82- JOWHARAH SANDERS — Founder, National Voices for Equality, Education, & Enlightenment
At a young age, Jowharah Sanders endured bullying, abuse and suicidal ideation stemming from harassment over race and orientation stigmas. She lived as a victim for many years, until a University of Miami college advisor took notice and counseled her, saying, “Life is about choices. You can either choose to live as a victim, or you can choose to be a survivor. No amount of self-pity or self-sabotage will ever change what happened.” Today, she is developing a research-based school-wide bullying prevention program called “Not On My Watch”, whose innovative model of change has student bystanders take a direct role in reducing bullying at their schools. She also continues to foster and grow NVEEE’s mentoring and Peace Ambassador programs as Executive Director of the non-profit organization.
