NVRDC's Newest Additions: What Drew You to NVRDC?

This quarter we welcomed two new bilingual advocates to our NVRDC team, Jasmine Marquez and Ramona Santana! We asked Jasmine and Ramona some questions to get to know them.

What has drawn you to this work at NVRDC, supporting victims of crime?

Ramona: I started my career at DC SAFE working with domestic violence survivors and it’s really where I landed my feet in the social service arena. The work was exciting and interesting and so supporting victims of crime is something that I wanted to get back to.

Jasmine: I graduated from University of Maryland in May of 2019 with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. Ever since I was little I knew I wanted to help people out. As soon as I graduated got the opportunity to work at DC SAFE. Starting my career at DC SAFE allowed me to empower victims of crime, specifically domestic violence survivors. It opened my eyes to realize crime has no specific age, gender, or race. Crime occurs every day, and these survivors need a support system. By working at NVRDC I’m not only able to empower victims of Sexual Assault, but I am able to assist all victims of crime, and that has drawn me to do this work at NVRDC. Everyone deserves to be heard, supported, and empowered.

Which one of NVRDC’s core values resonates with you most and why?

Ramona: Empowerment! Mostly because I believe in the importance of building capacity in individuals versus just providing services. In my work, I also take a strength based approach and see clients as change agents within themselves. 

What NVRDC event are you most looking forward to?

Jasmine: Any type of fundraising events. These events bring us all closer, and it is such a rewarding feeling knowing we are bringing awareness to the issues of crime that so many survivors have had to face. We all have voices, and they all deserved to be heard. I enjoy being able to help our community and this is an interactive and innovative way to help out. It is so rewarding and it brings me joy.