Founder of The Survivor Sisterhood LLC | Host of the podcast Dismissed True Stories
 

Elissa is the founder of The Survivor Sisterhood LLC and host of the podcast Dismissed True Stories, a platform that amplifies the voices of domestic violence survivors and educates communities through storytelling. Before stepping into advocacy, she worked professionally in broadcasting, both in entertainment and news which helped shape her powerful communication style. Today, she uses those skills to inform, uplift, and create change.

Her digital advocacy has built a dedicated audience of over 50k followers across social media, and her podcast is currently streamed in over 1159 cities across 53 countries and territories. Placing it in the top 10% of podcasts globally.

Elissa’s impact extends far beyond online spaces. She has testified before the state senate, organized citywide vigils and community events, collaborated with law enforcement, and launched Tala’s Closet, a free store for domestic violence survivors, their children, and their pets. Located inside a food pantry in Buckeye Lake, Ohio, providing essential items to those rebuilding after abuse. A second location is now in development in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and her work has sparked a global movement. Since sharing Tala’s story online, Elissa has coached survivors around the world on how to open their own free closets, leading to survivor-run locations now emerging in the U.K., Rhode Island, Texas, and Minnesota. 
 

Elissa serves on multiple boards and coalitions dedicated to advancing justice and survivor-centered policy, including YWCA West Michigan, and Resilience Advocates For Ending Violence. Her work is rooted in lived experience and driven by the belief that no survivor should ever feel alone. Her work is rooted in lived experience and driven by a belief that no survivor should ever feel alone.