First active in the 1990’s, WAGV’s Speakers Bureau is a substantive component of its other successful programs, often providing the “heart” of gun violence. Originally made up of both adults and youth who have lost a loved one to gun violence, had a loved one survive a gunshot wound, or survived a gunshot wound themselves, Speaker Bureau members share their story of gun violence in an effort to educate and support others. Now, others with specific expertise in mental health, domestic violence, and gun safety legislation have joined the Speakers Bureau to share their knowledge with others.
Loren Lieb
After her son was shot in an anti-semitic attack at a Jewish community center in 1999, Loren knew she had to work to change a system that enabled dangerous people to easily acquire dangerous weapons. She combines her family’s experience with her career in public health to focus on a public health approach to gun violence prevention.
On Sunday, April 13, 2014, a gunman opened fire at two Jewish facilities near Kansas City, killing three people. Dr. William Lewis Corporon and his grandson 14-year-old Reat Griffin Underwood were two of the three people killed.
Donna Finkelstein
For more than 15 years, Donna Finkelstein has work tirelessly to prevent gun violence. Mindy, Donna’s daughter , was shot and wounded in 1999 when she was just 16, at the North Valley Jewish Community Center in an anti-Semitic attack. Donna combines her work as a high school counselor, personal experience with survivors, member of the Brady Campaign and Board Member of Women Against Gun Violence to speak to community groups, high school students and religious groups.
Over 1,000 people a day in the United States are directly affected by gun violence. This number does not include family, friends, and the community.
Marlys Nunneri
Shot at point blank range in the heart by her abusive ex-husband. Despite a history of abuse, the handgun that nearly killed her was purchased legally by her ex-husband at San Fernando Sporting Goods.
Abused women are 5 times more likely to be killed by their abuser if the abuser owns a firearm.
Rhonda and Ruett Foster
In 1997 Rhonda took her young son Evan to the park to pick up his soccer trophy and to register for basketball. Caught in the crossfire of assault weapons, Evan was killed and his brother, Alec, just 10 months old, was severely wounded. Rhonda was forced to make the choice of going with Alec to the hospital over staying with Evan’s body.
In 1989, California passed an assault weapons ban and continues to strengthen the law against the efforts of gun manufacturers to undermine it.
Joshua Stepakoff
In 1999, at the age of 6, Josh Stepakoff was shot in what is known as the Jewish Community Center shooting. Today he speaks out on behalf of gun regulation and offers words of encouragement to young children affected by gun violence.
9 kids a day in the United States are killed with a gun.
Lorraine Morland
Lorraine has lost two of her sons to gun violence on the streets of Los Angeles.
African Americans make up nearly 13% of the U.S. population, but in 2009 suffered almost 24% of all firearm deaths – and over 54% of all firearm homicides.
Jessica Abrams
Two decades ago Jessica got a phone call, the kind every human being dreads: her boyfriend’s sister had shot herself in the head with a gun she had been keeping around for “protection”.
2/3 of all gun deaths in the United States are suicides.
Julia Robinson Shimizu
Julia’s nephew, high on drugs, broke into a car, stole a loaded gun from the glove compartment, and killed an innocent bystander.
More guns are being stolen out of cars in America, particularly in states that have made it easier for people to carry firearms on the road.
For more information about these speakers or other members of Women Against Gun Violence’ Speakers Bureau, please email programs@wagv.org.