Anika, Founder of Our Writings On The Wall, Inc., fiercely believes that the responsibility to address the epidemic of rape and intimate partner violence is a collective one for healing and education. Through programming, workshops, and coaching sessions, Anika works to partner with churches, educational settings (JHS/HS/college), community and advocacy centers, women's shelters, and more to bring healing spaces to survivors. In her professional experience and partnerships, Anika has experienced how sexual violence and intimate partner violence have contributed to families becoming involved in the child welfare system, impacted their mental health and experiences with the healthcare system and the legal system.  

​

As a survivor of rape at the age of 14 years old, Anika vividly recalls the first time that she felt "normal" was because she learned that her trauma responses were normal. That invaluable experience was the catalyst for O-WOW to build a community to support survivors of sexual violence and intimate partner violence, to educate adolescents on healthy relationships, and to shift the culture around violence against women and children. Anika believes her Godly purpose, education and training, and personal experiences have equipped her for the work to provide services for survivors. She believes survivors do not owe us their stories, so we must consider hearing their truths a privilege. More than creating space, when we hold space for survivors, we allow them to take whatever space they need to process and heal. Anika holds a masters degree in social work and a New York State license in Social Work, a masters in Psychology and Social Change, a certificate in Violence Against Women and Children, and is a Certified Trauma Professional.