STAR Announces 2024 Champions of Change

SEXUAL TRAUMA AWARENESS AND RESPONSE (STAR), a leading nonprofit dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual trauma, improving systems response, and creating social change to end sexual violence, proudly announces the honorees for its annual Champions of Change awards. These exceptional individuals have demonstrated unwavering commitment, compassion, and support for sexual assault and trafficking survivors, making a profound impact on their lives and fostering a culture of healing and empowerment. The Champions of Change awards recognize and celebrate individuals who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to combat sexual assault, raise awareness, provide crucial resources, and promote a society free from the stigma and trauma associated with this pervasive issue. STAR is also excited to announce two journalists for exemplary reporting on sexual violence in print and broadcast. We believe their work has played a crucial role in raising awareness and fostering conversations about this important issue.

This year’s honorees represent a diverse group of individuals and organizations from various backgrounds, all united by their common goal of supporting sexual assault survivors and effecting positive change within our communities. Each honoree has exhibited exceptional dedication and creativity in their endeavors, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to empower survivors and advocate for justice.

The 2024 Champions of Change honorees are:

Child Advocacy Network, Alexandria, LA—Children’s Advocacy Network was formed in Alexandria, LA in 1995, with the mission to help heal and champion abused and neglected children in Central Louisiana. Through their Children’s Advocacy Center, Trauma Therapy Program, and CASA Program, Children’s Advocacy Network provides life-changing services to over 1,000 children every year in the 8 parishes of Central Louisiana.

Dr. Gerry Cvitanovich, Metairie, LA—Dr. Cvitanovich is a 1978 graduate of Jesuit High School, and a 1982 graduate from Tulane University. He then attended LSU Medical School in New Orleans, graduating in 1986. Dr. Cvitanovich completed his Residency at Earl K. Long Hospital in Baton Rouge. During his career, Dr. Cvitanovich has worked as an Emergency Room Doctor, a Wound Care Specialist, and as an Urgent Care owner/operator. He was elected Jefferson Parish Coroner in 2012 and is currently in his 4th term. In 2019, he began a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program for Jefferson Parish. In 2024, he entered into Cooperative Endeavor Agreements for the Jefferson Parish SANE Program to provide services in six south Louisiana Parishes.

Kim Sport, New Orleans, LA—Kim Sport, an attorney, worked at the highest levels of the Louisiana Supreme Court as Executive Counsel to the Chief Justice. She is the past chairman of the Louisiana Domestic Violence Prevention Commission. Working with United Way SELA, she changed over 150 provisions of law protecting victims of abuse. She is the first and only non-physician member of the LA State Board of Medical Examiners where she holds the position of Vice-President. As an advocate for women and children, she received a commendation from the Louisiana Legislature for her “tireless service to her community and the State of Louisiana.” She was also the first Woman of Excellence Award recipient of Volunteerism & Civic Involvement from the Louisiana Legislative Women’s Caucus.

Lesli Harris, New Orleans, LA—Councilmember Lesli Harris is a nationally recognized attorney and expert in intellectual property. As an elected official, she secured funding to clear New Orleans’ backlog of untested sexual assault kits and to speed up the reopening of the City’s DNA lab. She is an outspoken advocate for the creation of affordable housing.

Mary Howell, New Orleans, LA—Mary Howell, a civil rights attorney in New Orleans for over 47 years, represents victims of police misconduct and civil rights violations and advocates for NOPD reforms. A Tulane Law graduate, she helped develop NOPD’s EPIC program for ethical policing and provides pro bono assistance to a local researcher on initiatives to improve sexual assault investigations and accurate data collection and reporting.

Newcomb Institute, New Orleans, LA—Carrying forward the legacy of the first coordinated women’s college in the United States, Newcomb Institute is a groundbreaking academic center in the heart of Tulane. It leads the way in gender equity research and women’s empowerment by contributing evidence for social change and preparing the next generation of gender equity scholars and leaders. In collaboration with academic institutions, policymakers, and civil society organizations, Newcomb Institute advocates for policies and practices that promote gender equity and inclusivity in areas such as sexual and reproductive rights and gender-based violence.

Scott Sternberg, New Orleans, LA—Scott Sternberg is the Managing Partner at Sternberg, Naccari & White, LLC, a business-focused law firm with an active litigation practice. He often represents pro bono litigants, including many sexual assault survivors, and regularly advises public interest organizations, news media, and other businesses, individuals, and families across Louisiana. He is the Chair of the Pro Bono Project of New Orleans and has served on numerous boards, including the Louisiana State Bar Association, the Federal Bar Association, the Louisiana Center for Law and Civic Education, and the LSU Law Board of Trustees, among others.

Stephen McEvoy, Covington, LA—Stephen McEvoy is a survivor and advocate for childhood sexual abuse survivors. He bravely disclosed his trauma in 2018 and filed a lawsuit, raising awareness and supporting others in their healing journeys. His efforts contributed to the Louisiana Lookback Window’s success at the legislature and court.

The 2024 Exemplary Journalists are:

David Hammer, New Orleans, LA—Broadcast Award—David Hammer is the Chief Investigative Reporter at WWL Louisiana, the CBS affiliate in New Orleans. He’s won 5 regional Emmy Awards and several national journalism prizes for his investigations of child sexual abuse, environmental disasters, government corruption, and more. He’s a 1997 Harvard graduate and seventh-generation New Orleanian who seeks to hold leaders accountable and help improve his community.

Lorena O’Neil, New Orleans, LA—Print Award—Lorena O’Neil is a Paraguayan-American journalist who writes narrative features, in-depth profiles, and investigative news stories on health, culture, politics, and inequity. She is a Pulitzer Center fellow who publishes stories for The Louisiana Illuminator, Rolling Stone, and Elle.

The honorees will be recognized at the Champions of Change Gala on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at the Balcony Ballroom in Metairie, Louisiana. The gala is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate these individuals and organizations who have dedicated themselves to creating positive change in the lives of survivors. The event will commence at 6:30 pm. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Tickets are available to purchase online.

To learn more about STAR and the Champions of Change Gala, please visit the link here.

Interested parties and members of the press should direct inquiries to Morgan Lamandre at (225) 615-7093 ext 104 or morgan.lamandre@star.ngo.