Episode 86: The Power of Survivors: Art, Advocacy and the Fight to End Gender-based Violence

In this episode of "Gathering Ground," host Mary sits down with Scheherazade Tillet, founder and executive director of A Long Walk Home, and Kaethe Morris Hoffer, executive director of CAASE (Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation), for a searching conversation about art, accountability, and what it means to keep doing this work when the political ground keeps shifting beneath you. Together, they trace their paths into this fight, reflect on what the Epstein revelations expose about power and complicity, and share the stories of resilience -- and record-breaking impact -- that are keeping them grounded right now.

Episode Highlights:

- Scheherazade Tillet on co-founding A Long Walk Home 24 years ago from her own healing journey -- and how photography and art became the foundation for training young Chicago women to become artist-activists fighting gender-based violence

- Kaethe Morris Hoffer on CAASE's record year -- 244 survivors served, new legal work representing incarcerated women who experienced sexual harm, and lawsuits filed against the Illinois Department of Corrections

- Both guests on navigating federal funding cuts and anti-DEI pressure

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