, the needs for language access, and the multiple barriers the Indigenous communities from Guatemala and Mexico had to access services in Mason County. Rosa took this opportunity to educate other community partners and worked along with other community leaders to serve these communities with compassion, respect, and understanding. Rosa Cifuentes is a trusted leader in the Latinx community who deserves the nomination of the Visionary Voice Award for 2022. |
West Virginia
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Debra Lopez Bonasso Debra’s 27-year career with West Virginia’s state sexual assault coalition began in 1995 when she was tasked with designing and implementing a vision for prevention in West Virginia. That vision has grown into a statewide network of preventionists and multiple collaboratives working to prevent sexual violence among West Virginia’s most vulnerable populations. She developed a prevention curriculum and numerous resources that have assisted professionals in responding to and preventing sexual violence. Debra’s efforts have also increased accountability for offenders, as she provided the groundbreaking work that involved the development and nurturing of West Virginia’s first sexual assault response teams (SARTs) and sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) programs. Her determination that victims in West Virginia would have access to trained medical forensic examiners resulted in the creation of a free, in-state training program for SANEs that includes an extensive eLearning course and a classroom/clinical component. Debra’s expertise has facilitated the training of thousands of allied professionals, guided the development and implementation of state-level policies, and been the catalyst for changes in systems that have resulted in more victim-centered responses and focused on ending sexual violence. Her passion, mentorship, and leadership have generated respect and appreciation from colleagues around the state and nation. |
