There are many people in our community working to create positive change to end sexual violence. We want to feature as many of them as possible. If you would like to submit a recommendation, please email prevention@star.ngo.
I knew I had to be doing something right when a friend disclosed to me and she had never disclosed to anyone else before. That situation alone validated that just having the conversation about sexual violence can be another person’s breakthrough and the start of their healing.
– Javonda Nix
1. What is your position at STAR?
I am a Resource Advocate at STAR’s Greater New Orleans Branch. I serve survivors directly by providing resources, hospital advocacy, answering the crisis line and supporting them in any way that will assist in their healing process.
2. What led you to your work in sexual assault prevention and/or response?
There has always been a spot in my heart to serve the community since the age of 14. The beginning of my journey in community work started as a Summer Youth Leadership Team member. At that point, I learned that community work would be the most fulfilling job and where I would find much of my happiness.
Even though I didn’t go into a trauma-focused field when initially coming out of college, I have realized that STAR is giving me the satisfaction of serving my very own community in a way I could have never imagined, which is supporting survivors of sexual trauma and finding ways to prevent sexual violence in my community.
3. What do you find most rewarding about your involvement in this work?
Every day when I wake, I get to witness something GREAT and that is witnessing survivors heal in their very own way. Seeing them regain strength and take back their life in different ways is breathtaking and rewarding.
4. What motivates you to keep going when things get difficult or discouraging?
Being that I am from New Orleans, I have seen different levels of trauma, so it has always been instilled in me to pray and ask God to lead me when things get rough. I am motivated to give back, and what better way to give back to my community than to educate and make people aware of this issue? I am motivated to help people realize that we can put an end to sexual violence.
5. What are some simple, day-to-day ways you promote positive change in your community?
Day to day, I fight for this issue and make others aware everywhere I go. I knew I had to be doing something right when a friend disclosed to me and she had never disclosed to anyone else before. That situation alone validated that just having the conversation about sexual violence can be another person’s breakthrough and the start of their healing.
6. What advice would you give to someone who is hesitant about becoming an active member of this movement?
I would tell people that this is not at all easy work and your heart has to be in it to continue to fight to end sexual violence, however it is rewarding when you see one survivor jump over that hurdle they thought they couldn’t accomplish.
Get involved and make change with STAR!
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