This episode features Sexual Assault Advocate, Amani Brice, and Program Manager for the Office of Professional Development at ETSU, Ruth Taylor Read. Amani and Ruth tell us more about Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault as October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This conversation took place on October 12 and was moderated by a friend of the McKinney Center, Brittany Butler and Community Program Specialist, Skye McFarland. 

As a December 2019 graduate of East Tennessee State University, Amani Brice is proud to have earned two degrees in early childhood development and child psychology. Shortly after graduation, she began working at Frontier Health-Safe House as a sexual assault advocate. Amani’s passion for victim services runs deep, and she finds it incredibly rewarding to be able to support and assist victims during one of the most vulnerable points in their lives. Working as a sexual assault advocate has allowed her to utilize her knowledge and skills to help individuals in need. It has also taught her the importance of empathy, compassion, and active listening when working with victims. Overall, her journey from graduation to becoming a sexual assault advocate has been one of growth and fulfillment. Amani is grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others and look forward to continuing to do so in the future.

As Program Manager for the Office of Professional Development at East Tennessee State University, Ruth Taylor Read works with community members to implement training programs utilizing the gifts and talents of those community members. As a small business owner, she enjoys creating a safe space for everyone at Cranberries Café. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Women’s Studies, an M.S. in Human Services, and an M.Div. She is currently writing her dissertation to complete her D.Min with a focus on family and Congregational Care. Ruth has experience in social services, nonprofit leadership, program design, and grassroots activism. She has been a dedicated community volunteer serving as a member of the Johnson City Sexual Assault Task Force, and as Co-Founder of Women Matter Northeast Tennessee a 501©4 organization that focused on issues that affected the daily lives of women in East Tennessee. She currently serves on the board of directors for Frontier Health SAFE House. Ruth currently coordinates the Upper East Tennessee Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Summit at ETSU with the mission statement of that conference is “…to train and educate our campus and community in the prevention, response, advocacy, and treatment for domestic violence and sexual assault victims.” She is the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of the world’s most amazing granddaughters.

Supported by a grant from the East Tennessee Foundation, “Conversations that Matter” is a monthly series produced by the McKinney Center in Jonesborough, Tennessee. In each “Conversation” two local guests from different backgrounds (age, race, religion, culture, etc.) explore their own culture and perspective, and talk to each other about what makes them unique, discover their similarities, and explore their differences. They will look at where their lives might intersect personally and in the community. The goal of each “Conversation that Matters” is for guests and participants to hear real stories, from real neighbors. 

This monthly series is inspired by the Diversity & Equity Subcommittee at the McKinney Center, and their desire to highlight the experiences of all voices in Washington County, Tennessee, with an intention to include marginalized groups. By showcasing these conversations, the Diversity & Equity subcommittee hopes to open doors to new ideas and perspectives amongst our very own neighbors. Questions such as, “What was your experience in grade-school and how did that make you feel?” or, “Have you experienced exclusion or racism?” For many of us the answers are different and unique. The McKinney Center believes it is time to talk about our experiences and share them.

There is value in uplifting these stories so that we may learn from one another. Then, after hearing from one another our moderators and guest conversationalists will give insight on how to move forward.