2026 NOVA Board Awards
Recognizing excellence in victim advocacy.
Each year, the National Organization for Victim Advocacy (NOVA) Board of Directors presents awards to recognize the extraordinary accomplishments of individuals and programs in the victims’ movement.
Congratulations to our 2026 Awardees!
Nominated by their peers, the advocates listed below are being celebrated for their vital work in supporting victims and survivors of crime.
George M. Donnelly
Award
Ané Vecchione
Los Angeles Mayor’s Crisis Response Team
“I advocate to ensure surviving victims are always met with dignity, compassion, and empathy at the scene of a traumatic incident. Every child and adult deserves support, resources, and a community that stands beside them as they take their first step towards healing after the sudden loss of a loved one.”
Tadini Bacigalupi Jr.
Award
Resiliency & Justice Center
“Victim advocacy creates space and opportunity for true healing for survivors, something our traditional systems of justice cannot do. To me, true justice isn’t found in a courtroom verdict alone, but includes the profound healing that happens when a person is empowered to reclaim their life. Victim advocacy is my way of finding justice for victims and their families, righting wrongs, and setting things right again.”
Tennille Pereira, Esq.
Marlene Young Leadership Award
DeAnna Swope
Activating Change and Diamond Speaks LLC
‘To me, advocacy means speaking our truth without shame and creating space for others to do the same. It is about empowering people to raise their voices for themselves and for those who feel unseen, unheard, or unsure that their voice matters. Advocacy can look different for each person, but at its heart, it is about standing together, lifting each other up, and building a community where everyone’s voice has value and power.“
2026 Honorees
We are excited to recognize the following advocates for their exceptional service to the field
Individual Submissions
- Amanda Moore
- Ariel Bustamante
- Belgicia Cowart-Howell
- Caitlin Simpson
- Carli Rohner
- Carly Daniel
- Casey Ballinger
- Chris McGuire
- Cristine E. Patty
- Danielle Perkins
- Davina Caldwell
- DeAnna Tidwell
- Deliesse Hitt
- Demetrius Rayford
- Diane Watson
- Dr. Matthew Hammett
- Dr. Rita Davis-Cannom
- Ebony Green
- Evett S. Ellis
- Gerry Griffith
- Haley gray
- Isabella Constante
- Jasmine Wilson
- Jenae McCall
- Jennifer Henkle
- Jordan Kelso
- Jose Alfaro
- Josie Campos
- Katie Boller Gosewisch
- Kristian Hall
- Kriti Mohan
- Laura Abbott
- Lenora Claire
- Linda Thom
- George Hunter
- Lisa M. Wright
- Margaux Sorenson
- Maricarmen Garza
- Molly Harris
- Mona Murakami Cho
- Neisha Louhar
- Patricia Lerma
- Ray Epstein
- Robin Baysmore
- Rose Preston
- Scharnelle Hamlin
- Shelby Thompson
- Shoron Collington
- Stacy Halvorsen
- Stephanie Whitehead
- Taylor Jones
- Tambria DeCorse
- Tracy Marshall
- TSgt Shawn Gallagher
- Yolonda Frazee
- Yomarys Stokes
Program Submissions
- NevadaCARES, University of Nevada, Reno
- Hurlburt Field Sexual Assault Prevent & Response Team, 1 Special Operations Wing
- Restorative Pathways
- U.S. Army V Corps Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) Program
- Resiliency & Justice Center
- VOICES Against Sexual Assault, Healing VOICES Program
- Victim Services Center of Montgomery County Inc
- Fort Rucker SHARP Office, Army Aviation Center of Excellence (AVCOE)
- United States Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Program
- Jemma Riedel-Johnson, YWCA Spokane
- Jessica Bosch, D’Youville University
- Keir Chapple, Georgia Office of Victim Services
- Kristen Patterson, New Morning Youth & Family Services and the Ashby House
Learn more about NOVA's Board Awards
Each year, NOVA sends out a call for nominations via our email list. Be sure to sign up for NOVA’s news and updates to nominate an advocate for the 2026 Board Awards.
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