Volunteer Spotlight – Stephanie Grace, Cultivation Committee Member

Meet Stephanie Grace, volunteer on the Center for Victim and Human Rights’s (CVHR) Cultivation Committee, and rockstar advocate for those in need of pro bono legal services. Stephanie has been a member of the Cultivation Committee for almost a year, so we decided to sit down with her to learn more about who she is and why she got involved with the CVHR.

What initially sparked your interest in volunteering for the CVHR?

These are trying times in our country, and I believe we all have a responsibility to practice kindness and empathy, more so now than ever. I was drawn to the mission, vision and values of CVHR that seek to grow diversity and inclusion into equity and justice.

What are you most excited to do or accomplish as a volunteer for the CVHR?

I hope that I can share knowledge and introduce as many people to CVHR’s work as possible. A lot of people want to do something to help but don’t know where to start. I want to show them where to start.  

What has been your favorite part about being a volunteer for the CVHR?  

Knowing that I am contributing to justice for victims, especially for survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking. It’s my opportunity to give back.

What is the best vacation you’ve had?

Reykjavik! Iceland is powerfully beautiful, and it’s a progressive country that ranks first in the world in gender equality. We went off the beaten path to tour some of the locations where Game of Thrones is filmed and saw the spot where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. I can’t wait to plan another trip there.

Do you have a favorite quote?

“The clearest way into a Universe is through a forest wilderness. — John Muir

People would be surprised if they knew:

I grew up in a tiny town in Appalachia. It has two streets, a lumber mill, a church, a post office, and a liquor store. A few decades ago, when any mail addressed to “Mayor” arrived at the post office, it was delivered to my grandfather because he had the largest family in the town. (My mom is the second of 14 children.)

What book did you read last?

The Radium Girls by Kate Moore.

What did you want to be when growing up?

Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Wander in the wilderness. I backpack as much as I can and want to eventually thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada.

What is the first concert you attended?

Dave Matthews Band at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia (July 15, 2000).

Beautiful aerial view of Reykjavik city, Iceland.