Candidate Responses:

Please summarize the reasons you are submitting this nomination

I am submitting my candidacy for the Bay Area Representative and Board Member position with the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence out of a deep and sustained commitment to advancing the rights, services, and resources available to
survivors of domestic violence. With over 15 years of experience advocating alongside survivors-as a trial and appellate attorney, policy advocate, and community partner-I am eager to bring both practical expertise and a visionary approach to this role. My decision to apply is also supported by current Bay Area Representative Saara Ahmed, who encouraged me to apply.. I am particularly drawn to this opportunity because of the Partnership’s focus on collective power, equity, and systems transformation-principles that have long guided my own work. Throughout my career, I have witnessed both the strengths and limitations of the systems survivors must navigate. From representing clients in family court, to engaging in appellate strategies at the Family Violence Appellate Project, I have seen the critical need for broader systemic change and for survivor-centered, community-driven advocacy. I want to help shape policies and practices that not only respond to violence, but also address the root causes of it-racism, poverty, gender-based
oppression, and disconnection from community. As someone who has led legal programs, trained advocates, collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, and testified in support of legislative reforms, I understand the intersection of direct services, legal strategy, and policy advocacy. I also understand that survivors are experts in their own lives-and that advancing their rights means listening deeply, creating space, and moving power into communities most impacted by violence. Serving on the Partnership’s Board would allow me to contribute to statewide efforts that reflect these values, while amplifying the needs and strengths of the Bay Area’s diverse communities. I am excited to offer my experience, my voice, and my deep
commitment to justice as part of this collective movement to end domestic violence in California.

How does this person’s values align with the Partnership, including centering underrepresented voices?

My core values-centering the voices and leadership of those with lived experience, committing to transparency and honesty, practicing compassion, and advancing equity-deeply align with the values of the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence. Like the Partnership, I believe that those most impacted by domestic violence must be at the forefront of shaping the policies, practices, and systems that affect their lives. Throughout my work, I have prioritized listening to and involving survivors in meaningful ways-whether through trauma-informed legal representation, policy advocacy informed by lived experience, or co-creating spaces where survivors are not only heard but actively leading. This value is directly aligned with CPEDV’s
commitment to survivor-centered and survivor-led approaches. My commitment to serving economically disadvantaged communities is also central to how I show up in this work. I have seen how economic insecurity and systemic injustice limit
survivors’ options, and I am passionate about expanding access to services, legal protections, and long-term resources for those most marginalized. The Partnership’s focus on ending domestic violence through an intersectional lens-including economic and racial justice-resonates deeply with my own values and the work I’ve done over the last two decades. I also hold transparency, honesty, and compassion as foundational in all relationships-within organizations, with community partners, and in work with survivors. These principles foster trust, safety, and accountability, all of which are essential for systemic change. They also reflect the culture of integrity and collaboration that CPEDV promotes in its statewide network. Finally, my commitment to DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility) principles not only informs how I lead but also how I learn. I approach this work with humility and a recognition that dismantling oppression requires continuous reflection, collective
care, and bold action.

Describe your participation in the Partnership’s regional networks, policy committees, peer learning circles and other components of our Membership community.

I been a regular attendee at the Bay Area regional Meetings since approximately the end of the summer of 2021, which is when I started at Family Violence Appellate Project.

Describe your skills, experience or interests that can benefit, strengthen or increase capacity of the Board.

I bring a unique blend of legal expertise, policy advocacy, and deep community engagement that can strengthen and expand the capacity of the Board. With approximately 15years of experience working alongside survivors of domestic and sexual violence-as a trial attorney, appellate advocate, and program director-I offer strategic insight into both systems-level reform and direct service needs. I’ve led legal teams, developed cross-sector partnerships, and provided statewide technical assistance and training, which positions me to support the Board’s policy, governance, and capacity-building efforts. I’m also deeply invested in racial and economic justice,
trauma-informed practices, and survivor-led movements. My skills in facilitation, organizational leadership, and coalition work are matched by a commitment to listening, collaboration, and equity. I’m excited to contribute these strengths to help the Board grow its impact, deepen its accountability to communities, and further its mission of ending domestic violence across California.

What does leadership mean to you? How do you demonstrate leadership?

Given that FVAP is a statewide organization, I have met a number if community members and potential donors statewide and nationally. I also have strong connections within legal advocacy networks, anti-violence coalitions, and grassroots initiatives throughout the Bay Area and across the state. These relationships allow me to amplify the Partnership’s mission in a variety of spaces-whether influencing policy, supporting capacity building, or co-creating community-informed solutions. On behalf of the Partnership, I would continue to nurture these relationships, and develop new relationships, through active listening, transparent communication, and ongoing collaboration. I intend to uplift the voices of partners doing work on the ground, create bridges across sectors, and ensure that the Partnership is seen as a trusted and responsive ally.

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