NVRDC Staff on Inspiration, Self-Care, Motivations, and Why Victims' Rights are Important

We’ve seen a lot of changes over the last year, and some of the most exciting have been welcoming new additions to the NVRDC team! From hearing what inspires them in their work to their thoughts on advocacy for crime victims, get to know some of these awesome people below:

Sara Melgarejo, Assistant Case Manager

What inspires you in your work?

The idea that we walk beside people through this difficult moment after they experience a crime and that at some point they are going to be able to recover and walk by themselves.

Naida Henao, Staff Attorney

What do you wish people knew about NVRDC?

I wish people appreciated the importance of having holistic and comprehensive services for victims. NVRDC acknowledges and appreciates the reality that a victim’s wounds are not one dimensional. Instead of putting the onus on the victim to seek legal and advocacy services separately, NVRDC’s staff works collaboratively to address all of the victim’s needs. I hope that in the future this collaborative and interdisciplinary approach is implemented throughout the judicial system.

Cierra Clark, Case Manager

What led you to want to get involved in victim advocacy and crime victims’ rights?

Growing up, my mother worked in in victim advocacy, and seeing her dedication and persistence instilled a passion in me to work in social justice. During my studies, I began to gain a better understanding of working in the field. I worked previously with homeless populations and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, and now here I am at NVRDC. I love providing support and empowerment to clients we see. Advocating for crime victims and providing them with knowledge about their rights has opened the door for me to serve as a greater advocate in the community while creating change for the better.

Charlotte Keenan, Staff Attorney

What inspires you in your work?

The wonderful people within the advocacy community that I meet and work with every day.

Jess Sturges, Case Manager

What is your favorite thing to do when you’re not at work?

I love to ride my bike around the city. Flying down the hills past all of the funky architecture and row houses is the best! I hail from Georgia originally, so I love just looking at the city pass me by. I also really enjoy hanging out with my awesome housemates and playing with our three adorable kitties!

If you would like to make a donation to NVRDC this season and support the work that Sara, Naida, Cierra, Charlotte, Jess, and all of our staff members do on behalf of crime victims all year long head over to our donation page. If there you are giving in honor of a particular person, be sure to include their name in your “Customer ID” on the second page of the donation process and send them some love!