The Harriet Tubman Peace Medallion draws inspiration from Harriet Tubman’s bravery and dedication to liberating individuals from bondage. This is part of the Freedom Express Awards. We give this award to people who navigate dangerous situations to ensure safe and peaceful exits from coercive groups. That is to say, the essence of this recognition lies in celebrating those who embody Tubman’s spirit. Therefore, we celebrate her courage, selflessness, and unwavering commitment to freedom.
To be eligible for the Harriet Tubman Peace Medallion, nominees must have formal training in mediation, negotiation, or conflict resolution. Secondly, nominees must demonstrate substantial experience in facilitating exits from coercive environments. Additionally, nominees must prioritize the safety of victims and employ effective conflict minimization techniques. Also, collaboration with relevant professionals to ensure comprehensive support for individuals in need is also necessary. Additionally, nominees must maintain the highest ethical standards, discretion, and confidentiality. Lastly, nominees should continually update their skills and knowledge. The award acknowledges those who serve as beacons of hope and safety, mirroring Tubman’s legacy of liberating the oppressed.
2023 Recipient of the Harriet Tubman Peace Medallion
We are thrilled to announce Dr. Christine Marie as the recipient of the Harriet Tubman Peace Medallion. This award recognizes her outstanding dedication to aiding survivors of coercive groups and her impressive professional credentials.
Dr. Christine Marie is a trauma specialist, researcher, and empowerment advocate. Specifically, she focuses on the trauma of public shaming, online cruelty, victim-shaming, cultic coercion, and human trafficking. For example, holding a PhD in psychology, an MBA, and an MA in psychology, her expertise is unparalleled.
Her doctoral research won the Outstanding Dissertation Award from the American Psychological Association. She is a member of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. Additionally, Dr. Christine Marie is certified in Acute Traumatic Stress Management.
Works
Dr. Christine is also the founder of Voices for Dignity, a nonprofit promoting kindness and compassion, providing resources and advocacy for marginalized and stigmatized populations. Her personal experience with cult-based human trafficking has fueled her dedication to helping others.
She uses a nonjudgmental, harm-reduction approach to aid those misunderstood by society. Her work has helped vulnerable women and girls think for themselves and break free from psychological chains. She teaches critical thinking, cult psychology, and coercion and runs a safe house for recovery.
Currently, Dr. Christine lives in Colorado City, Arizona, where she acts as an intermediary between FLDS polygamists and outside agencies. Her dignity-based approach to empowerment has made unprecedented breakthroughs with hard-to-reach populations.
Dr. Christine’s dedication and professional integrity embody the spirit of Harriet Tubman, making her a deserving recipient of this esteemed award. Her work continues to inspire and bring hope to many.
About Dr. Christine Marie
Dr. Christine spends her days helping people in need who are often misunderstood, judged, or rejected by society. She also researches, writes, and speaks about the trauma of public shaming, online cruelty, humiliation, exploitative media, victim-shaming, cultic coercion, and human trafficking.
In addition to her PhD in psychology, she has an MBA, an MA in psychology, a certificate in Positive Psychology and Media, is a trauma-informed media consultant and expert witness.
Dr. Christine’s doctoral research is titled The Traumatic Impact of Humiliation, Misrepresentation and Victim-blaming in the Media on Narrative Identity and Well-being. In 2021, she won the Outstanding Dissertation Award from the American Psychological Association, Division of Media Psychology and Technology.
She is member of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress, is certified in Acute Traumatic Stress Management, is a certified Clinical Trauma Specialist for survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation and others and she is a certified Trauma and Resiliency Life Coach.
Her unusual expertise and insight come from her own experience. In an unexpected, harrowing life twist years ago, Christine was subjected to cult-based human trafficking. When she finally decided it was time to share her story, she went through exploitative misrepresentation and humiliation in the media. However, her recovery from this experience resulted in post-traumatic growth and launched her personal quest to turn her life’s darkest moments into something that would make a difference in the world.
Christine is a passionate educator of the importance of treating people with dignity. As a result of her dignity-based approach to empowering people and building bridges, she has made unprecedented breakthroughs with the reclusive FLDS community. She currently lives in Colorado City, Arizona with her husband where she acts as an intermediary between the FLDS and certain outside agencies trying to bring them resources and help.