Produced by #bossbabesATX, SHE TALKS is an ongoing discussion-based personal and professional development series, tackling topics from finances to intersectional feminism. Our SHE TALKS feature the perspectives of women and non-binary folks. All genders are welcome to attend.
In this SHE TALKS, members of the #bossbabesATX programming committee will chat candidly with organizers behind Survivor Justice Project, one of the coalitions responsible for securing funding to test the backlog of Austin’s crime department’s rape kits. Together, they’ll explore reactions to the #metoo movement, building strong anti-abuse communities and what supporting survivors looks like today in Austin, Texas.
This event will be held at REVELRY on May 9 from 7 to 9 PM. Tickets are $5 and all proceeds cover event production costs, with 10% of sales benefitting The Survivor Justice Project. If this cost is prohibitive, please email thebabes@bossbabes.org for waived entry.
MEET THE PANELISTS:
Amanda Lewis, panelist representing Survivor Justice Project
Amanda Lewis is a social worker and community organizer with over 8 years of experience in the domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual assault fields. She believes that real, sustainable social change starts small, building upon close bonds within communities, and is best led by those most impacted. Amanda works for the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault, is a co-founder of Survivor Justice Project, and serves on the Austin Commission for Women and the Joint Inclusion Committee.
Kristen Lenau, panelist representing Survivor Justice Project
Kristen Lenau is a community advocate with over 10 years of experience working with populations experiencing trauma and violence. She holds a master’s in Public Health and believes that effectively responding to violence against women requires a community-driven, holistic approach. Kristen is a co-founder of the Survivor Justice Project, and works for the SAFE Alliance as the Sexual Assault Response & Resource Team Coordinator for Austin-Travis County. Prior to this move she worked as the Director of Operations for Women’s Crisis Care International, combating Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Human Trafficking in the Arabian Gulf region.
Jane Hervey, panelist representing #bbatx
Jane Hervey is a creative producer, activist, entrepreneur, writer and performance artist. Originally from the Rio Grande Valley (956 por vida), Hervey moved to Austin to study at the University of Texas. After earning her Bachelor's of Science in Journalism and pursuing a career in freelance writing, Hervey began searching for resources and a space to ask professional questions. She hosted her first #bossbabesATX meet in 2015, hoping to foster community and connection between self-identified women in Austin, Texas. She now runs the nonprofit and its festival, BABES FEST, while managing her own production studio, Group Work, and maintaining a column on creative entrepreneurship and lifestyle design at Forbes. Her personal and professional life are dedicated to improving community infrastructure, retooling systems of collaboration and changing cultural economies to create equal opportunity for women and girls.
Isabella Toledo, panelist representing #bbatx
Isabella is a lover of all things yoga, feminism and digital-tech. Originally from Caracas, Venezuela she moved to Austin in 2013 to study at the University of Texas, graduating in 3 & 1/2 years with a BS in Public Relations and Minor in Business Foundations. Inspired by the persistence and hard work of her immigrant parents, Isabella dedicates her hustler mentality to her mom and dad. Aside from collaborating with the biggest community of babes, Isabella spends her free time furthering her yoga practice through Teacher Training, refining her skills in the tech space, and drinking a slightly chilled glass of Cabernet Sauvignon, curled up with a good book. Her daily intention is to make every interaction valuable, and hopes to leverage her opportunities to create new ones for marginalized groups in the Austin community.
GRAB YOUR RSVP
Tickets are $5 and available at the door. All proceeds cover event production costs, with 10% of sales benefitting The Survivor Justice Project. If this cost is prohibitive, please email thebabes@bossbabes.org for waived entry.
MEET THE PRODUCERS, PARTNERS AND VENUE:
About #bossbabesATX, the producer: Through event series, showcases and personal/professional development programs, we amplify and connect women and nonbinary artists, creatives and entrepreneurs. We were named "Best Bossy Babes" of 2015 by The Austin Chronicle, Tribeza's Top 10 to Watch in 2016 and we were selected by The White House to attend the United State of Women Summit in June 2016. Learn more about our mission here.
About Survivor Justice Project, the partner: Survivor Justice Project is a coalition of community leaders, advocates and survivors of sexual assault seeking system-level change in Austin and beyond. SJP seeks to promote justice, healing and long-term community change for survivors of sexual assault.
About REVELRY, the venue: REVELRY celebrates community and creativity through a variety of gatherings. From events, pop-ups and markets like The Swoon Event to dinner parties and creative workshops, REVELRY's mission is to craft experiences and bring people together.