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Community-focused work has always been more than a career for me, it’s been a calling. The path to the Rape Crisis Center of San Antonio was paved by an unrelenting passion for equity, safety and healing. As the digital media and community outreach coordinator, my work serves as a vital lifeline for survivors of sexual violence while fostering hope for a brighter future.
The journey to this role was far from accidental. With a background in social media curation and a history of working with brands prioritizing mental health, advocacy and community engagement, the groundwork was laid long before I joined the team. This unique combination of skills, part storytelling and activism, made the transition to the Rape Crisis Center both natural and impactful. When I create content, I’m not just sharing information. I’m giving people tools to heal, empowering them to find their voice and showing them they’re not alone.
Life at the Rape Crisis Center is a whirlwind of creativity, collaboration and purpose. One day might involve recording an episode for “Beyond Silence,” the organization’s Spotify podcast tackling trauma-informed self-care and other essential topics. Another day might mean appearing on live TV segments and spreading awareness about resources available to survivors. Every day is different. The dynamic, mission-driven environment keeps the work fresh and meaningful.
Working in a field that addresses sexual violence is not without its challenges. Witnessing the cycle of harm and understanding how deeply it impacts people across all backgrounds can be emotionally taxing. But for every difficult moment, there’s an equally impactful reward. Knowing that our content, podcast and outreach could save or change someone’s life is extremely fulfilling.
Among the many impactful projects I have worked on at the Rape Crisis Center, several stand out as memorable. One such project was the collaboration with Periodpalooza to tackle period poverty, a barrier that disproportionately affects marginalized communities. The issue intersects with our mission to provide safety and healing for the community. We recognize that many of the individuals we serve face challenges beyond trauma recovery, including financial barriers that make affording necessities like menstrual products nearly impossible.
Partnering with Periodpalooza allowed us to bring our advocacy full circle. It wasn’t just about providing products, it was about empowering individuals to reclaim their dignity. The collaboration served as a powerful reminder that healing and empowerment are holistic processes. By meeting people where they are and addressing their immediate needs, the Rape Crisis Center reinforced its commitment to fostering a community rooted in care and support.
Then there’s the “Beyond Silence” podcast, which has become a cornerstone of the center’s digital outreach efforts. We’ve had the privilege of speaking with incredible community members and fellow organizations, bringing diverse perspectives to our listeners.
Three episodes stand out as especially important in advancing our mission: “Navigating Disenfranchised Grief,” “A Conversation with an Adult Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE),” and “How Creativity and Crafting Improve Mental Health.” They demonstrate the strength of community collaboration in creating meaningful content that educates, empowers and uplifts survivors and their allies. For us, the podcast is a platform to amplify voices, share stories and build the compassionate, nonviolent community we envision.
Another standout initiative was the creation of the organization’s first-ever Trauma Journal. Developed in partnership with my education and outreach colleagues, this journal offers survivors a safe way to process their emotions at home, extending the center’s support beyond its walls.
And as the Rape Crisis Center approaches its 50th anniversary, the anticipation is palpable. Plans for a celebration at the San Antonio Botanical Garden are underway, promising to honor the organization’s legacy while looking toward its future.
Every post, podcast episode and outreach effort is a step toward a more inclusive, compassionate and safe community. Progress isn’t just about big milestones, it’s about the survivor who felt heard, the advocate who felt empowered or the family who felt supported. The work being done today lays the foundation for the next generation.
