Northwest Coalition Against Sexual Assault McHenry, IL

“Always so dedicated to survivor care! Always willing to help the team in every way possible!”

-Ayanara Vasquez, Advocate Team Supervisor

Coalition for Family Harmony, Oxnard, CA

“Jen is committed to not only our survivors but also our team of 14 advocates. Jen merges survivor-centered and culturally sensitive practices in working with survivors. She is kind, patient, and speaks up for survivors. Jen advocates for comprehensive trauma-informed prevention education, and her presentations reflect this commitment. With respect to our advocates, Jen creates tools like surveys to capture their needs and builds training based on their feedback. Coalition for Family Harmony and our community are extremely lucky to have her! Jen worked full time while attending graduate school full time to get her Master's from USC! It's a joy to work with Jen!”

-Dr. Sandy Gómez, Rape Crisis Center and LGBTQ+ Programming

Arise Lawrence County, New Castle, PA

“At Arise Lawrence County, every counselor is caring, empathetic, and happy to help in almost every situation that presents itself. Most clients at Arise Lawrence County are appreciative of the services offered and the advocates that have helped them in the past and present. Arise Lawrence County counselors offer superior knowledge and advocacy.”

-Rachel, Director of Community Services

Clove Alliance, Watseka IL

“Tammy is a go better, she strongly advocates for the rights that survivors have and is a big asset to our communities that she serves in. Tammy has been working with Clove for many years and is a natural helper. She is kind yet a bull dog when needed for clients.”

-Janice, Director of Advocacy Services

CHAN-BOF/Valley Crisis Center, Merced, CA

“She always makes sure clients needs are being met and is culturally sensitive to all clients.”

-Pana Lee, Advocate

FAST Tribal Sexual Assault Initiative, Black Hills, SD

“Judy has given so much of her heart, time, and finances to victims and survivors who are not always easy to assist. She has persevered in serving those who need a helping, healing hand even when circumstances can become quite complicated and few other resources may be available. Working primarily with human trafficking victims, Judy Mildren has a special place in her heart for teens and has been successful in engaging them in sharing their thoughts, which has contributed to effective community dialogue.”

-Gayle, Chief Enthusiasm Officer

Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence, Okemos, MI

“Devin was hired in 2018 to be an advocate for the Statewide Sexual Assault Hotline. Devin, is a shift lead who supports survivors via text, chat, tty, and phone. Devin demonstrates and embodies our core tenants of being survivor-centered, trauma-informed and providing those services with an intersectional lens. Over the years, I have received a number of accolades from Devin from survivors. He listens without judgement, believes survivors and they feel believed, and works alongside other advocates to support them in growing their skills of advocacy and support. Devin provides resources to survivors that match what they have identified as needs. He creates a welcoming environment for all.”

-Chéree Thomas, Interim Co-Executive Director Programming

West Georgia Prevention & Advocacy Resource Center, Carrollton, GA

“Ginny is one the most genuine people I have had the pleasure of working with. She is open-minded, accepting, and dedicated to her clients and works hard to provide the clients with services that are trauma-informed and high quality. Ginny also does a fantastic job supporting her team of advocates and interns.”

-Rob Dial, Executive Director

Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, Hays, KS

“Anniston has demonstrated exceptional commitment to addressing sexual violence victims with compassionate support and guidance. Her dedication to responding to SANE exams and comprehensive understanding of sexual assault crimes and victims' rights makes Anniston an essential resource for Options, area schools and college campuses. She is dedicated to keeping up to date with evolving victims’ rights, cultural shifts impacting survivors, and fostering the implementation of more effective services for sexual assault survivors. She uses an innovative approach to raising awareness of sexual violence by engaging the community in meaningful dialogue through numerous events, including developing and spearheading our “Rock Against Rape” event featuring local bands. Anniston has also taken the lead on the Crime Victims’ Rights Week events for 2024, collaborating with several community partners, including Jana’s Campaign and Fort Hays State University to feature a screening of the Netflix documentary Audrie and Daisy on campus. Her professionalism, passion, and accomplishments are all the more commendable given her young age, and we at Options are excited to witness the leadership she will undoubtedly continue to develop within the advocacy profession.”

-Amy, Operations Specialist

Family Advocates, Lafayette Counties, WI

“She is a compasionate, genuine kind hearted advocate who is willing to go to almost any length to make sure that her clients feel safe, heard, and believed. Paula has been working in this field for over 20 years. She is a valuable asset to our agency and all the clients that she comes in to contact with.”

-Norma, Client Services Advocate

Clove Alliance Kankakee, IL

“I have had the immense pleasure of working with Janice for the last nine years. She is hands down the best! Our advocacy department has flourished under her leadership as our Director of Advocacy Services. Janice truly embodies the term “advocate” for our clients and her team. She is self-inspired and has transformed the department into what it is today. Janice manages a team of five medical/legal advocates who cover our three counties. Janice deals with challenging situations with strength and compassion. She uses strength to handle the emotional weight of the survivor's experience while offering unwavering compassion and understanding. Janice creates a safe space where survivors feel comfortable sharing their stories. She is an exceptional listener and uses her deep empathy to connect with survivors on a profound level. Janice acts as a bridge for survivors, connecting them with medical care, legal support, counseling, and other resources crucial for healing and navigating the aftermath. She understands that every survivor's journey is unique, and she empowers survivors by respecting their choices and decisions throughout the healing process. Janice is ultimately the most prominent champion for change. She works to raise awareness about sexual assault, dismantle the stigma surrounding it, and advocate for policies that support survivors. She is a beacon of hope and support in a survivor's darkest hour. Her unwavering dedication makes a profound difference in the lives of those who have experienced sexual violence.”

-Tracey Noe Slach, Executive Director

Child Advocacy Center, Wood River, IL

“Beth is the newest member of the case management team at the Madison County Child Advocacy Center. Beth's background with University of Missouri St. Louis' CAST program, an educational curriculum of evidence-based responses to child abuse and neglect, provides unique insight and consideration to challenges and methods of addressing these challenges. Beth has dived into the role of Case Manager with enthusiasm and seeks opportunities to continue to learn and develop.”

-Sherri, Case Manager Supervisor

Safe Alternatives for Abused Families, Devils Lake, ND

“Tricia is so kind and caring when our patients come in for sexual assault exams. She makes sure to make them as comfortable as they can be in an uncomfortable situation. She is great at explaining resources available. Within the work place she is a great team member, willing to help out where needed and always willing to learn. We are thankful to have Tricia on our team!”

-Jessica Larson, Sexual Assault Nurse

Arise Lawrence County, New Castle, PA

“At Arise Lawrence County, every counselor is caring, empathetic, and happy to help in almost every situation that presents itself. Most clients at Arise Lawrence County are appreciative of the services offered and the advocates that have helped them in the past and present. Arise Lawrence County counselors offer superior knowledge and advocacy.”

-Rachel, Director of Community Services

Sacred Heart Center Family Violence Services, Eagle Butte, SD

“Beth is a dedicated advocate to the survivors we serve. She does a wonderful job making strong connections with the people she works with, listens to their needs and goals, and is a strong emotional support for all survivor's she works with. Beth regularly seeks out new learning opportunities and is willing to grow in her role at SHC. Beth is compassionate, caring, and empowering for not only survivors but the staff she works with. Beth has been a wonderful asset for SHC.”

-Nancy Petersen, Director

Safe Place of Eastern South Dakota, Mitchell, SD

“Kaleena’s commitment to her role is truly commendable. Her dedication to this job has been tremendous. Additionally, she is friendly and has a great sense of humor that contributes to a positive atmosphere both at work and beyond. We value her capacity to maintain composure in challenging situations without compromising her core beliefs. Kaleena is approachable, loyal, and has a willingness to ‘go the extra mile’ for those she is working with.”

-Coleen Hoffman, Executive Director

Child Advocacy Center, Wood River, IL

“Katie is an expert in her field. She has been instrumental in assisting and training new case managers. Katie has immense knowledge of the criminal justice process and Illinois Crime Victim Rights. She provides each family with education on what to expect during and after their child's interview. In fact, Katie has created a form called "What to Expect When Visiting the CAC" that answers to questions one may have before visiting the center. This document is just one example of the many contributions Katie has made to the CAC beyond direct interactions with families.”

-Sherri, Case Manager Supervisor

Victim Services Center of Montgomery County, Norristown, PA

“She is a fierce advocate for seuxal assault victims! She has worked endlessly to also change systems and procedures in our County to ensure that those with limited English are awarded the same access to services and rights. She is compassionate beyond measure and should be recognized for her tireless efforts to aid all survivors and improve the systems they are engaged with.”

-Erin, Direct Services Supervisor

IATROC, 3Joannes, The Blue Bench, Denver, CO

“Julia embodies advocacy in all of her life and work. After volunteering for years at The Blue Bench in Denver, in both prevention and direct service as a hotline advocate, she took on a brand new role to do part-time in-person on-call hospital advocacy to meet survivors at hospitals following an assault across the 9 counties in the Denver metro area to upscale the types and quality of support available to survivors 24/7 a day . She did not stop at providing in-person support, but also made deep and important relationships with all types of staff to ensure the wide array of options available to survivors was always clear and accessible (Social work, transportation, multiple types of support, case management, nursing forensics). She then utilized this work to support herself to go through a trauma coaching certification, again being on the cutting-edge of thinking of ways to get herself and others positioned to best support survivors across the full duration of their healing journeys, making support options available expansively and affordably. At IATROC after completing her own certification as a trauma coach, there was no sexual harm-specific training or curriculum available, so she stayed on to develop and establish it- centering again the needs of survivors in spaces they are often forgotten. She has now entered an even more incredible phase of advocacy, co-authoring a mobile app that will soon be available to anyone (especially college students) at no cost, to introduce the basics of support, advocacy, options and community care so that any person who is a helper and wants to be informed can do so. Melding her years of volunteer and part-time service and deep and wide experience on the ground with truly innovative approaches to supporting survivors, Julia is an incredible advocate and true inspiration.”

-Amelia, CCASA Restorative & Transformative Justice Initiatives

Durham Crisis Response Center, Durham, NC

“Sam's role as the agencies, Rape Prevention Educator is important to educate and support the local community with resources and information on prevention and agency services. Each year, Sam educated 300 plus youth on safe dates and healthy boundaries.”

-Tammy, Project Management and Development Consultant

Eastern Panhandle Empowerment Center, Ranson, WV

“Isabella goes above and beyond for survivors. When faced with a difficult case, she finds resources wherever they exist and if they don't exist, she is the first to speak up for change. She centers equity in all that she does and utilizes culturally responsive advocacy. She is a leader among advocates in our program as well as the region. She will respond to back to back crisis calls with ease, but knows when to take time for herself and encourages others to do the same. She is a bright light in her office.”

-Katie Spriggs, Executive Director

Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault, Tucson, AZ

“Liliana has dedicated more than 5 years to victim advocacy, and each year contributes more compassion, dedication, empathy and empowerment than the year before. She advocates strongly for the rights of all victims, with special dedication to undocumented survivors, fighting to break down barriers between legal status and the right to equitable care and opportunities for recovery. Fellow crisis advocates look to Liliana as a mentor, as she consistently models exemplary crisis advocacy, collaboration and leadership while promoting vicarious resilience for the many volunteers who support our program. Her professionalism, experience, and enthusiasm contribute to our program's strong and trusting relationships with community partners, resulting in impactful collaboration for improved response to sexual violence. Liliana undoubtedly makes a lasting impact on those she works with, and Southern Arizona is fortunate to have Liliana serving survivors and our community.”

-Katlyn Monje, Director

Arise Lawrence County, New Castle, PA

“At Arise Lawrence County, every counselor is caring, empathetic, and happy to help in almost every situation that presents itself. Most clients at Arise Lawrence County are appreciative of the services offered and the advocates that have helped them in the past and present. Arise Lawrence County counselors offer superior knowledge and advocacy.”

-Rachel, Director of Community Services

Child Advocacy Center, Wood River, IL

“Neil goes above and beyond to support families throughout the interview and criminal justice process for CAC cases. I have watched him build report with caregivers who were seemingly upset and nonengaged with an investigation. Neil gets to the very bottom of their concerns and is able to communicate a family's unique dynamics to investigators appropriately and effectively. In many cases, building a bridge between victims and service providers. As a result, caregivers are able to get the resources and information necessary to protect their children.”

-Sherri, Case Manager Supervisor

Eastern Panhandle Empowerment Center, Ranson, WV

“Ally has committed several years of volunteer work to the Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault, specifically to the hospital response service for Pima County. During times of volunteer shortage, Ally has gone beyond all expectations by providing excessive shift coverage, helping our program fulfill the commitment to providing 24/7 advocacy and support to our community of survivors. During all interactions, Ally demonstrates strong knowledge and skills related to crisis intervention, communication, and collaboration. The quality of trauma-informed and victim- centered care she routinely provides undoubtedly has a lasting impact on the healing journey for countless survivors. She is a trusted mentor to new and experienced advocates, modeling genuine compassion and empowerment while providing guidance and education on protocol and policy. She remains humble in her work while promoting safety, healing, and justice for the rights and recovery of victims and survivors.”

-Katlyn Monje, Director

Crime Victim Services, Lima, OH

“PAVE asked us to nominate advocates. I couldn't nominate one. In the last year that I have supervised this group of people, I have seen the strength and passion they have for advocacy. The Day One Advocate Team at Crime Victim Services all deserve to be recognized for their advocacy efforts. Brittany Reyes is compassionate, has a good relationship with law enforcement, and will stop anything she is working on to go help a survivor. Charla Lauth is a strong advocate that will stand up for her survivor, whether working with an adult or a student on campus. She explores every possible option to insure her survivors have self-determination. Chelsea Migura is our CAC coordinator. She advocates for children who have been sexually abused and meticulously evaluates our systems for improving the best interests of this group of children. Erica Hawkins is brand new to our team. She hit the ground running and has jumped right into training, taking on her first cases, and making connections for outreach. Pam Silver is a creative team member who assists in much of our outreach and awareness ideas. She has a heart of gold, and many survivors who have been so appreciative of her help. When cases get rough, they rely on one another for case support and emotional support. When a case has a great outcome, we celebrate together. When a case has a terrible outcome, we mourn together. None of them do this work for any credit. The Day One Advocates are champions for the sexual violence movement.”

-Becca Peckinpaugh, Day One Director

Signs of HOPE, Las Vegas, NV

“Jackie is the Director of Prevention, Education and Outreach. I appreciate her so much and what she does out in the school community. Teaching little kiddos to high school students about sexual assault, boundaries and healthy relationship is absolutely needed and Jackie is doing it!”

-Jazmine, Volunteer and Hotline Manager

Arise Lawrence County, New Castle, PA

“At Arise Lawrence County, every counselor is caring, empathetic, and happy to help in almost every situation that presents itself. Most clients at Arise Lawrence County are appreciative of the services offered and the advocates that have helped them in the past and present. Arise Lawrence County counselors offer superior knowledge and advocacy.”

-Rachel, Director of Community Services

Signs of HOPE, Las Vegas, NV

“Ashley is Signs of HOPE's Counseling Coordinator. Her passion for our counseling clients of sexual assault is truly inspiring. She will make you feel loved, seen, and heard.”

-Jazmine, Volunteer and Hotline Manager

Signs of HOPE, Las Vegas, NV

“Danielle is Signs of HOPE's Practicum Student for our Counseling department. Her passion for our clients and mental health is inspiring. Ever since she's been with us, seeing her grow and work with our clients makes my heart warm.”

-Jazmine, Volunteer and Hotline Manager

Arise Lawrence County, New Castle, PA

“At Arise Lawrence County, every counselor is caring, empathetic, and happy to help in almost every situation that presents itself. Most clients at Arise Lawrence County are appreciative of the services offered and the advocates that have helped them in the past and present. Arise Lawrence County counselors offer superior knowledge and advocacy.”

-Rachel, Director of Community Services

Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center, Akron,OH

“Nikki Crawford, our esteemed Education and Outreach Manager, stands as a beacon of unwavering dedication and profound impact in the realm of sexual violence prevention. Her tireless efforts on the front lines, spanning across Summit and Medina Counties in Ohio, and even extending to university-level initiatives, have significantly shaped our community's understanding and response to this pressing issue. Nikki's exceptional ability to connect with youth and young adults has empowered them with invaluable tools to combat sexual violence effectively. Moreover, her commitment transcends conventional boundaries; she has embarked on a specialized project aimed at providing education and support to youth in detention, a groundbreaking endeavor that has yielded remarkable results. Nikki's visionary leadership has forged vital partnerships within the juvenile justice system, achieving unprecedented engagement levels and fostering tangible outcomes that mark a watershed moment in our agency's history. Her unwavering dedication, innovative approach, and tangible impact make her an unequivocal candidate for recognition and praise.”

-Ashley Kline, Chief Program Officer

Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center, Akron, OH

“Breana Griffin is our Access to Care Manager and epitomizes compassionate leadership and unwavering commitment in her advocacy for survivors of sexual violence and a specialized focus on youth survivors of human trafficking. As a beacon of hope, Breana has tirelessly dedicated herself to not only supporting survivors but also to spearheading proactive prevention efforts. By equipping these organizations with the tools to recognize and intervene, Breana has facilitated crucial connections for vulnerable youth, steering them away from the harrowing grasp of the criminal justice system. Additionally, Breana's adept management and implementation of culturally responsive services for survivors at our agency have set a new standard for inclusivity and effectiveness. Her profound impact resonates deeply within our community and beyond, making her an exemplary candidate for recognition and praise. Breana Griffin's unwavering dedication to combating human trafficking and her remarkable contributions to the welfare of youth survivors truly embody the spirit of advocacy and service.”

-Ashley Kline, Chief Program Officer