HARRISBURG— The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence will award Legal Director Suzanne Estrella with its Luminary Award on Friday at its biennial statewide conference, Defining and Delivering Excellence.
The award is presented annually to a person who has inspired and influenced others to create positive change through their efforts, strategic direction, skillful execution and passion.
“On behalf of the PCADV Board of Directors, I’m delighted to recognize the important work of our colleague, Suzanne Estrella,” PCADV CEO Susan Higginbotham said. “Among other accomplishments, Ms. Estrella was instrumental in developing the Sexual Violence Legal Assistance program, which provides free legal representation to survivors of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and sexual abuse in underserved and marginalized communities throughout Pennsylvania.”
“Suzanne’s vision for the Legal Assistance Project and passion for helping others is truly inspiring,” PCAR CEO Karen Baker added. “She is a brilliant legal mind, and a compassionate colleague who has dedicated her life to helping others in need. We’re excited for her to be recognized by PCADV for her work and dedication to helping survivors of sexual harassment, abuse and assault.”
A native of Philadelphia and a member of the Pennsylvania and Florida Bars, Suzanne possesses more than 20 years of legal experience primarily serving survivors of sexual and domestic violence.
Estrella joined the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape in 2016 and launched the Sexual Violence Legal Assistance Project in 2018 to provide short-term legal representation to victims of non-intimate partner sexual assault who are unable to access legal services in the county where they reside.
“When those of us who know better, do better; we create multiple pathways for healing and justice,” Estrella said.
Estrella also works with PCAR’s training and assistance team to provide education to rape crisis centers throughout the Commonwealth and other professionals who serve survivors of sexual assault.