As an executive and policy advisor in government and nonprofit sectors, Lynn Rosenthal has worked on gender equity and gender-based violence prevention for three decades. Arriving to the field from a grassroots background, Lynn has served in community-based women’s health centers, domestic violence shelters, and state domestic violence coalitions. As the first-ever White House Advisor on Violence Against Women for the Obama administration, Lynn felt a sense that all the survivors and advocates she had worked with over the years followed with her as she walked through those big gates. Whether in women’s health or violence prevention, Lynn’s touchstones have always been the voices of survivors, families, and communities.
Lynn's work in the GBV field along with her passion for survivors makes her crucial to the work we are doing at BWJP. We are excited to see the strides MOSAIC makes. - Amy J. Sánchez, CEO BWJP
Meet Lynn:
Q: What brought you into the field of gender-based violence?
As a leader in women’s health, I was asked to speak at a rally on behalf of women in prison who were seeking clemency. These women had killed abusers in self-defense amid horrific violence. Their stories were heart pounding, but only a handful were released. After that, I went to work at the local shelter. I stayed in the field because I related personally to stories of dating violence and sexual assault. I wanted to help other women, but I was also helping myself heal.
Q: What drew you to BWJP?
BWJP has an impressive reputation as the go-to organization for technical assistance on some of the most critical issues facing survivors. I couldn’t pass up the chance to work with such a dedicated and knowledgeable team and to serve with Amy Sanchez as a visionary CEO.
Q: What are you most looking forward to working at BWJP?
I’ve already been impressed by the diversity of the team and the various perspectives people bring to the table. Through the MOSAIC initiative, we hope to build on that foundation to expand the work in states and local communities. Its an exciting chance to work with Rosie Hidalgo and many others I’ve admired over the years.
Q: How do you like to spend your time outside of work?
I have a wonderful family that is scattered around the country, so I travel regularly to Florida and California. Otherwise, I am obsessed with dogs and gardens. My wife and I grow native plants so that we can feed the bees and other pollinators in our little corner of the world. One garden can make a difference.
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