Annie worked at a DV/IPV agency in the Bay Area for almost 10 years before retiring.  She is a survivor of 19 years of horrific violence and control imposed by her husband during their marriage before she found freedom.  

 

Hers is not just a story of pain and suffering, but a story of survival and victory.  She was able to testify at her ex-husband's trial, where he was convicted of 28 felonies and is currently serving 4 consecutive life terms.  

 

Hers is a story of the future, after walking away with only the clothes on their back and her youngest daughter.   She graduated from Cabrillo Community College with an AA in Communication and an AS in Human Services, before attending UC Berkeley, graduating as a double major in Gender & Womens Studies as well as Chicano Studies. 

 

Annie is a public speaker, poet, author, advocate, educator and the proudest military mom with both daughters serving our country in the Army National Guard and the US Air Force.  She is a California native and has Mexican roots, which highly contribute to who she is. Recently retired and moved to be a full time abuela to her grandbabies. 

 

Her story is far from over as she continues to use her voice in all spaces in order to raise awareness for all who remain silenced in abuse and still have no voice of their own.