Julie Ann Rivers-Cochran, MSW, a national leader in the field of the prevention and intervention of gender-based violence, has joined the Army of Survivors as Executive Director. Rivers-Cochran brings with her over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector.
“The passion and experience that Julie Ann brings to our team is unmatched,” says Grace French, Founder and President of the Army of Survivors. “We’re excited to work with Julie Ann on creating positive systemic and cultural change in the world of sport.”
Prior to accepting the position, Rivers-Cochran worked for the National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma and Mental Health. She also served as President for Blackbird Consulting for Nonprofits, a successful consultancy that focuses on helping nonprofit organizations carry out their missions while best serving their constituency.
As a survivor of childhood trauma, Rivers-Cochran is a fierce advocate whose personal experience with the the impact of sexual assault and domestic violence has translated into a lifelong goal of listening to, and then advocating for, survivors while holding perpetrators and the systems that support them accountable.
“Survivor voices are paramount in guiding and sustaining social change,” says Rivers-Cochran. “As a survivor of childhood trauma who has been actively engaged in the work to end intimate partner violence, I know firsthand the power of survivors feeling supported. When survivors come together the way the founders of The Army of Survivors have, the possibilities for positive and long-lasting social change are endless.”
Rivers-Cochran is committed to centering survivor voices in all aspects of her work from policy development to program implementation. With a commitment to social justice she recognizes the oppressive systems that create and maintain violence in our culture, and strives to create spaces that value diversity, equity and inclusion – while recognizing her own societal privileges as a white woman.
Rivers-Cochran holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Florida State University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from St. John Fisher College. The Army of Survivors expansion as an organization was made possible thanks to the support of Oak Foundation.
The Army of Survivors’s mission is to bring awareness, accountability, and transparency to sexual violence against athletes at all levels. The 501c3 nonprofit supports sexual assault survivors in sport by changing society through resources, advocacy, and education.
