The founder and Executive Director of Tabula Rasa Domestic Violence, a nonprofit organization that provides life tools to victims and survivors of domestic violence. Ava’s encouraging voice echoes countless women across the globe who bravely survived the unspeakable, unthinkable, and unforgettable. She has transformed her pain into power by creating a platform that advocates, inspires, empowers, and aids survivors of domestic violence.

 

“As a Survivor, I too know the struggles, pain and darkness one’s life can become when domestic violence occurs.  Nearly 4 years ago I was attacked and stabbed twice in my back while in bed by my now ex-husband who’s intent was to kill me.  I am thankful every day that his plan did not succeed and to have escaped with my life.  It is my life’s mission to help other survivors escape with theirs, heal, and LIVE“ -  Ava Ross

 

Tabula Rasa means an opportunity for a fresh start in Latin. Ava Ross, knows many survivors of domestic violence are often in search of a Renewal of Life. A Fresh Start is Tabula Rasa’s leading mission. Domestic violence wears many faces. It does not appear the same in every relationship, have a specific color, or exclude itself from any particular ethnicity or age. Domestic violence shows up in many scenarios, generally with a common objective – to have more power and control over the opposing companion. Ava understands that domestic violence is not only limited to physical abuse, but also sexual violence, psychological brutality, emotional abuse, verbal abuse, and even economical abuse which all cause traumatic impacts. As a result of her own experience with domestic violence it is her personal mission to support others, Ms. Ross created a safe, yet invigorating platform, where survivors can share freely, gain communal support, have hope in the goodness of life, and find solace.

 

Ms. Ross believes in community, conversation, and connection. Her approach is based on the strength of positive influence, the courage of conviction, and the power of purpose. As a writer, she is often reminded that both silence – and speech – have power through the words of Audre Lorde’s profoundly poetic collection The Black Unicorn: 

 

                                                                 “and when we speak we are afraid
                                                                       our words will not be heard
                                                                                  nor welcomed
                                                                             but when we are silent
                                                                                  we are still afraid
                                                                               So it is better to speak
                                                                                       remembering
                                                                       we were never meant to survive” 
 

Words like these give rise to reason and encourage survivors of domestic violence to regain what has perhaps been lost – inner power and the will to truly live – not just survive. Tabula Rasa Domestic Violence is redefining the path to end domestic violence by providing relocation assistance and life tools so that survivors can not only survive, but also become warriors. Her personal testimony speaks volumes of past abuse, struggle, job loss, homelessness, and perseverance. Collectively, these accounts have placed her in a divine position of mentorship, leadership, advocacy for legislative changes, and focus to assist survivors experiencing similar journeys.

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She also has a company TRDV, Inc. that develops and provides products, services, software programs and applications.  

 

Ava Ross is the CEO of Praise Reports, Inc. and publisher of Your Positive News International Media (YPNI-Media) weekly magazine based in Maryland. YPNI-Media faithfully focuses on the positive – striving to educate, inform, and connect readers with the latest positive news, people, events, and solutions in local communities – in and around the world. YPNI-Media serves as a tool to showcase the work of artists – both amateur and professional – and encourages youth to become winners in the game of life. YPN-Media's motto is "Bridging the gap in the community through positive news and events.”

 

As a native of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, Ava Ross thrives on giving back to the community. She organizes municipal events, youth workshops, educational conferences, and advocacy festivals. Ava Ross is also the founder of Avis Clark Sewell Young Journalists (A.C.S.), which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth journalism program that provides hands on experience for a diverse group of youth learners through education, literacy, and media production. It offers participants resources and skill development for careers in print and broadcast media. A.C.S. holds summer camps, weekly workshops, mentoring programs, partnerships and community assistance. As well, her work with YEMPOWER, a youth entrepreneur program that encourages youth to turn their passion and dreams into a business reality, brightly shines through her genuine spirit and readiness to lead. Ms. Ross’s primary focus is when you see a need, fill a need.

 

She is currently working on her debut memoir “Please Don’t Love Me To Death” to release September 2017.