About Rebecca:

• Corps Region & Corps Year: Charlotte 2006

• Alma Mater: Louisiana State University

• Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA

• Current Role: Vice President at STAR® (Sexual Trauma Awareness and Response®)

What do you love about your job?

"I love working with inspiring and resourceful advocates for survivors of sexual trauma who are committed to changing people's lives and our communities for the better. I also love facilitating community training on this issue. Having gotten my start as an elementary classroom educator, I now translate my passion for education toward building community capacity to prevent and react responsibly to sexual trauma. In this way, my job allows me to authentically connect with others and be an agent of and witness to change."

When you consider how our community of Teach For America leaders works toward our shared vision of every child in SLA having access to an excellent education, how would you describe your contribution to this collective effort? 

"For me, the goal of ensuring children have access to an excellent education is ultimately about creating equitable, healthy communities in which individuals can thrive and fulfill their potential. Trauma impacts people in a variety of ways, including academically. Contributing to the development of trauma-informed communities and working to address violence and oppression are all parts of the work to achieving educational justice."

When you consider your work and your experiences, what is the thing you're rooted in that allows you to drive toward excellence every day? 

"I am motivated by injustice and the possibilities for change on fundamental levels. "Relentless pursuit of results" is still a mantra I repeat in my mind when encountering barriers in my work."

What is your favorite memory from the classroom? 

"That's a tough one! I think my favorite memory is the final day of my second year in the classroom. It was an opportunity to connect with my amazing students one last time and reflect on all we had accomplished over the year."

Visit STAR® (Sexual Trauma Awareness and Response®) online to learn more about the organization and how you can support!