This week on Spotlight On Maryland, Gina Crash was joined in studio by Erin Levitas Foundation, (ELF), Director Marissa Jachman & ELF Partner & Young Queens in Training Founder Briauna Wills, to talk about ELF's 5th annual Stroll & Roll 5K Run and Family Fun Walk coming up Saturday, May 11th at the Camden Yards Sports Complex.
ELF's mission is preventing sexual assault through early education. The Erin Levitas Foundation envisions a future with education for youth and young adults to prevent sexual assault and help survivors heal. ELF's programs are making change happen. Every Body Talk is an inclusive and trauma-informed children's book families can use to start conversations about keeping bodies safe. E.R.I.N. Talk trains and deploys skilled facilitators to lead primary sexual assault prevention in restorative circles in Baltimore City middle schools. This signature program is supported by the University of Baltimore Carey School of Law and School of Social Work. Erin Levitas, the inspiration for the organization and Marissa's first cousin, was accepted at the Carey School of Law, but on January 16, 2016, just a month shy of her 23rd birthday, and after a valiant battle with Ewing Sarcoma, Erin left us with a legacy to appreciate life, to change the world for those living with the pain of sexual assault and rape, and to eliminate the experience she and many others had from ever happening again.
Marissa Jachman and Briauna Wills met when they were both honored as Baltimore GameChangers in 2022 by Baltimore Magazine. The two partnered together and have continued to make a difference together ever since! Briauna talked about their valued partnership with ELF and her non-profit Young Queens In Training's mission as a mentor program serving Baltimore City's female youth ages 8-18 years. Briauna and Young Queens in Training will be participating in ELF's 5th Annual Stroll & Roll to prevent sexual assault coming up Saturday, May 11th at the Camden Yard Sports Complex. Gina Crash will be emceeing again this year with music from DJ B.A.B.S. Register for the Stroll & Roll at StrollandRoll.info and use code GINA to receive $10 off registration!
To find out more about the Erin Levitas Foundation, visit erinlevitas.org. You can also follow them on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn. To find out more about Young Queens in Training, you can find them on Instagram and Facebook. Click the media player below to listen to the interview.
