Ercilia “Celia” Guardado.  I have been a passionate domestic violence and sexual assault advocate for the past 18 years helping immigrant victims and survivors. I started with Amigas Unidas, a grassroots organization out of Yakima, WA., serving under the umbrella of the YWCA.  I advocated for immigrant farmworker women suffering from sexual assault and domestic violence.  I continued under the YWCA as a bilingual/bicultural advocate before serving 4 years as one the first Latina YWCA Director of Client Services before taking on the role as the new Bilingual Community Relationship Outreach Coordinator in 2016.  I am part of a successful Crossing Borders project under the (OVW) Office of Violence Against Women Rural Program that is committed to providing culturally appropriate victim centered, on the Go advocacy, immigration legal services and grassroots community engagement for victims of abuse.  We provide support and resources that may help victims and survivors on their journey to self-empowerment, dignity, respect and justice from abuse.  Recently my passion has led me to become part of the Walla Walla Immigrant Rights Coalition that was formed when our political administration threatened the well-being and safety of our immigrant communities.  Through much outreach and Know Your Rights presentations, flyers, trainings, legal-council, safety cards, advocacy and hotlines, we are helping make our community a safer place to live.  I am part of the Safety and Access for Immigrant Victims Program at the Washington State Department of Commerce (VOCA).   The legislature passed into effect SHB 1022, the certification for U-Visas, T-Visas.  The committee monitors the implementation, develops and gives training and presentations, gives out information, helps address concerns and developed a website that makes reporting easier for agencies to comply with the new requirements.  In 2017 I humbly received a National Visionary Award in recognition of outstanding work to end sexual violence.  I am the local PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) advocate for the Washington State Penitentiary serving male victims of rape and sexual abuse.  I served as Board Member for the Northwest Justice Project from 2005 – 2015, served as Chair for the Quality of Practice Committee and Board Development Committee bringing.  Currently I am active on other Community Boards including the ProBono Advisory Board and am always looking for creative ways to maneuver around and meet the challenges that create injustices for people of color.