In June 2017, I joined Women’s Advocates as Executive Director. It was a critical time in the life of the organization as well as in my own personal life. Women’s Advocates’ emergency shelter was long established as a safe, compassionate landing place for victim-survivors of domestic violence who needed a place to heal and begin to prepare themselves for a new, safer life in the community. And I, a few years out from a life-changing personal loss, felt ready to step into a leadership role with this organization that had done so much good for so many for so long.
Five years later, Women’s Advocates is thriving – as a safety and advocacy lifeline for victim-survivors in crisis, a housing sustainability partner to hundreds of victim-survivors as they build new lives in community, and a caring partner to thousands, in our community and beyond, seeking domestic violence and relationship-related support, encouragement, and information.
Now it’s time to turn the page to a new chapter, for Women’s Advocates and for me. In January of next year, I’ll step away from my role with this wonderful organization and create space for the next lucky Executive Director. My heart is full as I write this – full of feelings of deep connection to the work we’ve all done together to support victim-survivors and build a safer community; full of respect, admiration, and affection for our incredible team and for you, our friends and supporters; and full of anticipation of what lies ahead. Being part of Women’s Advocates’ growth and thriving these past five years, and proximate to the healing journeys of so many victim-survivors, has been a profound privilege, one I’ll always be grateful for.
While the details of my next chapter are still taking shape, it’s exciting to imagine. No matter where life takes me, I expect to always find ways to support women and girls in creating their own futures and realizing their dreams.
When I move on early next year, I’ll carry with me all the goodness of this mission, this team, these stories, and the life-changing work that happens here every day. I look forward to the next few months of doing more good work with our team and with you, but don’t want to miss this opportunity to say to you…thank you from the bottom of my heart for making, and keeping, Women’s Advocates strong.
With gratitude,
Estelle Brouwer
Executive Director
Please learn more, share, and apply by reading our position announcement here.