The Women’s Center of Jacksonville, a nonprofit that supports women and survivors of sexual assault, announced that Allishia Bauman will replace Teresa Miles as chief executive officer effective March 1.
Since 2013, Bauman has served as executive director and senior vice president at City Year Jacksonville, a program that allows students ages 17-25 to serve full-time for a year in public schools as tutors and mentors.
“This community supported me during some of my most vulnerable moments, and I feel deeply called to serve in return,” Bauman said in a Jan. 14 news release. “That is what the Women’s Center of Jacksonville has been doing for more than 30 years—showing up with compassion, advocacy, and care for women and survivors. I am honored to stand alongside the staff, board, partners, and survivors as we continue this essential work together.”
As CEO, Bauman will lead the organization’s strategic vision, programs and partnerships, expanding access to services and advancing a trauma-informed, survivor-led approach to treatment, the release says.
Miles started at WCJ in 2016 and announced her retirement in September.
“While we are deeply saddened to see Teresa Miles step away from her role at the Women’s Center of Jacksonville, we fully support her decision to prioritize time with her family,” said Sharon Simmons, chair of the WCJ board, in the release. “Teresa’s leadership, compassion, and vision have left an enduring impact on this organization and those we serve.”
Founded in 1995, the center is at 5644 Colcord Ave. in Arlington. It supports women through advocacy, support and education, and provides rape recovery services for individuals in Duval, Baker and Nassau counties. All services are free.
According to the center’s website, it also promotes prevention and wellness through literacy programs, resiliency workshops and support for women in active treatment for breast cancer.