Helping victims of sexual violence and abuse has been a hallmark for RAINN throughout its 28 years of service to communities and the nation at large. To this end, the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network has relied on strong leadership through its National Leadership Council and board of directors. Recently, the nonprofit organization announced the addition of a new board member in Jamila Sykes. Sykes has a long legacy of leading teams with an emphasis on diversity as well as facilitating programs for rapid response crisis intervention. Her contributions are expected to help bolster RAINN's offerings when it comes to designing and innovating programming focused on providing relief and resources to those in dire need.
"Jamila Sykes is a remarkable leader with an abundance of health care experience, especially in meeting the needs of those in crisis," said Scott Berkowitz, RAINN's president and founder.
Sykes joined RAINN as a board member with an eye to "champion inclusive healing and support for sexual violence survivors," she explained in a recent interview. "This organization is doing tremendous, impactful work toward anti-violence, and I'm excited to harness my global network, expertise in health care and crisis support, and passion for the mission to support RAINN's continued growth and development." These programs are vital to the recovery from, and prevention of, sexual violence across the United States, having helped more than 4 million survivors and their loved ones.
RAINN offers support in a number of different formats, all of which Sykes is expected to impact. Victim services staff and volunteers leverage innovative technology platforms to provide crisis support and resources to victims in real time. Sykes' experience encompasses health information systems project implementation, which will be invaluable to the team as it continues to innovate its platforms and evolve to provide services at a higher volume. "This is a year of massive growth for RAINN. By the end of this fiscal year, we expect to nearly double our capacity to serve survivors online through the National Sexual Assault Hotline," said Berkowitz.
Additional programs include public education to raise awareness of sexual violence, focusing on prevention, prosecution and recovery. Efforts in public policy are also prioritized by RAINN as representatives work closely with the Departments of Justice, Education, and Health and Human Services. To further spread understanding and education, RAINN partners with corporate entities to create programs designed to encompass consulting services as well as provide sexual violence education. The organization's website explains that it "conduct[s] victim-centered, trauma-informed education and response program assessments based on leading research, regulatory guidance, and state and federal laws to evaluate program strengths and weaknesses."
Inclusion has played a significant role in Sykes' efforts throughout her education and career. She's expected to hit the ground running when it comes to helping RAINN further expand on its inclusion policy and provide services for all who are affected by sexual violence, regardless of their background. These policies are stringently followed and enforced throughout the organization, which is designed to be a safe resource for victims of all types.
The addition of Jamila Sykes to the RAINN board of directors is expected to have an immediate impact. Sykes is dedicated to building cross-cultural understanding and managing complex problems. She's currently employed as the director for health plan operations at Highmark Health and has previously developed systems to improve health systems both home and abroad. Sykes joins a team of experts passionate about standing up for survivors of sexual violence, and her methodical approach will be a welcome addition as the company continues to expand its offerings. "Jamila will play a vital role in guiding RAINN through the next chapter in our history as the nation's largest anti-sexual-violence organization," explained Berkowitz.
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