Kris Billhardt, M.ED., ED.S., has worked in the domestic and sexual violence movement for over four decades, including in Florida, Washington D.C., Oregon, and nationally. As an advocate, training and technical assistance provider, and activist, she is fueled by a commitment to seek out and implement approaches that align with survivors’ lived expertise and push toward more meaningful and intersectional responses. Kris’ development of survivor-driven housing strategies contributed to field-level change that continues to take root in communities across the country. Now retired from full-time work, she provides consultation and serves as a subject matter expert for various projects, with a particular interest in housing justice.

Sarah is a social work professional dedicated to supporting individuals impacted by trauma and systemic oppression. She brings nearly 15 years of experience in trauma-informed program management and design, specializing in the operation of effective professional development interventions for survivors of gender-based violence. Sarah is currently the Senior Director of Economic Empowerment Programs (EEP) at Sanctuary for Families, which provides comprehensive workforce development programming for over 250 individuals annually. Through EEP’s programming and robust support, survivors are supported to access economic mobility and secure career-track employment that provides a pathway to self-sufficiency. Before joining Sanctuary for Families, Sarah was a counselor at Barrier Free Living's domestic violence emergency shelter, providing crisis intervention, case management, and other supportive services to residents. Sarah is a licensed social worker in NY State and holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from the Silberman School of Social Work (CUNY), as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Therapy from Molloy College.

Dolores Kordon has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and holds a Master’s Degree in Women’s Studies from Stony Brook University. Ms. Kordon has been the Executive Director of Brighter Tomorrows since 2015. In addition to gender-based violence, Ms. Kordon has a professional history in maternal-child health and teaching women’s history in shelter settings. An experienced grant writer, Ms. Kordon has secured funding for numerous projects including girls empowerment, training community women to become Doulas and anti-poverty initiatives, This year Ms. Kordon launched a Safety Ambassador program to teach high school students about stalking as well as a program for immigrant high school students called, Celebrating Our Roots.

Esmeralda has worked as a social justice service professional and has been advocating for survivors of domestic violence for 13 years. Prior to starting her current position at NYSCADV, Esmeralda started her career as an advocate as the Children’s Activity Leader with Sanctuary for Families and later became a case manager for 8 years at their domestic violence shelter where she provided safety planning, financial literary and supported client in search for permanent housing. Esmeralda also worked for Safe Horizon where she provided services to survivors who were high-risk. She was also the Client Service Coordinator at the Manhattan Family Justice Center for almost 3 years with the Mayor’s Office to End Gender Based Violence. At the MFJC, Esmeralda was part of the administrative staff where she coordinated all the Economic Empowerment programs. Esmeralda has a BA in Deviant Behavior and Social Control and a MA in Human Rights from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

Kim Pentico has been working with and on behalf of survivors of sexual and domestic violence since 1990. She first spent over seven years working for a local domestic violence program in Kansas and another seven years at the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence. She has also worked for the STOP Technical Assistance Project in Washington, DC. Kim works to ensure and enhance survivor access to economic justice and long-term safety.

Namrata brings a wealth of experience and a unique immigrant perspective to her role. As a passionate advocate for economic and social empowerment, she has led impactful initiatives like Financial Literacy workshops, Economic Empowerment Connections, and the Match Savings Program, empowering South Asian women towards financial independence. Namrata has also introduced a survivor-led leadership program to inspire and strengthen the immigrant community.

With a background in Law and Political Science, Namrata has international experience in both public and private sectors, including roles at the Permanent Mission of India to the UN, National Health Services in the UK, and the Tea Board of India in London. Her work focused on public health issues and supporting victims of domestic violence in South Asian communities. Fluent in English, Hindi, and Bengali, and with proficiency in Punjabi and Kashmiri, Namrata enjoys travel, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and staying physically fit.