Misti Harrelson
Misti Harrelson has been an advocate for victims of crime for more than 15 years. A survivor of violent crime, she escaped a ten-year abusive relationship that left her blind in her right eye, with a broken back, a fractured faceplate, and many lasting emotional and psychological reminders of the trauma she endured. Her personal pain transformed into a deep passion for instilling hope and providing support to others seeking a life free from violence.
After escaping her abusive relationship, Misti embarked on a profound healing journey grounded in self-reliance, liberation, and the restoration of hope. Through intensive individual and group therapy, she rebuilt her sense of self and pursued her education with determination—earning her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with honors from Cal State East Bay in just 2.5 years. She went on to complete a Master’s degree in Public Administration, also graduating with honors.
Misti identifies first as a mother, and then as a public speaker, author, educator, life coach, healer, protector, and warrior.
She is active in local, state, and national communities, providing education, outreach, training, and public speaking on issues related to crime and violence. She regularly presents to law enforcement, judicial leaders, government agencies, churches, survivors, perpetrators of violence, and community-based organizations—sharing both her personal experience and evidence-informed strategies for safely supporting individuals on their healing journeys.
Misti collaborates with partner agencies to advance public safety through legislative and policy work, and she provides victim-centered assistance and resources through ICAN and CVAA. She serves as the Co-Chair for the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Committee within the California District Attorney Association’s Restorative Justice division.
Misti is the Executive Director of the Ever After Foundation, where she helps survivors build pathways into entrepreneurship and business ownership. Through her own nonprofit, Healing Hurt Humans, she works with both victims and perpetrators to end societal violence, restore hope, and promote generational healing. Together, these partnerships form a powerful alliance dedicated to transforming lives and creating lasting change.
