Angela M. Douglas

‘The time has come to dismantle the inherent racist ways of delivering services, and the separating out of all other forms of violence as if they are not connected to sexual violence, power and control. There is no longer the need for mere allies in this work. Those of us who are from the underrepresented populations are calling for accomplices. Accomplices are formed in the fire of deconstructing mental models of white supremacy, acknowledging white fragility and internalized racism, while pursuing the authentic work of building solidarity without notoriety.’ Angela M. Douglas in reference to the work of preventing and responding to domestic and sexual violence

Angela M. Douglas currently serves as the Executive Director of Vera House, a Syracuse-based victim services agency covering all of Onondaga County within New York State. Vera House has existed for more than 40 years with a mission to prevent, respond and partner to end domestic and sexual violence as well as other forms of abuse. Angela’s primary work with Vera House is centered in leading strategic planning and execution, organizational/leadership development and change management to increase capacity and deconstruct social norms that maintain sexual assault, domestic violence and oppression, while advocating for systemic change. She works from the understanding that true success, influence and impact will not occur without the pursuit of healing and wholeness in our souls, relationships and overall life. She believes that doing the required personal work will make the greatest professional and community impact.

Angela has diverse career experience in education, juvenile justice, alternative dispute resolution, nonprofit leadership, and entrepreneurship. Angela has been designing curricula,
training and educational programs for more than 30 years. She holds several training certifications and is a sought-after speaker due to her dynamic and engaging style. Angela is
able to take difficult concepts and bring them into relevance with humor and simplicity.

Angela has also been a consultant for over 25 years providing infrastructure and program design, capacity building, board development and leadership with grassroots, through mature
organizations. She has a particular talent and gift for turning around organizations in decline. Angela serves on the boards of New Justice Services, CancerConnects and
Alliance of Communities Transforming Syracuse. Faith-based organizing to impact social justice is critical, and a deep calling and the Alliance works to see equity and justice be
tangible in the beloved community. Angela continues to champion and call for accountability among dominant culture organizations and systems to be a catalyst for healing and transformation in the lives of those they have committed to serve.

Angela identifies as a victim/survivor and is passionate about one’s ability to reclaim their life and heal from trauma and abuse. With this passion, she also serves as the Chair of the
Survivors Network that determines to provide voice, presence, and action for all of those that have experienced sexual, domestic and other forms of violence.

As of most recent, Angela has had several media interviews and most notably “How the Adultification Of Black Girls Allowed R. Kelly’s Decades of Abuse,” HuffPost, available here. She has also is a contributing author for the book Stand Up! Resilient Black Women Shaping the World With their Faith – Chapter: Horribly Beautiful *Amazon Bestseller

Awards given are:

• Michele Abdul Sabur Exemplary Service Award Recipient – Northside Learning Center 2021
• Community Builder Award – RISE (Refugee Immigrant Self Empowerment) Spring 2022.

Angela resides in Syracuse, New York and values time with her husband, adult children, their partners and grandchildren.