Laura's House Education Manager Elected To New Board Position

ALISO VIEJO, CA — The domestic violence related non-profit Laura’s House announced that its prevention and education manager Jennifer Ponce was elected to California Partnership to End Domestic Violence’s (the Partnership) board of directors.

The Partnership is California’s established domestic violence coalition representing over 1,000 advocates, organizations and allied groups across the state and known for successfully passing over 200 pieces of legislation addressing domestic violence. Ponce will join a diverse group of leaders in the field and related social justice movements working towards a common goal: preventing domestic violence in California and advancing the safety and healing of victims, survivors and their families.

Ponce described the election in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

“I am truly honored to join the esteemed board of directors at the Partnership and for the opportunity to play a larger role in supporting the coalition’s mission to prevent domestic violence in California,” said Jennifer Ponce. “In light of the Coronavirus pandemic, we have seen an increase in domestic violence cases across California, making our prevention, policy and advocacy efforts extremely vital now more than ever. I look forward to lending my prevention knowledge and expertise to the Partnership and board so together we can help better support, educate and protect individuals, families and survivors in our communities.”

Ponce has been a member of the Partnership since 2015 supporting the coalition’s policy and advocacy efforts as well as its prevention network. With a deep understanding of the organization’s mission and vision and 15 years of experience in domestic violence prevention and education, Ponce’s primary role as a board member will consist of providing expert counsel on prevention theories, models and best practices as well as supporting the coalition’s efforts to increase state funding for prevention, education and support services.

Ponce will also play an integral role in guiding the organization’s policy work, which includes the passage, enactment and implementation of legislation and public policies that address domestic violence issues.

“Jennifer brings a strong preventionist lens to the organization’s intersectionality framework and we as a board and movement will benefit from her expertise and commitment,” said Colsaria Henderson, MSW, executive director of Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse (CORA) and board president elect of the Partnership. “Her demonstrated leadership and dedicated policy work will also be a wonderful addition to our board.”

As the prevention and education manager at Laura’s House, Ponce has been instrumental in the growth, development and expansion of Healthy Emotions and Attitudes in Relationships Today (H.E.A.R.T.), a teen dating violence prevention and education program started by the nonprofit in 2005.

Over the years, she has also helped Laura’s House develop and launch a variety of successful prevention programs for teens and adults that address intimate partner violence, inclusivity, healthy masculinity and restorative justice practices.

Ponce obtained her Master of Social Work from Boston University and is a Certified Health Education Specialist and Domestic Violence Counselor. She has implemented community outreach and education programs domestically and internationally for the past 15 years and is passionate about social welfare as well as providing education and resources to disadvantaged communities and victims of violence.

She is a highly sought out expert on the topic of intimate partner violence and a frequent lecturer at high schools and universities across California as well as a guest speaker at national industry conferences.