Empower
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Educate
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Advocate
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Support
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Empower ❃ Educate ❃ Advocate ❃ Support ❃
Who We Are
We are a grassroots, BIPOC-led organization committed to disrupting the cycle of intimate partner violence (IPV) in Black and Brown communities. Our mission is to connect survivors and their families with both immediate and long-term support to prevent revictimization and break generational cycles of abuse.
At Shaquera’s Story, we pride ourselves on providing culturally appropriate services and programming. Every team member has lived experience and/or identifies as a secondary survivor of IPV or substance use (SUD). In addition, all of our service providers have completed the 35-hour Domestic Violence Confidentiality training—ensuring our work is not only trauma-informed but survivor-centered.
Meet Our Founder
Shaquera Robinson, MPH
Founder & Executive Director
Shaquera Robinson is a mother of three, educator, visionary leader, and survivor who turned her pain into purpose. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a focus on Management and Leadership (Summa Cum Laude, Rasmussen University, 2021), a Master’s Degree in Public Health (Rasmussen University, 2023), and an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education (Bay State College, 2004).
With over 20 years of experience in education, advocacy, and community leadership, Shaquera has become a powerful voice in domestic violence prevention. Her lived experiences with sexual assault and domestic violence, combined with her professional training, qualify her as an expert on the epidemic of IPV.
She serves on several coalitions and committees, including TRAC, a statewide group of survivors, advocates, and organizations in MA seeking to expand legal protections for victims and survivors of domestic abuse, the Massachusetts Protected at Work Coalition, The Child Support Choice Coalition, and the Lower Roxbury Coalition Wellness Initiative, and Follow Suit Mentoring Program, where she serves as the Vice President, while also leading the Healthy Relationships workshops for the programs particiapants of young boys between the ages of 10-17 years old.
She also works as a Community Engagement Specialist for the Massachusetts Community Engagement Alliance (MA-CEAL) at Boston Medical Center, funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH). Boston City Council President and Boston City Councilor At-Large, Ruthzee Louijeune, declared July 16th Shaquera’s Story Day in the City of Boston. In recognition of Shaquera’s strength, advocacy, and commitment to ending domestic violence in Boston, and her leadership that has empowered survivors, raised awareness, and created pathways to healing and safety through Shaquera’s Story Domestic Violence Consulting and Coaching, Inc.
Shaquera’s mantra is “We all we got”—a reminder of her commitment to disrupting cycles of generational trauma and uplifting survivors and families through advocacy, education, and coaching.
Our Leadership Team
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Adriana is a community nurturer, a weaver of connection, and a believer in the power of love as a force for transformation. She leads with heart and humility, grounded in a deep commitment to justice, healing, and collective care. Her work is shaped by lived experience, guided by purpose, and elevated by a calling to build spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and heard.
Adriana’s dedication and impact have been recognized with the National CASA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Award, the 2023 Vital Village Innovation Award for Innovative Leadership, and a City of Boston Official Resolution for her activism and legislative advocacy on behalf of domestic violence survivors through Shaquera’s Story Domestic Violence Coaching and Consulting. She is a proud graduate of the Institute for Nonprofit Practice’s Social Impact Management and Leadership Program and the Vital Village Community Leadership and Advocacy Program.
She is also a LeadBoston Program alum, part of YW Boston’s signature inclusive leadership program that brings together cross-sector changemakers to deepen their understanding of systemic inequity and lead with greater equity and intention. Through this experience, Adriana strengthened her systems-level lens and expanded her toolbox for building more inclusive, just communities.
Adriana continues her advocacy as a member of the YW Boston Advocacy Committee, where she helps shape the organization’s policy agenda and amplify community-driven solutions that advance racial and gender equity. Her role reflects a deep commitment to civic leadership and to influencing change beyond organizational walls.
Adriana currently serves as the Inaugural Board President of 100% Massachusetts, where she is co-leading the charge in building a statewide model inspired by 100% New Mexico—ensuring that all families in Massachusetts have access to the 10 vital services necessary for health, resilience, and long-term success.
She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Administration, which laid the groundwork for her work in leadership, curriculum development, and equity-centered strategies. She remains at the forefront of research and best practices, consistently delivering cutting-edge support to individuals, communities, and organizations.
As Co-Founder of Shaquera’s Story, Adriana is deeply passionate about offering education, coaching, and healing-centered advocacy to survivors of domestic violence. Her commitment to children and families is rooted in her belief in the wisdom of intergenerational communities and their power to restore and uplift.
In her role as an Expert Facilitator and Curriculum Developer, Adriana designs innovative training programs for child and family-serving nonprofits to help them expand their impact. She also serves as a Philanthropic Consultant with the Social Innovation Forum, where she advises on values-aligned giving for greater social change.
Adriana teaches as an Adjunct Faculty member at Southern New Hampshire University, and contributes her leadership as a Board Member of Vital Village Networks and the Massachusetts CASA Association, where she supports advocacy and systems change for the well-being of children in the Commonwealth.
Across every role, Adriana is driven by love—an active, dynamic, and transformative energy that she sees as essential to building inclusive, collaborative communities. Her vision is a world where all people are valued, all voices are heard, and future generations are free to thrive.
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Kali brings 24 years of nonprofit, education, and advocacy experience, with a focus on empowering survivor voices. She has worked with youth in out-of-home placements, served seven years as an advocate and supervisor at Boston CASA, supported families and communities impacted by homicide, suicide and overdose as the Healing Support Services Manager at the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute. In addition to her work with Shaquera's Story, Kali is currently the Boston L.O.S.S Team Coordinator for Dee Dee's Cry as well as facilitating Survivor of Suicide Attempts Support groups and community education trainings to increase suicide awareness for Samaritans, Inc. Kali’s work is rooted in the belief that domestic violence is a public health crisis that must be addressed through survivor-led education, awareness, and healing.
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Vladimir is a dedicated coach and consultant passionate about men’s mental health and trauma recovery. Drawing from his lived experience of witnessing domestic violence as a child, he brings a unique perspective as a man to Shaquera’s Story. By explaining the connection between childhood exposure to domestic violence and later-life mental health challenges, Vladimir works to foster resilience, understanding, and healing in survivors and communities.
Vlad joins us as a secondary survivor of domestic violence, bringing his lived experiences with emotional trauma as a child witness. Vlad is an inspiration and vital voice in advocacy for men’s mental health and self-discovery. With a background in law enforcement, Vlad understands the importance of first introductions to the criminal justice system. A motivational speaker and lifelong advocate for social justice and equity, Vlad empowers his audience through storytelling and by breaking stereotypes about the social-emotional intelligence of Black men and boys.
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Larry Young is a Boston-based entrepreneur, business leader, and community advocate dedicated to helping individuals and organizations grow with purpose. With over 20 years of experience in financial services, sales leadership, and business development, Larry brings a powerful blend of corporate expertise and entrepreneurial vision to every stage and audience.
As the Founder of Forever Young Wellness, Larry has built a platform centered on health, empowerment, and sustainable success. His work reflects a deep commitment to inspiring others to take control of their well-being while creating meaningful business opportunities.
Prior to launching his business, Larry held leadership roles at top financial institutions, including Sun Life Financial, John Hancock, and MetLife. Throughout his career, Larry has led high-performing teams, developed strategic growth initiatives, and cultivated strong client relationships—consistently delivering results in competitive markets.
Beyond business, Larry is deeply committed to community impact. He currently serves as Vice President of the National Association of Buffalo Soldier and Trooper Motorcycle Club Boston Chapter, a board member of Brockton Community Access TV, Follow Suit Mentoring Program, and Shaquera’s Story Domestic Violence Consulting and Coaching, Inc., and is a former board member of the Roxbury YMCA. Through these roles, he supports initiatives that empower youth, amplify underrepresented voices, and provide critical resources and advocacy for individuals affected by domestic violence.
Today, Mr. Young speaks on topics including entrepreneurship, leadership, financial empowerment, wellness, and community advocacy. Known for his authentic delivery and practical insights, Larry inspires audiences to take action, build resilience, and create meaningful, lasting impact in their lives and communities.
Larry joins us as the treasurer and Director of our Health and Wellness Program initiatives to address the challenges many face when compounded trauma affects our health outcomes. With his knowledge and education on the effects of traumatic events on the body and mental health, Larry provides depth to our efforts. Larry has an extensive history in nonprofit organizations, community service, and accounting.
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is a licensed therapist and registered dance/movement therapist dedicated to supporting women in reclaiming their power through movement, cultural connection, and holistic healing. As the founder of Yemaya Wellness Center, LLC (@YemayaWellnessCenter (http://www.instagram.com/yemayawellnesscenter)), Jasmine integrates dance/movement therapy into her practice, creating a culturally attuned space where BIPOC women can process trauma, challenge the burdens of the Superwoman Schema, and reconnect with their authentic selves. Her therapeutic approach blends clinical expertise with embodied healing practices, ensuring that therapy is not just a conversation but a full-body experience that fosters transformation and self-liberation.
Jasmine’s academic and clinical expertise in dance/movement therapy is deeply rooted in her capstone thesis, (Re)humanizing: A Culturally Informed Approach to Coping with the Manifestation of Superwoman Schema in Black Women with Trauma Exposure. This research explores the intersection of race, gender, trauma, and movement, offering a framework that centers Black women's unique somatic experiences in healing. Her work serves as the foundation for Yemaya Wellness Center’s Rehumanizing method, which uses art, journaling, improvisational movement, and R&B music to help Black women reconnect with their bodies and emotions.
Beyond her private practice, Jasmine has played a pivotal role in shaping the field of dance/movement therapy. As the former Vice President of the New England Chapter of the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA) from 2021-2022, she worked to amplify the presence and impact of Black practitioners in the field and to advocate for culturally responsive therapeutic practices. She has also been an invited speaker at numerous conferences and workshops, including the Integrated Creative Arts Therapy Conference, the Philadelphia Trauma Training Conference, and the Wheeler School’s Summer Retreat on Belonging. Her presentations, such as Black Magic: Leaning Into Black Bodied Responses to Understand Trauma and Facilitate Healing and The Embodiment of Privilege: How Culture Impacts Dance Education, highlight her expertise in using movement as a therapeutic tool for Black women navigating high-performance environments and generational trauma.
Jasmine’s commitment to advancing dance/movement therapy has been recognized with the prestigious Norma Canner Dance/Movement Therapy Award, honoring her innovative contributions to the field. Through Yemaya Wellness Center and her advocacy in the broader mental health space, she continues to challenge traditional therapy models by centering cultural humility, somatic wisdom, and the lived experiences of Black women. Her work is a testament to the power of movement as medicine, offering clients a pathway to healing that honors both the mind and body.
Jasmine currently works as the Clinical Director of Assessments for the Southeast Region of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Youth Services, where she utilizes a variety of clinical assessments and her love of clinical writing to assess and advocate for newly committed youth. Jasmine recognizes, as one of the first individuals newly committed youth meet, the impact of active listening, relational-cultural theory, and authenticity to build a therapeutic relationship with youth during their assessment period.
Jasmine joins our team to expand access to culturally responsive therapy and to offer coordinated case management for safety planning. Jasmine aims to promote healing by facilitating her Rehumanizing Resilience™ groups with creative and body-based healing. Increasing awareness by co-developing survivor-led campaigns through the Family Movement initiative. Jasmine actively engages in community action through tangible capacity building and collaboration.
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Nithaelle joins our team as a former Master of Public Health Practicum student who continues her journey of raising awareness and increasing advocacy for intimate partner violence impacts on children and young adults. Nithaelle is compassionate about victims and survivors having a leading role in their survivorship and in creating tools that help them feel seen, heard, and valued. Nithaelle contributes to the development of public health aspects across all of our programs.
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Rob Badgett is an Author/Speaker/Life Coach & Marriage and Family Therapist. Rob is passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life's complexities with resilience and grace.
Rob joins our team as the clinical expert for children and families (individuals) who are impacted by domestic & sexual violence, mental health, substance use disorder, and incarceration. Rob is passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life's complexities with resilience and grace.
With extensive experience in relationship dynamics, family systems, and personal development, Rob empowers his audience to achieve their goals, overcome obstacles, and foster healthier, more fulfilling relationships. Rob is a devoted husband and father of four, committed to helping his family and many others live lives of freedom and purpose.
(MFT- Marriage Family Therapist)
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Margo is an attorney and former Director of the NUSL Domestic Violence Law Clinic. Margo brings legal expertise in the area of domestic and sexual violence. Overseeing our co-op employees, Margo will co-develop the curriculum and provide management and guidance support for our law students. Margo brings her fierce passion for survivor advocacy and her driven leadership in public policy, both of which directly impact our clients and communities. Litigation is an integral component of her transformative vision.
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Fanta Ballo is a published author, spoken word artist, and Founder & Creative Director of Ratty Reach LLC. She received her bachelor’s at 19 and is currently enrolled in an MFA program for Creative Writing. She has sold over 20,000 books, earned Amazon Bestseller status, received a Wonder Grant from the Shawn Mendes Foundation, and performed at the Barclays Center and the John F. Kennedy Center. Her work has been featured on The Tamron Hall Show, CBS Mornings with Gayle King, Spectrum News, and People Magazine, and she has partnered with Bloomberg and the Mastercard Foundation.
Fanta joins our team as the Co- Creative Director of our Grace & Grit Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Program. Bringing her expertise in using art therapy to improve the mental health of young people. Empowering young minds through social interactions and advocacy awareness. Fanta brings lived experiences in navigating low mental health as a juvenile, identity issues, inner child healing, and challenging family dynamics. Fanta aims to increase our outreach and program effectiveness in the LGBTQ+ community.
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Miesha joins us as a Family Partner Advocate with lived and professional experience across the child welfare system. Miesha understands that due process matters in probate cases where domestic violence is often a primary risk factor for children and families navigating the legal system. Miesha brings evidence-based knowledge to our programs' infrastructure when it comes to violence against children and the social determinants that impact their health outcomes.
Fellows & Mentees
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Hannah is a Tufts University MPH graduate (Class of 2025) with interests in maternal and child health, health policy, and social determinants of health. At SSDVCC, she focused on advocacy and survivor support, earning the 2025 H. Jack Geiger Public Health Advocacy Award for her contributions to public health and social justice.
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Hello, my name is Jamie Pytlik, and I am a licensed social worker and a second-year law student at Rutgers Law School. My greatest passion in life is working with survivors of sexual assault, and I genuinely believe it’s what I was called to do. Before attending law school, I worked in sexual assault prevention and response at a District Attorney’s Office. In this role, I facilitated sexual violence prevention education on college campuses and provided trauma-focused therapy to teenage and young adult survivors of sexual violence. This experience, combined with a lifelong interest in pursuing a career as a lawyer, inspired me to attend law school. I wholeheartedly believe that every survivor deserves justice as they define it, and this type of justice often does not happen in a courtroom. I hope to combine my legal education with my social work background to become a more vigorous advocate for sexual assault survivors. My goal is to disrupt the systems of rape culture and victim blaming on the micro and macro levels so that survivors can more readily access the justice and healing that they deserve.
I was inspired to work with Shaquera’s Story because of the program’s commitment to activism and advocacy on multiple levels for survivors of domestic violence. My therapist introduced me to the program, and I can’t imagine a better fit for my personal and professional goals. I love that the program is involved in every level of interpersonal violence advocacy —from prevention and activism to response. I am so inspired by the strong female leadership of the program. Shaquera is such an accomplished, driven, and passionate advocate, and I cannot wait to learn from her and the other dedicated members of this program.
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Milly is a Tufts MPH graduate with a focus on health services management and policy. During her internship, she created policy briefs, infographics, and survivor resources on trauma-informed care and coercive control. Her next step is pursuing a Physician Assistant career to provide culturally sensitive care for underserved survivors.
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Xiaoou recently received her MPH degree in epidemiology and biostatistics at Tufts University. Her practicum work with SSDVCC explored survivor health outcomes and public health data analysis. She is passionate about applying evidence-based research to improve prevention and support services for survivors of domestic violence.
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Sarah-Simone Dyer is a recent graduate of the John D. O’Bryant School of Math and Science, who is deeply honored to have the opportunity to collaborate on building a nonprofit sector of Shaquera’s Story that will not only provide resources but help educate youth and young adults about domestic and gender-based violence. Ssarah-Simone believes that this mission aligns with her passion and committement to serving underrepresented and vulnerable communities, especially in education and social justice.
What struck her most about Shaquera’s Story, is how fear and vulnerability coul be transformed into purpose and used as a foundation to help others. Sarah-Simone strongly believes that educating young people about the different attributions of domestic violence and how to navigate with these said experiences, while recognizing its complex outcomes, can truly help youth to speak out. Through first-hand experiences, Sarah-Simone has witnessed how equitable, intentional education can make a huge impact on a young person’s life. With mentorship and guidance from Shaquera, Sarah-Simone envisions that she too will bring depth to the sense of care and purpose that drives Shaquera’s Storys program infrastrucure that uplifts the voices and experiences of those who seek our services.
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Mbuaya is a Molecular Diagnostic Scientist at Brigham & Women’s/Dana Farber and a recent Tufts MPH student. Originally from Congo and raised in South Africa, she is passionate about preventive health, reproductive health, and addressing disparities in underserved populations. Her work at SSDVCC focuses on using research and advocacy to break cycles of abuse.
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Shuheng is a Tufts MPH graduate with a concentration in epidemiology and biostatistics. He researched the intersections of domestic violence, mental health, and substance use to highlight the long-term health impacts on survivors. His work supports SSDVCC’s mission of combining research with advocacy for system-wide change.
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Ioanna is a Tufts MPH graduate t from Greece with a background as a national rhythmic gymnast, educator, and wellness entrepreneur. Her work at SSDVCC explored the health impacts of IPV across the U.S. and Greece, and she developed educational resources to connect trauma, health, and prevention.
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Nike is a Clinical Research Coordinator and MPH candidate at Tufts University. She brings experience in clinical trials and community engagement, and works with youth programs to expand awareness of research and public health careers. At SSDVCC, she contributes to disrupting IPV through education, data, and outreach.
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Brinda is completing her Master of Public Health at Southern Georgia University. At SSDVCC, she researched the impact of IPV on teens and pregnant women, created a workshop presentation, and evaluated programs addressing these issues. She looks forward to continuing her advocacy as an Ambassador for SSDVCC.
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Kathryn is a law student at Boston University with a background in domestic violence reporting and legal clinic support. She has assisted survivors with restraining orders and family law matters, and is dedicated to centering marginalized voices in advocacy. At SSDVCC, she deepens her skills in survivor-centered, trauma-informed legal work. Kathryn was interested in becoming a mentee at Shaquera’s Story because she is passionate about empowering and advocating for survivors of domestic violence. She was especially drawn to the organization’s commitment to centering marginalized survivors, amplifying their stories, and creating spaces for healing and leadership. Kathryn also values Shaquera’s Story’s focus on education and community empowerment through trainings, and she looks forward to deepening her skills in survivor-centered, trauma-informed advocacy. With experience in both direct client work and storytelling, she is eager to learn from and contribute to a survivor-led movement that challenges systems of oppression and builds collective power. Kathryn is grateful for the opportunity to learn from Shaquera, whose advice and guidance have shown her how to transform lived experience into meaningful advocacy. Under Shaquera’s mentorship, Kathryn hopes to make the legal system more accessible for survivors.
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Tamara is a physician and recent MPH graduate from Tufts with a focus on gender-based violence and teen dating violence prevention. She combines her clinical and public health expertise to support survivors through workshops and youth education. At SSDVCC, she advances trauma-informed community programming.
Fellows & Mentees
Our Team in Action
Our Commitment
Shaquera’s Story is more than an organization—it’s a movement built on lived experience, survivor leadership, and a vision for change. Together with our community of advocates, partners, and supporters, we are working to end intimate partner violence, uplift survivors, and transform systems that have historically failed them.