Surviving a ten-year severe illness has gifted me what I now call my 'Bonus Life.' With renewed purpose, I work to enhance health, safety, and justice for those impacted by gender-based and sexualized violence. As the Executive Director/CEO of Mosaic Georgia, I lead a dynamic and diverse team committed to providing comprehensive, trauma-informed services to survivors. My journey through chronic illness, blood cancer, and blood stem cell transplantation deepened my commitment to patient empowerment and advocacy, particularly in supporting those with health challenges.Current Focus:As the Executive Director/CEO of Mosaic Georgia, Inc.—a Children’s Advocacy Center and Sexual Assault Center—I lead our team in offering trauma-informed, multi-disciplinary responses to sexual violence. Our services include:* A 24/7 hotline, medical forensic exams, forensic interviews for children, advocacy, legal services, support groups, counseling, and housing assistance.* The opening of the Mosaic Resilience Center in 2021, which expands our capacity to meet the mid- and long-term healing needs of survivors of interpersonal violence.* The launch of the SANE Success Institute in Winter 2021, aimed at expanding the forensic nursing workforce in Georgia by providing ongoing professional education, workshops, peer reviews, and a SANE Community Support Network to retain Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) in the community.* The establishment of Mental Health & Wellness services in Fall 2022, with a team of three trauma-focused therapists offering individual therapy, support groups in both English & Spanish, and a holistic initiative called the Mosaic Wholeness Collective to support strength, growth, and resilience for survivors of sexual violence, trafficking, and domestic abuse.* Spearheading the development of prevention and education programs on college campuses and within diverse communities to challenge harmful social norms and reduce interpersonal violence.Professional Pivot: From Community Development to AdvocacyAfter a fulfilling twenty-year career in community development and affordable housing, my life took an unexpected turn due to a rare, life-threatening medical condition - two myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) and an autoimmune disease, leading to bone marrow failure. In 2013, thanks to an unrelated donor, I underwent a life-saving blood stem cell transplant. The subsequent four years of recovery redefined my life's path, steering me towards advocacy and support for those facing similar health and life challenges.