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A small, deeply experienced team of advocates working alongside survivors across Colorado every day.
Franklin serves as the Executive Director with The Initiative. With over 10 years of nonprofit experience, including engaging in direct service work and executive-level leadership, Franklin is passionate about working with people in need and ensuring services and programs are community-led. He believes in transformative and servant leadership, with the goal of developing a resilient and unified team being one of his main priorities. With previous experiences in the US Peace Corps and the behavioral health field, he is focused on ensuring the mission of The Initiative is carried forward.
April serves as the Director of Programs and Operations at The Initiative. With a deep-rooted commitment to advocating for at-risk communities, April has dedicated over a decade to fostering safer communities and empowering individuals affected by human trafficking and interpersonal violence. April is committed to advancing the organization's goals of breaking the cycle of domestic violence and promoting healing and resilience among survivors.
Chelsea is the Victim Advocate and Operations Coordinator at The Initiative. She graduated from University of Northern Colorado with a Bachelors in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Even before finishing college she knew she wanted to help those in her community. She helps those who are in need find a fresh start and gives them the tools needed to begin a journey of self-sufficiency.
Jessica is the Direct Services Manager at The Initiative. She earned her Bachelors in Criminal Justice from the University of Colorado, Denver. Jessica's passion is to help those in need, especially those who face language barriers. She is passionate about helping people get access to the services they need to begin their healing journey and gain self-sufficiency.
Kezia is deeply passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of others. Equipped with a degree in Sociology and a specialization in social work, her journey has been driven by a heartfelt commitment to supporting and advocating for victims of various challenges. Whether through direct intervention, advocacy, or community outreach, Kezia strives to empower those in need and foster environments where empathy and resilience thrive. Outside of her professional endeavors, Kezia enjoys hammocking in local parks with an iced coffee in one hand and a good book in the other.
Leslie has a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Colorado Mesa University. She is passionate about helping others feel heard, supported, and empowered. Leslie has previous experience in supporting survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault through advocacy, crisis intervention, safety planning, and connecting individuals with resources. Through her career, Leslie has learned that sometimes one of the most meaningful things you can offer someone is simply a place to be heard. She believes that people are often stronger and more capable than they realize. Outside of work she loves spending time with friends and family, enjoying the outdoors, hiking, traveling, and exploring new places.
Sara is pursuing a Master of Social Work degree with a concentration in Clinical Trauma-Informed Practice and is a Victim Advocate Intern here at The Initiative. She brings 7 years of professional experience in the mental health and disability services fields. As a person with a lifelong physical disability, Sara is passionate about the intersection of disability, trauma, and violence, and is committed to advancing accessibility, inclusion, and trauma-informed support through both her professional knowledge and lived experience.
