Why I Started Courage to Speak

Being a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, and someone who has struggled with multiple mental health challenges, creating Courage to Speak is one of the most personal and rewarding things I’ve ever done.

I started this journey at the end of last year with the intention of building myself up and giving myself a platform. I honestly didn’t expect it to grow into what it has become. At first, it was just going to be a name on a piece of paper. Something to make things feel a little more official. But it has turned into so much more than that.

Almost two years ago, I joined the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence's Survivor Empowerment and Advocacy Council (OAESV SEAC) — and it’s wild to think about how much that decision changed the direction of my life. Being surrounded by fellow survivors who were speaking up, advocating, and creating space for change lit a fire in me that I didn’t know was waiting to be sparked. The people I’ve met on this council have become close friends and fierce supporters — bonds I hope last forever.

Through that council, I began to speak on panels and share my story publicly. As I started applying to conferences to speak independently, I was told that it would help to have a business or organization name tied to my applications. Someone recommended starting an LLC. I looked into it, and surprisingly, it wasn’t as complicated as I imagined. That’s when Courage to Speak became official.

The name Courage to Speak came from a deeply personal place. For so long, I felt ashamed and scared to speak up. Finding my voice has been a journey — one full of pain, healing, growth, and strength. This name is a reminder to myself and to others that our voices matter. That speaking up, even when it’s terrifying, is powerful.

I never expected to be building a website, launching a podcast, offering coaching sessions, or dreaming about what’s next. But here I am — leaning into it, step by step. The last month has been tough, and I've felt that heaviness return at times. But it's also shown me exactly why I need to keep going. Courage to Speak is more than a name or a logo now. It’s a mission. I want to be more than a silent survivor. I want to create impact. I want to help others find their voice, and I want to be a catalyst for change.

The logo of Courage to Speak holds a lot of meaning, too. It’s a hummingbird with aspects of a phoenix. Both of these symbols have deep significance to me. The hummingbird, in some Pacific Coast Indigenous cultures, is seen as a messenger of joy and a symbol of beauty, intelligence, devotion, and love. Despite its small size, the hummingbird is fiercely resilient and full of fight. And the phoenix — well, we all know that one. It’s about rising from the ashes, being reborn after destruction, and finding strength in the aftermath of pain. I wanted this tiny company to reflect both of those spirits: the delicate yet powerful fight to reclaim joy, and the ability to rise again and again.

I’m endlessly grateful for the people who have stood beside me through this journey — those who have cheered me on, offered ideas (even the ones I thought were a little wild at first), and believed in what I’m creating here. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the love and support of my community. You all have helped me turn a name on a piece of paper into something real — something full of purpose, healing, and hope.

So here’s to continuing to speak. Here’s to continuing to rise. And here’s to helping others find their Courage to Speak, too.

With gratitude,
Aundria