Allyssa MacAllister, MSW, is dedicated to creating positive change for survivors of violence. Allyssa began her career working with families in the Child Welfare System, where she often saw the intersectionalities of victimization and unhealed trauma go unaddressed. Determined to make a more meaningful impact, she pursued an MSW in Leadership and Management and participated in a Human Rights Leadership Academy that emphasized the empowerment of marginalized populations, leading her to refocus her career on serving survivors of sexual violence and human trafficking. Allyssa sought opportunities to engage in program development, community outreach, partnership management, and capacity-building, and served on Colorado’s Human Trafficking Hotline for five years. Allyssa brings this experience into equipping MESA volunteers with the skills, resources, and support needed to ensure that both volunteers and survivors have a fulfilling MESA experience. When not working, Allyssa finds refuge in the mountains, where hiking, camping, snowboarding, and admiring mother nature bring balance to her life.