Mildred D. Muhammad is a globally recognized figure, renowned for her impassioned advocacy against domestic abuse and violence. As an award-winning keynote speaker, she shares her harrowing experiences as a survivor of domestic abuse and former spouse of the DC Sniper, shedding light on the trauma and abuse she endured. With a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and certifications from the US Department of Justice, she educates diverse audiences worldwide, including military personnel, law enforcement, and survivors, about the realities of abuse and the importance of awareness and prevention. Through her books, including the critically acclaimed memoir Scared Silent: When the One You Love Becomes the One You Fear, and her podcast Rising Above It All, Mildred provides invaluable resources and support for victims and survivors. Her relentless commitment to advocacy is evidenced by her extensive media appearances, legislative testimonies, and numerous accolades, including Maya Angelou “Still I Rise” Award, Shirley Chisholm Woman of Courage Award and REDBOOK’s Strength & Spirit HEROES Award. Mildred’s unwavering dedication to eradicating domestic abuse continues to inspire change and healing on a global scale.

John Noltner is the visionary behind A Peace of My Mind, a multimedia arts initiative dedicated to fostering dialogue and empathy through storytelling. As an award-winning photographer, Noltner utilizes portraits and personal narratives to bridge divides and highlight the common humanity that unites us all. With a keen eye for capturing human emotion and resilience, he has traveled across four continents, gathering stories of courage and grace. Noltner’s work extends beyond traditional boundaries, encompassing exhibits, workshops, lectures, and distance learning programs that aim to ignite transformative experiences and promote social cohesion. Through A Peace of My Mind, he champions the power of art and storytelling to articulate shared values and inspire positive action, fostering community connections and building social capital in an increasingly polarized world.

Amanda Lyon, MSW (she/they) is a Training and Technical Assistance Specialist at the National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma, and Mental Health, where she leads the Survivor Health Connections Consortium project. With a deep commitment to empowering survivors and their families, Amanda develops comprehensive training and technical resources tailored for behavioral health providers, domestic violence and sexual assault programs, hotlines, and coalitions. Her work aims to increase resource accessibility and effectiveness, ensuring survivors receive the support they need on their journey toward healing and empowerment. Amanda’s pursuit of a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Alaska, Anchorage reflects her unwavering dedication to social justice. This commitment was strengthened through her prior role as a Rural Grant Specialist at the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, where she supported the development of integrated services for Alaska Native survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault who experience behavioral health challenges. Amanda has over two decades of experience as a certified yoga instructor, integrating trauma-informed principles, mindfulness, and compassion-based practices into her classes. Her holistic approach to healing extends to her 17 years of expertise as a Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist and Ayurvedic Yoga Therapist. In this role, she has served as the Ayurvedic Director for programs in California, Wisconsin, and Alaska, where she developed curriculum, trained practitioners, and supervised interns.