Showing Up for You
Twenty-one years ago, I became a survivor of domestic violence.
Over many years, I slowly allowed my healing to begin. I never understood the depths of surviving until I became a survivor again—this time of kidney disease and diabetes. In June of 2021, an organ donor saved my life.
I knew then that it was time for me to go out and do something more meaningful than I could imagine. I applied for an Administrative Assistant position for DVN, where this journey began.
I celebrated my first year at DVN on September 20. During my first year, I learned a lot. I now see all the hard work and dedication many of the DV agencies had for me years ago.
I enjoy the training, advocating, finding meaningful resources, and Showing Up for the Network (You). I love the connections and relationship-building within the communities, especially the marginalized ones.
Each day I want to continue finding ways to Show Up For the Community and raise awareness on the impact of domestic violence in ALL communities while being focused on magnifying voices left out of the conversation: the Queer and BIPOC community.
I want to continue Showing Up for You! I welcome conversations that involve collaborating on steps we can take to ensure another survivor celebrates one, five, or 10+ years, and how we can reduce stigmas and promote healing from generational trauma. If you are interested in connecting, please email me at nneal@dvnconnect.org.
Niesha N. Neal (She/Her/Hers/Ella)
Strategic Collaboration Specialist