GUESTS
Episode 1:
Rachel Swedburg
Rachel Swedburg is the Sexual Assault Advocacy Coordinator for End Violent Encounters (EVE), a Lansing-based organization that supports survivors of domestic and sexual violence. After starting her career in upstate New York, Rachel moved to the Lansing area and joined EVE as an advocate two years ago. EVE provides support to survivors of domestic and sexual violence through medical and legal advocacy, counseling, and shelter services. EVE also engages with the community through outreach and education. Rachel shares her experiences while working with clients in the Lansing area, the barriers to services for clients seeking out legal counsel or medical treatment, and her beliefs on how advocates can best serve clients.
Episode 2:
Sharron Fincher
Sharron Fincher is the Access Coordinator for Wayne County SAFE, a Detroit-based non-profit that supports survivors of sexual violence. The second largest sexual assault response organization in the country, WC SAFE was a key player in addressing the 11,000 rape kit backlog uncovered in Wayne County in 2009. Sharron is passionate about breaking down barriers that marginalized groups (including LGBTQ+ individuals, the elderly, and immigrants, among others) face, and goes to great length to reach those populations and meet them where they are. Sharron strongly emphasizes understanding the role of advocates in "the work" and using an open-minded, culturally sensitive approach while working with clients.
Episode 3:
Hillary Scholten
Hillary Scholten is a staff attorney with the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center (MIRC). Hillary graduated from the University of Maryland School of Law and worked for the Second Circuit of the US Court of Appeals in Manhattan. Hillary worked with the US Department of Justice as an Attorney Advisor at the Board of Immigration Appeals until joining MIRC in July of 2017. While at MIRC, Hillary has represented cases involving sexual harassment and assault involving immigrants and undocumented individuals. In our discussion, Hillary describes the need for reform involving "robust" supports for these clients, expanding the protections already available, and the importance of interdisciplinary teamwork.