The Elizabeth Chapman Inspirational Survivor Award honors survivors who transform their trauma into hope, uplifting others on their journey. The Freedom Express Awards celebrate those who reclaim their lives and inspire others to do the same.
Nominees must prove survival from coercive environments, demonstrate positive initiatives, inspire others, and advocate awareness. Secondly, they should uphold ethical conduct and show ongoing engagement in the survivor community. The award celebrates strength, hope, and transformation, named after Elizabeth Chapman, who survived coercive control, dedicating her life to helping others and bringing smiles to their faces.
2023 Recipient of the Elizabeth Chapman Inspirational Survivor Award
We proudly announce Eliza Woolfolk as the posthumous recipient of the Elizabeth Chapman Inspirational Survivor Award. Eliza’s dedication to supporting domestic violence survivors has left a lasting impact.
Eliza Woolfolk, a businesswoman and advocate, excelled in her roles, significantly contributing to her community. Initially, in the early 90s, Eliza quickly advanced at the Housing Authority in Riverside, CA, becoming Assistant Deputy Director. That is to show, her expertise and skills paved the way for her future successes.
Works
In 1995, Eliza was hired as Executive Director and later CEO at Alternatives to Domestic Violence (ADV). Then, in 2005, she secured a $2.5M grant, opening Casa De Paz, Northern Riverside County’s only domestic violence shelter at the time. She also held executive roles on the boards of Riverside Community Foundation and Blue Shield Foundation of California.
Eliza’s dedication extended beyond her professional roles. She was an ordained minister and a graduate of the Aspen Institute. Her passion for helping others was evident in her senior leadership positions with various ministries and her tireless advocacy for victims.
The person who nominated Eliza, Dr. Amber D. Gray, said, “Eliza was a teacher of the strength of survivorship, speaking at conferences and reaching out to those in need for over 35 years. Eliza was always there to listen, no matter the person’s age, gender, social status, or background. She helped hundreds of thousands of victims in Riverside County and beyond.”
Eliza Woolfolk’s legacy of support, advocacy, and dedication to survivors of domestic violence continues to inspire and uplift. Her work and compassion make her a deserving recipient of this prestigious award. Those who loved her miss her, and we hope her work will continue lighting paths for decades to come.
About the Eliza Woolfolk
As a businesswoman, Eliza worked diligently to be successful and to help others. One of her first positions in the early 90’s was at the Housing authority in Riverside, CA. She quickly excelled in the organization and became the Assistant Deputy Director. It was during this season at the Housing Authority where Eliza would attain knowledge and professional skills that would serve her well in her future career.
In 1995 she was hired as Executive Director (and later CEO) at Alternatives to Domestic Violence (ADV). In 2005, she was responsible for securing a $2.5M grant which made it possible to open Casa De Paz (House of Peace), which at the time, was the only domestic violence shelter in Northern Riverside County. While working at ADV, she continued her involvement in other areas of professional achievement as a graduate of the Aspen Institute and held executive level positions on the boards of Riverside Community Foundation, and Blue Shield Foundation of California.