What we Do

Book a Speaker

Leading Voices on Addressing Abuse in Sport


When you book a speaker through The Athlete Survivors’ Assist, you bring empowering, trauma-informed stories to your audience: stories that inspire resilience while shedding light on the systemic challenges faced in sport. 

Our speakers are skilled communicators who share their stories in a way that ignites critical conversations and drives meaningful, lasting change in sports culture.  

Together, we have made significant strides in our ongoing work to protect athletes, elevate the voices of athlete survivors, and create systemic change throughout the sporting world.

Julie Ann Rivers-Cochran, MSW

Executive Director 

What Distinguishes Our Speakers

Lived Insight

Having a speaker who has personally endured and overcome abuse in sport brings unparalleled authenticity and depth to your event. The majority of our speakers have powerful testimonies rooted in real-life experience that resonate deeply with audiences. This lived perspective fosters genuine empathy, breaking down myths and opening hearts in a way that secondhand accounts simply cannot.

  • Authentic Impact: Their firsthand stories create a deep emotional connection that inspires empathy and understanding.
  • Empowerment: Their courage to share encourages survivors to find strength and hope.
  • Education and Awareness: Their stories move beyond statistics to reveal the human reality behind abuse and highlight real solutions.
  • Healing: The vulnerability of survivors in telling their own story creates space for open dialogue that fosters healing and resilience, while still respecting survivors’ healing pathways.

Trauma-Informed

Our speakers bring a deeply trauma-informed approach, combining care, compassion, and expert training to thoughtfully address the complex realities of trauma, grooming, and abuse in sport.

Grounded in research-backed methods, they navigate these difficult topics with sensitivity and respect, ensuring audiences receive a nuanced understanding that honors survivors’ experiences. This approach creates a safe and supportive space for healing and dialogue, empowering listeners to engage with the issues on a deeper level. 

By sharing their stories through this informed lens, these speakers not only inspire resilience and strength but also equip communities with the knowledge and empathy needed to drive meaningful, systemic change in sport culture.

Skilled and Experienced

Our speakers are highly experienced and authoritative voices in the field of abuse prevention and athlete advocacy. 

Many of our speakers are founding members, staff, or board members at The Athlete Survivors’ Assist, bringing their leadership and expertise to the conversations they lead. 

Through the Athlete Survivor Speakers Collective, we also continue to equip new leaders to share their stories, combining their personal experience with powerful communication skills that drive change. 

Many of our speakers have shared their insights on prestigious platforms worldwide. They have spoken at the United Nations, testified before the United States Congress, delivered keynote addresses at national and global conferences, and presented at events hosted by the US Department of Justice and the International Olympic Committee. Their voices carry significant weight and credibility, making them influential advocates for systemic change in sport and beyond.

Passionate about Change

Our speakers are fueled by a deep passion and unwavering hope for a future where athletic environments prioritize the holistic well-being of every athlete. They envision sports as spaces that nurture not only physical performance but also psychological and emotional health. 

Through their stories and advocacy, they inspire communities to reimagine sports culture, fostering environments that protect athletes from harm and empower them to thrive. Their commitment is contagious, igniting a collective movement toward lasting, positive change that honors the dignity and potential of all athletes.

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Julie Ann Rivers-Cochran, MSW

Executive Director

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Kacey Long, MSW

Director of Programs

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Grace French

President and Founder

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Dr. Danielle Moore

Vice President and Founder

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Mary Cain

Board Member

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Alexander S. Rusek

Board Member

3 Steps to Booking a Speaker

step 1

Fill Out the Form

Start by sharing a few key details about your event. The more we know, the better we can tailor your experience.

When you fill out the form, we’ll ask for your: event date, time, and location; specific content needs or requests; budget.

Step 2

Connect with Us

Once we receive your request, we’ll reach out to discuss your goals, audience, and any special requirements. 

With your input, we’ll help match you with the perfect speaker for your event.

Step 3

Book Your Speaker 

Once the details are finalized, we’ll help you book the perfect speaker and prepare for an impactful event. 

From initial ideas to final booking, we’re here to make the process seamless.

Book a Speaker

Ready to find the right speaker? Start by filling out a few details about your event. 

Once you submit the form, our team will follow up to talk through the details and help you select the best speaker for your needs.

Donate Today

Your donation supports survivors, funds sexual abuse prevention education, and helps make sport safer for all athletes.

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Get Involved

Stand with us! Your involvement impacts systems change, raises public awareness, and protects athletes.

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