Celebrating Women's History Month: Inspiring Stories from the Women of Ruby's Place
Executive Team
Sophora Acheson, Executive Director and Board Co-Chair
Can you discuss a notable achievement in your professional journey that highlights the obstacles encountered by women in your industry, as well as the successes attained in aiding survivors?
One of my significant accomplishments has been the development of statewide standard training for counselors in this field, aiming to enhance the quality and consistency of care provided to survivors across the state. Additionally, I strongly advocate for a comprehensive approach to addressing domestic violence and human trafficking, recognizing that these are not just women's issues but societal issues that require collective action. I am particularly proud of our initiative to open the first human trafficking shelter in the U.S. for men under my leadership, acknowledging the often overlooked population of male survivors of violence.
Could you share a specific experience in your career that reflects the challenges faced by women in your field and the triumphs achieved in supporting survivors?
A specific experience that reflects the challenges faced by women in this field is witnessing the disparities and barriers they encounter in accessing support and resources. Despite the strides we've made, women continue to face systemic inequalities, including unequal pay, lack of body autonomy, and disparities for women of color within our own community. However, amidst these challenges, there have been numerous triumphs in supporting survivors. One such triumph was witnessing a survivor's journey of healing and empowerment as she reclaimed her agency, rebuilt her life, and became a fierce advocate for herself and others. This woman now works for our agency. This experience underscores the resilience and strength of women and reinforces the importance of our work in providing comprehensive support and empowering survivors to thrive.
In your experience, what role do you see women playing in driving positive change and advocacy efforts in the field of domestic violence and human trafficking, both historically and in the present day?
Women have historically played a pivotal role in driving positive change and advocacy efforts in the fields of domestic violence and human trafficking. They have been at the forefront of social movements, advocating for policy reforms, and providing support to survivors. In the present day, women continue to lead advocacy efforts, amplify survivor voices, and mobilize communities to take action against gender-based violence. As women in leadership, it is essential that we remain curious, humble, and inclusive, bringing diverse perspectives to the table and ensuring that all voices are heard. We must stand strong in our power while also remaining open to growth and discomfort, recognizing that true progress requires collective action and unwavering commitment to justice and equality.
Debi Himovitz, Associate Executive Director
Can you share a significant moment in women's history that has personally inspired or impacted you?
The #MeToo movement has inspired me by its impact of empowering women to speak out against sexual harassment. This spark led to conversations about consent, accountability, and gender inequality. I, like many women, have felt ashamed and unable to speak of the sexual abuse I have been subjected to. This movement is an essential step towards breaking the silence.
How do you believe your role contributes to advancing gender equality and empowering women within our organization and community?
Like other members of our Executive Leadership Team, I have had the opportunity to mentor other women to help them develop and advance their leadership skills. By championing gender equality, I contribute to fostering a culture that empowers women and supports personal development and growth.
In what ways do you see Ruby's Place continuing to support and uplift women, both internally among staff and externally in the services we provide?
By fostering a supportive community and offering healing resources, Ruby's Place is a beacon of hope and resilience for people in need. Our agency has created an environment where women's voices are valued and respected, which benefits our staff, clients, and the greater community.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
Fatima S., Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Program Manager
Can you share your experience in developing and implementing diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging initiatives within an organization?
While I haven't held a formal DEI manager position, I bring strong transferable skills in project management, communication, and fostering inclusive environments. In my previous role, I spearheaded a diversity awareness campaign for my team of approximately 30 employees. Recognizing the need for greater understanding, I organized interactive discussions that attracted nearly [20] participants. Feedback surveys showed an approximate 40% increase in employees feeling comfortable sharing their diverse perspectives. Additionally, my personal experiences volunteering in community projects focused on diversity and inclusion demonstrate my long-standing commitment to these values.
How do you plan to address the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities, particularly in the context of domestic violence and human trafficking?
As a new DEI manager, my top priority is addressing the unique challenges faced by under-represented communities, particularly regarding domestic violence and human trafficking. I've been actively researching the specific issues faced by these communities to ensure my approach is relevant and impactful. Building strong partnerships with local organizations and advocacy groups supporting survivors is crucial. Collaboration is key to understanding their needs and ensuring our initiatives are effective and culturally sensitive. I'm also dedicated to advocating for policies that empower survivors and staff, like paid leave for staff survivors or organizational changes that directly impact those impacted by HT and DV. My approach centers on empathy, collaboration, and amplifying marginalized voices through advocacy.
Can you provide an example of a successful program or intervention you've implemented to promote inclusivity and equity in a previous role?
In my previous role, I collaborated with my District Manager on a program called "Diversity Dialogues" to promote inclusivity and equity. This program went beyond traditional training by creating a space for genuine conversation and understanding. We organized monthly sessions where employees from different backgrounds (e.g., LGBTQ, BIPOC, and those with disabilities) came together in a casual setting to share experiences, perspectives, and challenges. Using storytelling circles, panel discussions, and themed potlucks representing various cultures, we saw marked increase in employee surveys reporting feeling connected, understood, and valued. This fostered a sense of belonging and empathy across teams. The program's success hinged on genuine engagement and buy-in from employees at all levels. They saw it as an opportunity for meaningful connection and growth, not just another training session.
Youth and Residential Services
Helen A., Senior Director of Youth and Residential Services
How does our organization support young women in navigating issues such as teen dating violence, peer pressure, and self-esteem?
Our organization has expanded its services in recent years to better serve the youth in our communities. Specifically tailored to this population, we have opened shelters and residential programs. These include Youth Village for ages 12-17 and Her House for ages 18-24, providing refuge for those who have experienced various forms of violence, such as domestic violence, human trafficking, or sexual violence. Additionally, we have developed a youth outreach program offering case management and prevention work. We visit schools to educate students about teen dating violence, healthy relationships, and commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC).
Can you discuss any gender-specific programming or initiatives aimed at empowering young women and girls in our youth services?
While our services cater to all genders, we have special initiatives designed to empower young women and girls. For instance, Her House is open to individuals ages 18 and above, including transgender individuals. This initiative addresses the specific challenges faced by young girls in our community, providing a safe space for them to express themselves. We encourage discussions about overcoming obstacles and accessing resources. Our client-centered approach ensures that each individual feels supported and empowered to make their own decisions. We actively involve them in meetings, allowing them to voice their opinions and preferences, thus empowering them to utilize their voices effectively.
In what ways do you collaborate with schools and youth organizations to promote gender equality and provide support to young women in our community?
We maintain close relationships with school districts in Hayward and Oakland, as well as community-based organizations, to ensure effective delivery of our services. Our collaboration involves presentations at schools to address the challenges faced by youth, including young women. We also provide referral lines for school educators and officials, enabling them to connect students in need directly with our facility managers and program managers. This ensures timely access to our services and support for young women in our community..
Training and Development
Monika C., L & D Specialist
How has your experience as a training director empowered women within Ruby's Place to excel in their roles and contribute to the organization's mission?
In my role as a training director, I prioritize empowering women within Ruby's Place to excel in their roles and contribute effectively to our mission. By providing comprehensive training programs, mentorship opportunities, and ongoing support, I aim to equip women with the skills and confidence they need to thrive in their positions. Additionally, I foster a culture of inclusivity and empowerment, where women feel valued, respected, and encouraged to take on leadership roles. Through tailored training initiatives and personalized development plans, I strive to create an environment where women can unlock their full potential and make meaningful contributions to our organization's mission.
In what ways do you incorporate the celebration of women's achievements and contributions into the training programs at Ruby's Place?
At Ruby's Place, we believe in celebrating the achievements and contributions of all our staff members, including women. In our training programs, we make it a priority to recognize and celebrate the growth and accomplishments of our female colleagues. This may involve organizing thank-you gatherings, parties, or celebrations to acknowledge their hard work and dedication. We also highlight staff members' successes during training sessions, showcasing their achievements and the positive impact they have made within our organization. By creating a supportive and appreciative environment, we encourage women to continue excelling in their roles and inspire others to do the same.
Can you share a memorable success story of a woman who has undergone training at Ruby's Place and made significant strides in her career or personal development?
One memorable success story is that of Amy Ricard, a participant in the DVHT Cohort training program in September. Amy has shown exceptional dedication to her team's training and development, demonstrating a strong commitment to excellence. She consistently checks in to see if there are any new training opportunities available for her team/staff and ensures they stay updated on relevant knowledge and skills. Amy's leadership style emphasizes accountability and continuous growth, inspiring her team members to strive for excellence. Her unwavering dedication and strong moral compass make her a role model for other women within our organization. Amy's success story is a testament to the transformative impact of our training programs and the potential for personal and professional growth at Ruby's Place.
Community Outreach
Valeria M, Community Outreach Manager
How do you engage with local women's organizations and communities to raise awareness and address issues related to gender-based violence and women's empowerment?
The Outreach team makes an effort to engage and collaborate with women's organizations by continuous participation at events, attending collaboration meetings and conducting presentations. We connect with organizations to create ease when referring women to our services and vice versa. When working with our clients one-on-one, we make sure they feel heard and empowered. We give them a safe place to express themselves and tell their stories.
Can you share a successful outreach initiative or partnership that has positively impacted women in our community?
We have had great success in our Personal Care and Food Distribution by making it accessible for women to receive free feminine hygiene products. We have seen a positive response from the women in our community who collect these products. They are grateful to receive these items since they may be too expensive or not readily available to them in their community. This initiative has allowed us to understand what other services are needed by the women in the community and it has created a safe place for women to come without being pressured.
How do you ensure that our outreach efforts are inclusive and reach diverse groups of women, including those from marginalized communities?
The Outreach team makes sure our efforts are inclusive and reach a diverse group of women by continuing to attend events in marginalized communities. We try to meet the women where they are at to understand their needs. We have created connections and partnerships with organizations who serve women and connect with these organizations to understand their efforts as well. We know that it is difficult for some women in the community to come forth and ask for help so we make our services low-barrier to no-barrier when in the community. We also understand that there may be a language barrier in certain communities so we have hired bilingual staff and translate our materials to a few languages such as Spanish, Tagalog and more.
Mobile Health Services
Milani A., Mobile Health Program Director
How does our mobile health program prioritize women's health and well-being, particularly in underserved communities?
Our mobile health program primarily collaborates with domestic violence shelters and non-violence shelter agencies across the Bay Area, serving a unique population of women who are often transitioning from traumatic situations. Many of these women, along with their children, lack access to essential healthcare services as they rebuild their lives. As an interim solution, our program steps in to provide immediate assistance and ensure they receive the healthcare they need. By offering on-site services and assistance with accessing care, we prioritize women's health and well-being in these underserved communities.
Can you share any strategies or interventions aimed at addressing gender disparities in access to healthcare services through our mobile health program?
In our mobile health program, we strive to eliminate barriers to accessing healthcare services for the women we serve. We understand that many of them may face challenges such as lack of medication access or transportation. Therefore, we adopt a client-centered approach, providing services without requiring individuals to meet specific criteria. As long as they have been affected by domestic violence or human trafficking, they are eligible for our services. Additionally, we assist with transportation to shelters and ensure access to care while they transition to long-term support.
How do you collaborate with local health providers and organizations to ensure that women receive comprehensive and culturally competent care through our mobile health services?
Our program actively cultivates partnerships with local health providers and organizations in each county we serve. We assess the needs of our clientele, including language preferences and cultural considerations, to ensure culturally competent care. If our clients predominantly speak a specific language or belong to a particular ethnic group, we strive to provide services in their preferred language or connect them with culturally competent organizations. In instances where such resources are unavailable, we offer translation services. Our dedicated team works diligently to vet and collaborate with agencies, ensuring that our clients receive comprehensive and culturally competent care while maintaining high standards of service delivery.
