Monica Daye is a transformative leader, author, poet, and Healing Arts Practitioner with a dual master's degree in Clinical Mental Health and Multidisciplinary Human Services. As the visionary Founder and Executive Director of StandUp-SpeakOut of NC, a nonprofit offering holistic services for trauma survivors through therapeutic art, Monica combines her expertise in mental health counseling, nonprofit management, and leadership. Monica's journey has been marked by over 20 years of dedicated observation, research, and the development of a groundbreaking program framework now implemented under the organization of SUSO-NC. With Contemporary Theory in Mental Health Counseling and Public Health certifications, Monica has meticulously developed a three-tier holistic therapeutic model under SUSO-NC. This innovative approach integrates intentional behavioral modification, resiliency, financial coaching, and self-care wellness, reflecting Monica's commitment to comprehensive healing. Monica's passion lies in utilizing the arts to help individuals overcome trauma. She firmly believes in the transformative power of Art Therapy, seeing it as a catalyst for the emergence of empowered individuals, particularly women. Through her advocacy, Monica stands up and speaks out for those silenced, emphasizing that "healing begins through ART." As a leader and advocate, Monica Daye envisions a world where survivors find their voices and reclaim their narratives, embracing empowerment on their healing journeys.

Dolores Kordon has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and holds a Master’s Degree in Women’s Studies from Stony Brook University. Ms. Kordon has been the Executive Director of Brighter Tomorrows since 2015. In addition to gender-based violence, Ms. Kordon has a professional history in maternal-child health and teaching women’s history in shelter settings. An experienced grant writer, Ms. Kordon has secured funding for numerous projects including girls empowerment, training community women to become Doulas and anti-poverty initiatives, This year Ms. Kordon launched a Safety Ambassador program to teach high school students about stalking as well as a program for immigrant high school students called, Celebrating Our Roots.

Abigail Murat is a seasoned trainer, advocate, curriculum developer, UGC (User-Generated Content) creator, and digital storyteller with a passion for supporting domestic violence survivors and the professionals who walk alongside them. As the Senior Training and Capacity Building Coordinator at the New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NYSCADV), Abigail specializes in designing and delivering training, providing technical assistance to domestic violence leaders, frontline advocates, and allied organizations—all grounded in trauma-informed, survivor-centered, and equity-based practices. 

In addition to her work with advocates, Abigail is a skilled UGC content creator and digital creator, using social media and visual storytelling to uplift messages of resilience, self-worth, and wellness. She blends her lived experience with professional insight to help others reimagine what's possible—whether it's healing from harm, building economic independence, or finding one’s voice. 

Abigail is known for her engaging facilitation style, her ability to connect across differences, and her commitment to amplifying survivor voices in every space she occupies. 

Esmeralda Peña is a dedicated social justice professional with over a decade of experience advocating for survivors of domestic violence. Her work is grounded in a deep commitment to survivor-centered advocacy, economic empowerment, and systemic change. Esmeralda began her career supporting children impacted by domestic violence. She later transitioned into case management, where she provided safety planning, financial literacy education, and housing support for survivors in shelter settings. She has also worked with high-risk survivors, offering crisis intervention and comprehensive support services. In a later role, Esmeralda was part of the administrative team that coordinated economic empowerment programming, working closely with community-based organizations and government agencies to increase access to resources for survivors. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Deviant Behavior and Social Control and a Master’s degree in Human Rights from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

Kim Pentico has been working with and on behalf of survivors of sexual and domestic violence since 1990. She first spent over seven years working for a local domestic violence program in Kansas and another seven years at the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence. She has also worked for the STOP Technical Assistance Project in Washington, DC. Kim works to ensure and enhance survivor access to economic justice and long-term safety.

Kristi is currently the owner of WenDo Women NY, LLC, is a certified WenDo Women’s Self Defense Instructor, and a consultant/trainer for professionals within the human service community. Kristi brings 15 years of professional experience working in community based domestic violence and sexual assault victim service organizations, most recently as Education Director with the Advocacy Center of Tompkins County. During her work, she has had the opportunity to advocate for survivors as they sought safety and healing through formal systems as well as during psycho-educational and peer support groups. In addition, Kristi is a skilled and knowledgeable trainer/consultant on the topics of abuse, trauma, and prevention strategies with various populations. In her current work, Kristi provides empowerment based self defense courses to women, girls, and LGBTQIA+ Folx, as well as consultation and professional training for those within the human service field. Kristi is passionate about improving community responses and safety for those most vulnerable in our communities by bringing together her various work experiences to provide high quality, knowledgeable, empathetic, and engaging learning environments for participants.