I’m not good at receiving recognition, but I figured I should share the honor bestowed upon me this year during the annual End Violence Against Women International conference on April 1st in San Diego, California.
The Teal Heart Award was created by EVAWI in 2022 and is the embodiment and recognition of the power, strength, and the contribution of victims’ voices in the work that we do.
During the opening session, EVAWI Executive Director Ann Burdges had this to say:
“I want to make sure that we realize that it was started only in 2022 and this recognition was a long-time desire of Joanne’s to actually move along. It was fully supported by everyone which was to find a fitting and respectful way to honor the fortitude and the resilience demonstrated by individuals directly impacted by victimization—survivors.
The criteria of this award is that it is presented to individuals—survivors—who have provided inspiration and hope for those who follow behind them, while working to improve the professional and community responses to gender-based violence.
Individuals receiving this reward are honored for their courage and resilience surviving not only the anguish of sexual violence but also the gauntlet of system responses.
This year’s recipient is Kimberly Corban.
Kimberly is a mother, advocate, and speaker as you saw. She shows what giving one’s once voice and heart to a cause looks like.
She’s a force for good and a champion of messaging and educating.
When asked for personal comments amongst colleagues, Kimberly does a lot of social media and coordinates with Alison, our social media coordinator. colleagues and staff responded. “She creates a safe environment for all survivors to use their voice, a space to feel seen and heard, whether publicly or privately. She has built a community by and for survivors. She is selfless using her platform with courage to advocate for victims and victims’ rights.”
The Teal Heart Award goes to Kimberly Corban.”
Overwhelmed does not begin to cover my sentiment towards this recognition. My acceptance speech can be found in the video below, but I want to sincerely thank End Violence Against Women International for considering me for such a humbling honor.
