Student Advocates for Equity (SAFE) is a student-led group that is bringing gender-based violence advocacy and awareness to UMKC by uplifting survivors of all gender identities.
The group seeks to change the perception of gender-based violence as a women’s only issue and create an inclusive space that empowers survivors and allies to advocate for themselves and each other.
“By creating open conversation and raising awareness, we hope to reshape how students understand and approach these complex topics,” said Vice President Aminata Sesay, a senior majoring in psychology.
Sesay joined Resources, Intervention, Support and Education (RISE) in her junior year after shifting her focus from medicine when she realized she could better support individuals in their healing journeys as a psychologist.
“Through RISE, I’ve had the chance to deepen my understanding of trauma-informed advocacy,” said Sesay. “I’m eager to create a lasting change through SAFE and bring impactful support to those who need it most.”
Treasurer Celeste Michael is deeply involved with advocacy in the transgender community and the binary concepts of gender-based violence prompted them to join SAFE.
“I became interested in being a part of this student organization when I learned that 1 in 2 trans and gender non-conforming people experience some form of sexual assault,” said Michael. “As a trans person dedicated to violence prevention, I want to make sure that the lived experiences of people who experience gender-based violence are respected and honored.”
President Brenna Cronin’s passion for advocacy began when she joined the Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault (MOCSA) as a hospital advocate in her freshman year of college.
Sesay, Cronin and Michael all served as RISE peer educators prior to establishing the group and were connected through RISE coordinator Alyson Frydman.
“Our collective experiences with the RISE Office inspired us to create SAFE,” said Cronin.
The group plans to host more events with speakers from various organizations such as MOCSA, RooWellness and New House, a domestic violence shelter in KC.
“This spring, we are excited to collaborate with the RISE Office to create events for Sexual Assault Awareness Month,” said Cronin.
The group’s next event on Nov. 11 at 6 p.m. at the Women’s Center will feature two speakers from Title IX facilitating a conversation about their processes and how they impact students.
