Kristen Lennox

Kristin Lennox (she/her) is the Advocacy and Engagement Manager at Voices for Virginia’s Children. She is responsible for identifying advocacy opportunities; developing traditional, digital, and grassroots engagement and advocacy strategies; and mobilizing advocates to support policy priorities. Kristin has 5+ years of experience providing community-based mental health services, predominantly responding to crises or traumatic events with young people (2 – 17 years old). She has delivered global workshops and training on themes of trauma-informed care, healing-centered engagement, and de-escalation. Kristin is passionate about increasing equity in community resources and mental health access for youth and families in Virginia. Kristin earned her Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University and is currently an Adjunct Instructor with VCU’s School of Social Work. She is a practicing Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Trauma and Resilience Practitioner.  

Rupa Murthy 

Rupa leads the advocacy, communications & philanthropic strategy for YWCA Richmond.YWCA Richmond is dedicated to eliminating racism and empowering women. She helped launch the Sprout School, a high-quality, public-private preschool model that integrates schools. She also advocates for survivors of sexual & domestic violence and works to break down barriers to resources that exist at the intersection of race, poverty & violence for women and girls. Previously, at VCU, she led an effort to build the Virginia Treatment Center for Children, a $60M facility focused on children’s mental health. Rupa is an advisor to state and local elected officials from U.S. Senator Mark Warner to Virginia Senator Jennifer McClellan to Richmond Mayors, City Council, and School Board members. Rupa holds degrees from JMU & VCU. She has been president of the PTA at each of the schools her children attend in Richmond, Virginia. She enjoys gardening and traveling with her three children & husband. 

_________________________________________________________________________________

Follow our show on our social media on twitter, facebook, and our blog – look for  womenpoliticsva

Follow our host and producer at @sherishannon27  and @carololson