Teresa M. Stafford-Wright

Teresa M. Stafford-Wright

Teresa M. Stafford-Wright is a nationally recognized leader in the movement to end gender-based violence, with more than 25 years of experience in advocacy, organizational leadership, and systems transformation. As the Chief Executive Officer of the Hope & Healing Survivor Resource Center, she leads one of Ohio’s most comprehensive agencies supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Teresa is also the Principal Consultant of Inspiring Change, LLC, where she empowers organizations and individuals to lead with equity, compassion, and cultural humility. A survivor herself, Teresa brings a deeply personal and trauma-informed lens to her work. Her voice has shaped local, statewide, and national policy, and she has partnered with institutions like the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the University of Tennessee’s Law Enforcement Innovation Center to enhance culturally competent responses from law enforcement. Teresa is the author of the memoir, Beyond Surviving: The Courage to Heal and Lead, and a contributing author to Sexual Assault Kits and Reforming the Response to Rape. She is a sought-after speaker, executive coach, and the recipient of multiple honors, including the Ohio Attorney General’s Robert Denton Special Achievement Award and the Visionary Voice Award from the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. A passionate advocate for developing leaders of color, Teresa created Rise & Lead, an executive leadership program designed specifically for women of color working in the fields of rape crisis, domestic violence, human trafficking, and child advocacy. The program focuses on strengthening leadership skills, fostering community, and equipping participants to navigate and challenge inequitable systems. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice & a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Tiffin University, is a certified Intercultural Development Inventory® Administrator, and is a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.