Thursday, September 19, Tarana Burke, founder of the Me Too movement and social justice activist, received the Ivy Young Willis and Martha Willis Dale Award during a ceremony at Cabrini University. Awarded annually, the Ivy Young Willis and Martha Willis Dale Award recognizes women who have made outstanding contributions in the field of public affairs.
In October 2017, #MeToo became a viral phenomenon that quickly spread around the world. Burke emerged as a global leader in the evolving conversation around sexual violence and the need for survivor-centered solutions. Her theory of using empathy to empower survivors is changing the way the world thinks about and engages with survivors. Her belief that healing isn’t a destination, but a journey has touched and inspired millions of survivors who previously lived with the pain, shame, and trauma of their assaults in isolation.
Following her presentation which was conversational in format, Ms. Burke offered kind, compassionate and supportive words to students who asked questions or offered comments. ~excerpts from Cabrini U. website