Need a Lived Experience Expert? Work With Me

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Who I’ve Worked With

Resume Available on Request

Media Reel

Speaking Engagements

National Human Services Data Consortium (Conference Presenter)  Centering Privacy and Confidentiality to Build Successful Partnerships with Victim Service Providers  2023

Office of Family Violence and Prevention Services (Panelist) Safe Housing Options for Survivors Roundtable 2023

Hollins University (Workshop Facilitator) Purpose and Power: Women Shaping
History 2023

Hollins University (Guest Respondent) Hollins University Playwright’s Festival
2023

Legal Momentum (Guest speaker) A State by State look at Employment Rights For
Survivors of Sexual and Domestic Violence Webinar 2022

Kering Foundation (Keynote Speaker) Caring For Women Dinner, 2022

Hollins University (Guest Speaker) Leading Equity, Diversity, and Justice
Conference 2022

University of Pennsylvania (Guest Speaker) Policy Initiatives to Prevent Abuse
and Violence 2020

Roanoke College (Guest Speaker) Black Lives Matter Seminar 2020

Survivor Summit Conference (Panelist) Beyond 9 to 5: Promoting Financial
Security and Stability for Survivors 2020

National Network to End Domestic Violence Congressional Briefing
(Panelist) 2020

I’m Kiesha Preston. I’m an actress, activist, public speaker, and dedicated domestic violence and housing advocate from Roanoke, Virginia. As a lived experience expert, I use my expertise to collaborate with nonprofits and federal agencies committed to supporting victims and survivors of domestic violence. Committed to creating positive change, I’ve built a career empowering survivors of domestic violence, championing housing rights, and amplifying the voices of those who need it most.

Embarking on a journey to champion gender equality and end violence against women, my professional endeavors have yielded impactful results for diverse clients. Here’s a snapshot of the transformative work I’ve undertaken:

Collaborative Solutions, Inc. – Safe Housing Access and Equity Workgroup Facilitation : Guiding the annual Safe Housing Access and Equity Workgroup, I’ve collaborated with partners to identify innovative solutions and housing system best practices. Our shared efforts drive equitable housing and resource access for survivors across various identities, resulting in actionable recommendations for implementing safe and equitable coordinated entry systems.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Data and Performance Strategy Development: Contributing my expertise to support the development of a data and performance strategy, I’ve worked closely with Victim Service Providers and Continuums of Care. The result is an improved coordination of services for survivors of domestic violence who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. My role includes actively participating in workgroups, addressing barriers, and developing trauma- and equity-informed best practices.

National Network to End Domestic Violence – Comprehensive Collaborative Approach to Housing for Survivors Technical Assistance Project: Playing a pivotal role in the CAHS Project, I’ve assisted the Federal Domestic Violence and Housing Technical Assistance Consortium in improving policies, identifying promising practices, and strengthening collaborations. This initiative aims to enhance housing options for survivors of domestic violence and their children, promoting safety, stability, and overall well-being.

Futures Without Violence Workplaces Respond: – In my freelance consultancy, I focus on empowering victims economically by creating safe, equitable, and trauma-informed practices and responses to gender-based violence in the workplace. I’ve been instrumental in co-creating a national “Train the Trainer” curriculum for addressing gender-based violence in the workplace and equipping organizations with the tools to foster safe and supportive work environments while addressing the unique economic challenges faced by survivors.

As I continue this journey, I am eager to bring my expertise to new clients who share a vision for a more equitable and just world.

Professional Highlights:

• Virginia Domestic Violence Victim’s Protection Act: In 2020, I used my lived experience to write and successfully pass the Virginia Domestic Violence Victim’s Protection Act. This groundbreaking legislation removes barriers that victims of economic abuse face while seeking safe housing.
• Lived Experience Consultant: Leveraging my personal experiences and expertise, I collaborate with nonprofits and federal agencies to provide invaluable insights. I help shape strategies, develop impactful training programs, and guide policies that truly make a difference.
• Public Speaker: From the floors of the US House of Representatives to conferences and fundraising events Nationwide, I’ve delivered keynote addresses that inspire change. In my talks I use my background as a lived experience expert to shed light on violence against women, housing disparities, and survivor empowerment.

Awards and Recognitions:

• 2022 NAACP Impactors of Excellence Award: In 2022 the Roanoke Chapter NAACP Youth Council recognized me for my contributions to advocacy, activism, and fostering positive change.
• 2023 Dr. Martin Luther King Drum Major for Justice Award: In 2023 the Southern Christian Leadership Conference honored me with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major for Justice Award for exemplifying the spirit of justice and equality in our community.
• Roanoke’s Top 40 Under 40: Roanoker Magazine named me one of Roanoke Virginia’s top 40 under 40 young professionals in 2023, acknowledging my dedication and impact as a lived experience consultant.

Leadership and Advocacy:

• Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance: Serving on the Governing Body, I play an active role in shaping strategies to combat domestic and sexual violence across the state.
• Co-chair, Finability Survivor Advisory Committee: I use my background as a lived experience consultant to work closely with and advise the leadership team to help economically empower survivors of domestic and sexual violence, fostering independence and resilience.
• 2023-2024 Futures Without Violence Survivor Leadership Cohort: As a member of this survivor led cohort, I contribute to initiatives focused on creating a trauma-informed healthcare system, ensuring survivors receive the care they deserve.

Services I Offer:

• Public Speaking: Invite me to your event for an engaging and thought-provoking keynote that sparks conversations and catalyzes action.
• Workshop & Curriculum Development As a lived experience consultant I bring a survivor centered perspective to workshop and curriculum development. Let’s collaborate on designing workshops and training curricula that drive awareness, sensitivity, and actionable strategies.
• Lived Experience Consulting: Gain access to my lived expertise and unique perspective as we work together to create more inclusive and effective solutions.

Have something else in mind? Lets chat! I’d love to learn more about how I can assist with bringing your ideas to life.

Let’s Collaborate:

If you’re seeking a lived experience expert who brings authenticity, passion, and real-world impact to the table, let’s connect. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of survivors, advocates, and communities at large.