Josephine Smedley
Survivor
Candidate Responses:
Please summarize the reasons you are submitting this
nomination
I am submitting my nomination for the Board of Directors because
I believe my lived experience as a survivor, combined with nearly
two decades of professional experience advancing social justice,
engagement, and systemic change, can meaningfully contribute to
the Partnership’s mission. Throughout my career across public
health, education, government, and nonprofit sectors, I have
consistently centered community voices, dismantled barriers to
healing, and worked to create community-driven solutions. While I
have not previously served on a board, I bring strong
governance-adjacent experience: leading cross-sector
collaborations, stewarding resources responsibly, ensuring
accountability to mission-driven outcomes, and supporting the
leadership of underrepresented communities. I am passionate about
building systems that are survivor-centered, equity-driven, and
sustainable. I am deeply committed to learning, growing, and
working collaboratively to uphold the Partnership’s role as a
catalyst for statewide change. I see Board service not only as a
leadership opportunity, but as a profound responsibility to
steward the collective power of our movement.
How does this person’s values align with the Partnership, including centering underrepresented voices?
My values are deeply aligned with the Partnership’s mission to
advance safety, healing, and systemic change. I believe that
ending domestic violence requires centering the lived experiences
of survivors-especially those whose voices have historically been
marginalized-and addressing the root causes of violence
through
a lens of race, power, and privilege. Throughout my career, I
have championed the principles of collective action, believing
that real change is built through community, collaboration, and
courage. I am committed to advancing policies and practices that
not only prevent violence but also promote justice, equity, and
healing for all families and communities. Like the Partnership, I
believe that our strength lies in the diversity of our coalition
and the power of our shared voice. I am honored to submit my
nomination and hope to support the Partnership’s vision of a
California where domestic violence is not only addressed but
eradicated through collective leadership and transformative
action.
Describe your participation in the Partnership’s regional networks, policy committees, peer learning circles and other components of our Membership community.
My participation in the Partnership’s community has grown over
time, guided by my emotional capacity and healing journey. I
regularly attend webinars and trainings, sign petitions
supporting legislative change, and stay informed through the
eNews and listservs. I’ve participated in survivor listening
sessions, contributed to the Teen Dating Violence Awareness and
Prevention Month focus group, and most recently completed the
40-hour advocate training. I also attend regional meetings and
presented at the Economic Equity in Action Forum: Bridging
Gaps,
Building Futures. This year, I will proudly take part in Policy
Advocacy Day-on the
same day I celebrate my 8th anniversary of being safe and free.
It’s a full-circle moment that reflects how far I’ve come and how
ready I am to give back in deeper ways. With rising rates of teen
dating violence, ongoing systemic inequities, and the current
climate of rapid funding loss for lifesaving survivor services
and prevention efforts, I am committed to putting my full energy
into ending domestic violence. Board service would allow me to
strengthen my contributions, cultivate deeper connections within
the membership community, and support the Partnership’s critical
leadership in California.
Describe your skills, experience or interests that can benefit, strengthen or increase capacity of the Board.
I bring a unique blend of lived experience and over 17 years of
professional expertise in community engagement, systems change,
and cross-sector collaboration. My background spans public
health, education, government, and nonprofit work-all rooted in
equity and social justice. I have led community-centered
initiatives that amplify underrepresented voices, strengthen
organizational capacity, and drive sustainable change. My skills
in strategic communication, coalition-building, and
facilitation will contribute to the Board’s efforts to govern
with inclusivity and vision. I’m also experienced in navigating
complex systems, evaluating impact, and fostering partnerships
that reflect the diverse needs of survivors and communities.
Additionally, I have a strong interest in advancing racial equity
and dismantling systemic barriers, and I welcome the opportunity
to serve on committees such as Engagement or Race, Power, and
Privilege. I am committed to helping the Board reflect the
communities it serves, while supporting the Partnership’s
continued growth and leadership in the movement to end domestic
violence.
What does leadership mean to you? How do you demonstrate leadership?
To me, leadership means creating space for others to rise. It’s
not about titles or control-it’s about listening deeply,
centering those most impacted, and using your influence to
break down barriers and build bridges. Leadership requires
courage, accountability, and humility. It means holding a
vision for collective liberation while taking practical steps
to make that vision real. I demonstrate leadership by building
trust, nurturing collaboration, and guiding systems toward
equity and
sustainability. Over my 17-year career, I’ve led initiatives
that amplify marginalized voices, design inclusive engagement
strategies, and drive institutional change. I lead by
example-whether mentoring emerging advocates, facilitating
cross-sector partnerships, or stepping back so others can
step
forward. As a survivor, I also know that leadership can be
quiet and deeply personal-choosing healing, choosing advocacy,
choosing to turn pain into power. I bring that lived wisdom to
every space I enter, and I lead with both strategy and heart.
Describe how your relationships can enhance the work of the Partnership and the Board (for example, with policy-makers, media outlets, culturally specific communities, and the broader community). Tell us how you intend to cultivate those relationships on behalf of the Partnership.
My relationships span across public health, education, government, and nonprofit sectors, including long-standing connections with culturally specific communities, youth-serving organizations, and advocates for racial and gender justice. I’ve built trusted relationships with media partners, educators, and local leaders by centering authenticity, accountability, and community voice. These relationships can help amplify the Partnership’s work, expand its reach, and deepen engagement with underrepresented groups. I’ve also worked with local policy advocates and coalitions that influence systems-level change-relationships I would leverage to support the Partnership’s visibility and impact. I intend to cultivate these connections by acting as a bridge-sharing the Partnership’s vision in spaces where it may not yet be centered, creating opportunities for new collaborations, and inviting partners into meaningful dialogue. As a connector, I see Board service as a way to align my networks and values to strengthen the movement to end domestic violence across California.
