Christine Cesa

How did you first learn about and begin working with The Avery Center?

I met Megan at the Survivors Leaders Institute (SLI) Conference hosted by GEMS (Girls Education and Mentoring Service). We sat at the same table and got connected this way. Over the years we have presented at the same conferences. I have been working with The Avery Center on the Direct Service Team and am now working as the Coordinator of the Outreach Team.

 

How long have you been with the organization?

February 2022

 

What do you think sets The Avery Center apart from other organizations in this sector?

The Avery Center is unique in that such a high percentage of the staff hold lived experience in human trafficking and/or other types of violence; therefore making it truly a survivor-led, survivor informed organization. It is critical that survivors be in leadership, impact change on every level, and have an equal voice in decisions that are being made. In addition, the organization works to prevent vicarious trauma in all staff and this is critical in the work that is being done.

 

What's your favorite part/the most fulfilling part of your role?

My role at the Avery Center gives me the opportunity to speak with partner organizations and train both allies and experts in the field. Providing survivor-led and informed trainings assists survivors and moves the movement forward. In addition, the position has given me the opportunity to work with survivor leaders and provide mentorship and support to survivors and allies.

 

What do you enjoy doing when you're not at The Avery Center?

When not working I enjoy being at the beach, spending time with friends, drinking coffee, eating good food, and going on adventures.

 

Who is someone you admire, and why?

One of the many I admire is Mother Teresa. She worked with people on the margins, the vulnerable, those others would not consider going near. She acknowledged her own difficulties and walked through her own ‘Dark night of the soul’. Three of the significant things that stick with me are that “Small things done with great love will change the world,” “If we have no peace it is because we have forgotten we belong to each other,” and “Loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted is the most terrible poverty”.

One of the many leaders I admire is Mother Teresa. She worked with people on the margins, the vulnerable, those others would not consider going near. She acknowledged her own difficulties and walked through her own ‘Dark night of the soul’. Three of the significant things that stick with me are:

"Small things done with great love will change the world."

"If we have no peace it is because we have forgotten we belong to each other."

"Loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted is the most terrible poverty."

 

What advice would you give someone who wants to join the Avery team of superstars?

We are absolute diamonds who shine in this world, unicorns who work in the field of anti-trafficking and fierce advocates who can be flexible, willing to learn, and strong to walk beside others in this fight.

 

What you're listening to now:

Why Tho? – Ashley Abercrombie (Podcast)
Dare to Lead – Brené Brown (Book)

 

TV show you're hooked on:

New Amsterdam
The Equalizer
The Cleaning Lady
FBI Most Wanted
SWAT
911
Neighborhood