5/4/23

University Communications

HAYS, Kan. – The Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence (CEVGV) recently announced the formation of a new community advisory board, bringing together leaders from social entrepreneurship, business and finance, victim advocacy, and mental health professions. This collaborative effort is dedicated to advancing the mission of the CEVGV to support victims of gender-based violence and promote a safer, more inclusive rural community.

The CEVGV, a leading research center housed in the Fort Hays State University Criminal Justice program, is committed to developing evidence-based solutions to address and prevent gender-based violence. The center aims to empower individuals affected by violence and create lasting change in communities through interdisciplinary research, education, and outreach. The formation of the community advisory board is a strategic step in furthering this mission by leveraging the expertise and experience of its distinguished members.

The community advisory board members include:

1. Anniston Weber is a victim advocate and campus outreach coordinator of the Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, Hays, KS.
2. Becca Stevens is an American author, speaker, and social entrepreneur dedicated to serving vulnerable communities and advocating for social justice. She is the founder and president of Thistle Farms, a nonprofit organization based in Nashville, Tennessee, that provides a safe and supportive community for women who have survived trafficking, prostitution, and addiction.
3. Cristina Jimenez, a former researcher of CEVGV and Criminal Justice alumni of FHSU, is currently a University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Law student.
4. Dr. Christie Brungardt is a renowned expert on relationship violence education and leadership and founded Jana's Campaign, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting healthy relationships and preventing Gender-based violence.
5. Kaley Conner is a prominent professional in mental health. She is currently working in education and outreach at High Plains Mental Health Center.
6. Loganne Ditter, a graduating senior double majoring in criminal justice and psychology,  will pursue her graduate degree in criminal justice at the University of Nebraska-Omaha in Fall 2023.
7. Megan Shepard is a senior sociology major minoring in criminal justice at FHSU. She is also a research assistant at CEVGV and will serve as the post-graduate committee chair.
8. Schuyler Coates is the director of development at the FHSU Foundation.
9. Thomas Powell is the new Robbins Banking Institute director at FHSU and the board president of Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, a local victim advocacy organization serving northwest Kansas.

“Together, these esteemed professionals will provide guidance, support, and strategic insight to the CEVGV,” said Dr. Rachel Dolechek, FHSU assistant professor of applied business studies and community outreach coordinator. “Their diverse perspectives and deep understanding of the issues surrounding gender-based violence will be invaluable in shaping the center's research, programs, and outreach initiatives.”

“The board will also play a critical role in fostering partnerships with other organizations, institutions, and stakeholders working to eliminate gender-based violence,” said Dr. Ziwei Qi, FHSU assistant professor of criminal justice and the co-founder of the CEVGV.

For more information, visit the Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence website: https://www.fhsu.edu/criminaljustice/center-for-empowering-victims-of-gender-based-violence/