Dear Friends and Colleagues,
It’s hard to believe that June is actually here, and that it is time for me to officially sign-off from my role as Executive Director of the Coalition Ending Gender-Based Violence next Wednesday, June 14th.
I am so proud of the work we have been able to do together over the last two and a half decades to greatly expand the services available to survivors of domestic and sexual violence in our communities, and to make meaningful changes to the systems and norms that allow violence and abuse to flourish. We have shown over and over again, that working together we are stronger, and that together we can build towards safe and just communities.
As I said at our Celebration of Change last month, it truly has been an honor, a privilege, and a gift to have had the opportunity to serve as the Coalition’s ED for the last 24 years. I feel so grateful to have had work that feels meaningful, that allows me to stay true to my core values and beliefs, that gives my life purpose, and that allows me to fully engage my mind and my heart. And perhaps most importantly, I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to be part of such an incredible community of passionate, brilliant, compassionate and dedicated members, co-workers, colleagues, and supporters, including you!
And I am thrilled that while I will no longer be here, the Coalition’s work will continue and grow, thanks to our truly talented staff, led by our Co-ED “dream team”, Amarinthia and Lea.
While I am moving on, the work to end gender-based violence and to foster gender, racial, and economic justice isn’t done, and I know I will be participating in that work in some capacity for the rest of my life. And I plan to show up at Coalition events as an individual member well into the future! So rather than saying goodbye, I’ll just say “see you down the road.”
With hope and love,
Merril