BWJP Welcomes Rosario de la Torre, as the new Senior Community and Advocacy Liaison , National Systems Change and Advocacy Center
Rosario de la Torre, a proud Latina from Mexico City, came to the United States in 1986 with her parents…
BWJP Welcomes Avery-Grace Blanco, as the new Project Assistant for SAVES National Clearing House, National Legal Center on Childrenand Domestic Violence
Avery-Grace Blanco has been working with survivors and their families for nine years, since she was a senior in high school. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in three years from the Metropolitan State University of Denver and took graduate level coursework focused on human rights and social justice at Arizona State University. She has worked for nonprofits, local and state governments, law firms, and independently to enact systemic change. In 2022 she was awarded a challenge coin from 20th chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff former general Mark Milley and in 2023 her dedication to her work was recognized by 46th U.S. President Joseph Biden. Avery-Grace is also a self-taught artist in graphic design, mixed-media works, and writing. She enjoys performing at open-mic nights, shopping at farmers markets, and reading at the library. She aims to incorporate artistic storytelling and fostering community in the professional work she does to create more open community spaces.
We are thrilled to welcome Avery-Grace to the BWJP team! Her vast experience in this field makes her invaluable to BWJP. We look forward to the impact she will make in advancing our mission.- Amy J. Sánchez, CEO BWJP
Meet Avery-Grace:
Q: What brought you into the field of gender-based violence?
As a woman, I am constantly reminded of the dangers of existing. I have seen GBV manifest in my university communities, professional workplaces, in my personal life, in politics, and even just walking down the street or waiting for the bus. It is a fight that never ends and requires diligent work to uphold any systemic progress. I don’t want to live in a world where GBV is normalized, so I have taken an active stance against it. Not only do I hope to have an impact on current lives, but those that will inherit the work we do now.
Q: What drew you to BWJP?
My first year of undergrad one of my professors showed us the Power and Control wheel, which Ellen Pence contributed to designing. My entire outlook on relationships changed. A couple years later, when I was earning my domestic violence victim advocate certification, I took online courses from BWJP. Now, eight years later, the story has come full circle with me accepting a job at BWJP.
Q: What are you most looking forward to working at BWJP?
The people. BWJP is an incredible organization because of the people who are aligned and committed to real, systemic change. We live in a world right now that expects us to conform and censor our ideas of justice, especially when speaking up is really needed. At BWJP, it is not only safe but encouraged to identify ways to improve our current systems so that more people feel safe and secure.
Q: How do you like to spend your time outside of work?
I love making art. I don’t stick to just one style or medium, instead I act when inspiration strikes. A lot of my work is centered on using materials from the natural world or sculpting replicas of it – such as bee hives. When I have the time, I will spend a day in the library using their sewing machines, art supplies, and wrapping up with a good book in a cozy corner.
