I had the privilege of hearing Sheila Rivest speak on many occasions to groups of incarcerated individuals as part of Victim Impact classes. Her story was incredibly powerful, not only because of the unimaginable loss of her sister, but because of the courage and strength she demonstrated in sharing what happened and the lasting impact it had on her and her family.
What stood out to me most was the way she spoke with both honesty and compassion. She helped people understand the ripple effect that domestic violence has on an entire family and the lifelong consequences that follow.
Her words were raw, genuine, and deeply moving. She had a way of connecting with people and making them truly listen. She brought awareness to domestic violence while also delivering an important message about accountability, healing, resilience, and the potential for growth and change.
As someone who worked with her during these presentations, I witnessed firsthand the impact her story and her willingness to share it could have on an audience. She has a unique ability to turn an incredibly painful experience into something meaningful—using her voice to educate others.
I believe she has an important story to tell and a powerful message to share. Her courage, authenticity, and passion for helping others make her a compelling and impactful speaker.
What stood out to me most was the way she spoke with both honesty and compassion. She helped people understand the ripple effect that domestic violence has on an entire family and the lifelong consequences that follow.
Her words were raw, genuine, and deeply moving. She had a way of connecting with people and making them truly listen. She brought awareness to domestic violence while also delivering an important message about accountability, healing, resilience, and the potential for growth and change.
As someone who worked with her during these presentations, I witnessed firsthand the impact her story and her willingness to share it could have on an audience. She has a unique ability to turn an incredibly painful experience into something meaningful—using her voice to educate others.
I believe she has an important story to tell and a powerful message to share. Her courage, authenticity, and passion for helping others make her a compelling and impactful speaker.
Monica Dominque
Hampden County Sheriff’s DepartmentWe had the privilege of welcoming Sheila as a speaker at our nonprofit fundraiser, The Purple Event, after first hearing her share the deeply moving story of her sister, whose life was lost in a domestic violence homicide. Her message stayed with us, and we knew immediately that her voice, compassion, and lived experience would be incredibly meaningful to our guests.
Sheila brought warmth, sincerity, and strength to the room and the event. As the first surviving family member we had invited to speak about losing a loved one to domestic violence, she offered a perspective that was both powerful and deeply human. She spoke from the heart, without relying on notes, and held everyone’s attention with her authenticity, grace, and honesty.
Her ability to speak about trauma, survival, and the importance of being a nonjudgmental bystander was impactful and inspiring. Sheila is not only a gifted motivational speaker, but also a warm, generous, and giving person whose philanthropic work reflects her true commitment to helping others, as well as domestic violence prevention and awareness. We are grateful for the light she brought to our event and for the meaningful difference she continues to make through her advocacy and storytelling.
Sheila brought warmth, sincerity, and strength to the room and the event. As the first surviving family member we had invited to speak about losing a loved one to domestic violence, she offered a perspective that was both powerful and deeply human. She spoke from the heart, without relying on notes, and held everyone’s attention with her authenticity, grace, and honesty.
Her ability to speak about trauma, survival, and the importance of being a nonjudgmental bystander was impactful and inspiring. Sheila is not only a gifted motivational speaker, but also a warm, generous, and giving person whose philanthropic work reflects her true commitment to helping others, as well as domestic violence prevention and awareness. We are grateful for the light she brought to our event and for the meaningful difference she continues to make through her advocacy and storytelling.
