Nancy Rafi
Nancy Rafi is the Director of RICAC.
A survivor of sexual assault and domestic violence, she has worked for more than 30 years in many capacities as an advocate for survivors of violence. She is the past Executive Director of the Silent Witness Initiative and presently sits on their Board of Directors. She is a recipient of the Women's PeacePower Woman of Peace award (2004, Paris, France); 2006 Lane Bryant Volunteer of the Year award; and the 2012 RI YWCA Woman of Achievement award. "Working with victims of domestic violence & sexual assault, and helping them move through their trauma and walk out the other side a healthier person, is the most rewarding life experience I've ever had. Having first hand experience of the dynamics of being a survivor has given me the opportunity to be empathetic and a good listener. Sometimes all we need is a good listening to."
Jennifer Stanley
Jennifer Stanley is the Director of Residence Life and the Women's Center
at Roger Williams University. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree
in Business Finance at Bloomsburg University and an M.B.A. at LaSalle
University, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Jen is a leader in the field of higher education, serving as the Women in Student Affairs Knowledge Community Chair for the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (N.A.S.P.A.). Jen has dedicated her heart and soul to the advancement of college women through educational opportunities. She has coordinated a variety of programs to educate, empower and celebrate women. In the spring of 2002 a handful of students, under Jen's leadership, created a campus chapter of the Silent Witness Initiative at Roger Williams University. This event has opened the door to other exciting collaborations, including the co-sponsorship of the "Empowering the Young Women of Rhode Island" Conference in September of 2002. Jen serves as the Silent Witness National College Coordinators, providing support and guidance to students throughout the country. Jen's commitment to the advancement, empowerment and education of women extends beyond her professional experience into her personal life.
Jen is a leader in the field of higher education, serving as the Women in Student Affairs Knowledge Community Chair for the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (N.A.S.P.A.). Jen has dedicated her heart and soul to the advancement of college women through educational opportunities. She has coordinated a variety of programs to educate, empower and celebrate women. In the spring of 2002 a handful of students, under Jen's leadership, created a campus chapter of the Silent Witness Initiative at Roger Williams University. This event has opened the door to other exciting collaborations, including the co-sponsorship of the "Empowering the Young Women of Rhode Island" Conference in September of 2002. Jen serves as the Silent Witness National College Coordinators, providing support and guidance to students throughout the country. Jen's commitment to the advancement, empowerment and education of women extends beyond her professional experience into her personal life.
Melanie Martin Lawhead
Melanie Martin Lawhead graduated with a degree in Education with a
concentration in Spanish and has been teaching at Exeter-West
Greenwich Jr. High since 2002. She began working with women in RI
courthouses helping them fill out restraining orders and also going into
court with them to help them understand the legal process. Many of
these women were Spanish speaking and had no interpreter, so they had a
difficult time getting the help they needed. Melanie wanted to do
something to help them, so she enrolled at URI and received her degree
in Education and Spanish. She also received her master's degree in
Spanish from Middlebury College in VT and now teaches Spanish to Jr. High students. "I hope to continue to teach and work with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault so
I can be a positive influence on women and maybe help change the
world."