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TWO NEW RIVER VALLEY LEADERS HONORED FOR THEIR ROLES IN GROWING THE DOMESTIC AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE MOVEMENT IN VIRGINIA
RADFORD, Va, January 6, 2012 – In honor of their 30th anniversary, the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance recently paid tribute to two New River Valley individuals who have made significant contributions in the movement to end sexual and domestic violence. Pat Brown, Executive Director of The Women’s Resource Center of the New River Valley, and Mary Beth Pulsifer, Outreach Coordinator for the same organization, were each honored for their far-reaching and inspiring achievements in the field of sexual and domestic violence across Virginia.
As part of Action Alliance’s “30 Voices for 30 Years” celebration, Brown and Pulsifer received their awards at the Action Alliance’s annual “Act, Honor, and Hope” gala, held in Richmond on December 3, 2011.
Kristi VanAudenhove, Co-Director of the Action Alliance, presented Brown and Pulsifer with their commendations, noting that The Women’s Resource Center of the New River Valley opened the very first domestic violence shelter in Virginia in 1977. Brown joined the Board of Directors of the organization in 1981 and became Executive Director in 1986, continuing in this role today.
VanAudenhove noted that Pat Brown has dedicated the past 26 years to service in the sexual and domestic violence movement, providing extensive leadership as president of both Virginians Aligned Against Sexual Assault (VAASA) and Virginians Against Domestic Violence (VADV), mentoring her staff to take on leadership roles at the statewide level and building one of the strongest programs in the state. “Pat is always willing to share her extensive knowledge of management, fund development, legislative advocacy, and community development with anyone who knocks on her door.”
Mary Beth Pulsifer, an 18-year veteran of the Women’s Resource Center, was recognized for being a long time leader and trainer in the sexual and domestic violence field. Taking her extensive knowledge and community education experience, Mary Beth was instrumental in the development of the Virginia Training Institute, accompanying staff to provide training nationally for other state coalitions. She served as the first president of the Action Alliance, providing the much needed patience, guidance and maturity to lead this newly formed organization. She also provided leadership to statewide public policy efforts, conducted pioneering work in trauma-informed advocacy, and promoted effective community coordination. Noted VanAudenhove, “Mary Beth has always been willing to share her expert knowledge and training abilities across the state, making her a true leader, mentor and friend to this movement.”