Volunteer Staff

Katie is the first woman in the United States to speak out nationally and publicly as the victim of campus “date” rape at age 18. Katie has been featured on the cover of TIME Magazine, The Oprah Winfrey Show, NBC Nightly News, CNBC Talk Live, CNN, Larry King Live, Good Morning America, Later Today, MSNBC, Entertainment Tonight and other national television programs. Katie is the subject of an HBO movie and has lectured for over 5000 schools and organizations in North America and around the world.

Harper Garfinkle is passionate about using visual communications to connect with others and create inclusive spaces. She manages the TBTN social media platforms with the goal of disseminating diverse and intersectional perspectives. Harper has a degree in psychology from Tulane University. In her free time, you can find her surrounded by art, whether creating or viewing, riding her bicycle, or cooking a new dish.

Ella Leeth is a recent graduate of William and Mary with a degree in Chemistry and English. She works in clinical research at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. At Take Back the Night Foundation, Ella has used her skills in writing and communication to create partnerships with small businesses, as well as coordinating new guests for the Dear Katie Podcast. She is grateful for the mentorship and support she’s received as part of the TBTN team and is committed to using her skills to further the safe space that TBTN creates for survivors of sexual violence.  

Amanda serves as the Program Director for TBTN and is the Title IX Coordinator at Gettysburg College. She oversees campaigns such as 10 Points of Light and Respect My Red. Amanda works tirelessly to assist event holders with planning and organizing their walks, runs, vigils and educational programs. She holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Shippensburg University and created a Women’s Empowerment Program. She has presented to over 200,000 students and professionals across the country.

Gordon Braxton is a Division Chief with the Department of Defense, and previously served as the Prevention Specialist at Harvard University, where he implemented the University’s violence prevention policies. Gordon completed his undergraduate work at the University of Virginia and has a master’s degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Gordon was introduced to the field of sexual violence prevention as a peer educator in an all-male anti-violence group at the University of Virginia. He is also the author of “Empowering Black Boys to Challenge Rape Culture.”

Sarah serves as the Associate Director for Take Back the Night. She manages TBTN’s amazing volunteers and exclusive intern program, as well as aids in providing resources to TBTN Chapters and Event Holders worldwide. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies & English from Loyola University Chicago and a Master’s Degree in Behavior Analysis from University of Northern Colorado. She is working towards becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with the goal of learning the science behind behavior and applying it to make changes in the world of social justice.

Bella currently attends Temple University, majoring in Political Science and minoring in Women’s studies. Bella’s history of advocacy for the anti-sexual violence movement inspired her to join TBTN where she is currently the Newsletter Editor Chapter Coordinator. She hopes to be a lawyer specializing in sexual violence cases while offering survivors free legal help.

Anju is a doctor who completed her medical training in India and is a passionate advocate for equality and women’s rights. As a medical professional, she aims to use a trauma-informed perspective to empower people to heal and overcome the obstacles they face in their lives. She currently serves as the Director of International Ambassadors in TBTN and is committed to using her skills to advocate for and support survivors.

Lahari is an Honors student at the Virginia Commonwealth University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. She is dedicated to supporting victims of sexual violence through her work on the Shine Your Light Yoga team. She is pursuing a career in the medical field, where she hopes to continue to help trauma victims heal.

Tierra strives to help others become the best version of themselves through education and health and wellness. Professionally she serves as an Assistant Director of Admissions for Central Michigan University. Tierra graduated from Baylor University and is a graduate of the 2011 NCAA Leadership Institute. She also completed the Athlete Development Professional Certification Program with The Wharton School. You can find Tierra teaching regular yoga, meditation, and fitness.