Today we are launching our first entry in a series of conversations with WOMAN Inc Ambassador, Vanessa. In this minisode, Vanessa shares her story of surviving domestic violence, her experiences at WOMAN Inc, and how she eventually left the abusive relationship that eroded her self-esteem and threatened her life. We hear about her DV work and how she tapped into the expertise of her lived experience to support other survivors. 

Host Bio:

Jill Zawisza (pronounced Za-we-za) (she/her/hers) is a white woman of Polish descent and serves as co-director at W.O.M.A.N., Inc. She has been in the anti-DV movement since 1996, and has been with W.O.M.A.N., Inc. for 13 years. In addition, Jill has served as an anti-Sexual Assault advocate and counselor. She represents W.O.M.A.N., Inc. in the community, aids in program development, provides mentorship to staff, and participates in active community outreach. Her current focus is offering counseling and advocacy to survivors, and delving into how to share power & dismantle white supremacy culture within the leadership structure at W.O.M.A.N., Inc., and beyond.