Partner Spotlight: Angela in Louisiana

We're grateful for our partners across the country working to expand safe nightlife programming.

Meet our partner Angela in Louisiana

Success: When I train any group, I measure success in “ah ha” moments people have while navigating important conversations. Recently, at a venue in Baton Rouge, so many of the workers were students at the local university. Throughout the training, I could see the light bulbs turn on for them. The staff realizing that little changes to things they already do could have a significant impact on a customer’s life was a huge success for me. Simple things like expanding the areas they monitor during a shift to feeling empowered to cut someone off from drinks, the staff were amazed to realize these small changes were an important part of a patron’s safety at their establishment.

Challenge: One of the biggest challenges I can see is when staff are eager to make a difference, but management isn’t onboard. In a training last October, I was concerned with higher levels of management not participating as a team with their staff. For this case, it was important for me to move around and facilitate from that side of the room as much as possible. I also encouraged answers from management so that staff didn’t feel like they were the only ones tasked with ensuring safety for those who entered their business. I am happy that all staff and management participated and the result was a great conversation with realistic solutions to potentially unsafe issues.

Fills My Cup: My friend groups truly bring me joy. I am friends with a solid group of women who have dedicated their lives to supporting and fighting for others. I would not be the presenter, speaker, educator I am without them. While many of us no longer work together, our passions are still rooted in making a difference in our community. Outside of the bond we’ve created and time we have invested in supporting survivors, our group chat and monthly gatherings also fill my cup. Lastly, I would not be me if I did not mention my dog, Beaux Nugget. When the work gets tough, he brings the happiness.

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For information, inspiration, and resources for a more vibrant nightlife, visit 24HourNation.

If you or someone you know has experienced harm there is help. Visit RAINN.org