Maritza is the heartbeat of the fight for Cristine Cortez Rodriguez. As Cristine’s mother, she has endured the unimaginable—watching her daughter be failed by the very systems meant to protect her. But Maritza is not just a witness to this injustice; she is the movement’s most powerful advocate.

With the unwavering support of the campaign's founder, Kayla Gerdes, Maritza has traveled from Pennsylvania to Puerto Rico time and again to stand on the front lines. Whether in courtrooms or in front of cameras, Maritza has taken the microphone to tell the truth that the legal system tried to bury. She speaks not only for her daughter but for every mother fighting to bring their child home. Her courage is the fuel that keeps this team moving forward, and her voice is the constant reminder that behind every legal battle is a family waiting to be whole again.

Strategic Suggestion for the "Meet the Trailblazers" Page:

To visually represent the "stepping aside" and the "bringing people on board" that you described, I suggest organizing the section in this order:

1. Kayla Gerdes (The Founder): Establish the leadership and the recruitment of the team and Proyecto Inocencia.

2. Maritza (The Mother): Center the person Kayla is fighting for.

3. The "Never Give Up" Team: The powerhouse women Kayla recruited to handle legal, media, and outreach.

Would you like me to draft a collective "Statement of Unity" from the group of women Kayla recruited to show their shared commitment to Maritza and Cristine?

YES

Our Unified Promise: The Women Standing for Cristine

We are a coalition of advocates, experts, and survivors hand-selected by our founder, Kayla Gerdes, because we share a common trait: we do not know how to give up.

Recruited from across the country to join this fight, we stand as a shield around Maritza and a voice for Cristine. Our team is a powerhouse of grit and strategy, united by the belief that a legal system that criminalizes survivors is a failed system. We are not here to simply observe the proceedings; we are here to disrupt the silence, challenge the status quo, and demand the exoneration that Cristine deserves.

Guided by Kayla’s vision and fueled by a mother’s love, we promise to stay on the front lines until the truth is recognized, the laws are changed, and Cristine is home.

Suggested Web Layout for "Meet the Trailblazers"

To make the most of the powerful details you’ve shared, here is a suggested flow for the page:

1. THE FOUNDER: Kayla Gerdes (Headline her as the "Lead Architect" who built the team and secured Proyecto Inocencia).

2. THE HEART: Maritza (Positioned right after Kayla to show the transition of the "microphone").

3. THE MISSION: The Unified Promise (The text above, used as a bold banner or transition).

4. THE TEAM: Individual bios for the other "women who never give up" that Kayla brought on board.

Would you like me to draft bios for the other specific women Kayla recruited, or should we work on a "Call to Action" for people who want to join the movement?

YES

Since your team is built on the philosophy of "women who never give up," your Call to Action should feel like an invitation to join an elite, relentless force.

Here is a bold Call to Action to close out your "Meet the Trailblazers" section, followed by a flexible Team Member Template for the other women Kayla has recruited.

The Call to Action: Join the Front Lines

WE ARE LOOKING FOR THE RELENTLESS.

This movement was built by women who refuse to accept "no" as an answer. Under Kayla’s leadership, we have secured elite legal partnerships and amplified a mother’s voice—but the fight for Cristine is far from over.

We are looking for advocates, creators, and professionals who are ready to turn their outrage into action. If you believe that survival is not a crime and you have the grit to stand with us until Cristine is home, we want you on this team.

[BUTTON: JOIN THE MOVEMENT]

The "Never Give Up" Team Member Template

Use this for the other powerhouse women Kayla has brought on board to ensure the section feels cohesive and high-energy.

[Name] | [Area of Expertise, e.g., Media Liaison / Legal Strategist]

Recruited by Kayla Gerdes for her unwavering tenacity, [Name] is a vital member of the coalition fighting for Cristine Cortez Rodriguez. With a professional background in [Field], she was brought on board because she possesses the exact brand of "never give up" spirit required to dismantle systemic injustice. [Name] handles [Specific Responsibility], ensuring that every strategic move we make brings Maritza one step closer to her daughter’s freedom. For [Name], this isn't just a case—it’s a commitment to ensuring the legal system can no longer ignore the truth.

Summary of your "Trailblazers" Page Flow:

1. Kayla Gerdes: The Founder who built the engine and secured Proyecto Inocencia.

2. Maritza: The Heart whose voice Kayla amplified.

3. The Unified Promise: The "Statement of Unity" banner.

4. The Team: Individual bios using the "Never Give Up" template.

5. The Call to Action: The invitation for others to join the front lines.

Would you like me to help you brainstorm a specific "Join the Movement" application form or a list of "Volunteer Roles" you need filled right now?

THE BIO FOR THE ORGANIZATION KAYLA WORKS WITH AND FOR FOR OVER A DECADE, WOMEN WHO NEVER GIVE UP, SPECIFICALLY, THE FOUNDER GALE MUHAMMAD

To complete your "Meet the Trailblazers" section, it is essential to highlight the organization that shaped Kayla’s advocacy and the woman who mentored her. Women Who Never Give Up (WWNG) provides the foundational strength and credibility that powers your campaign for 

Cristine Cortez Rodriguez

. 

wwng.org

The Organization: Women Who Never Give Up (WWNG) 

For over 20 years, Women Who Never Give Up, Inc. has been a relentless force in the fight for prison reform and criminal justice. The organization was founded on a simple but radical premise: families of the incarcerated deserve a voice. 

wwng.org +1

WWNG focuses on "H.E.A.L."—Helping families, Educating officials, Advocating for family issues, and Lobbying for systemic policy changes. They are the veteran "social justice warriors" that Kayla has worked alongside for more than a decade, specializing in: 

• Sentencing Reform and repealing mandatory minimums.

• Prison Health Care and the humane treatment of those behind bars.

• Family Reunification, helping loved ones navigate the barriers created by incarceration. 

  wwng.org +2

The Mentor: Gale Muhammad | Founder & President

Gale Muhammad

 is the visionary who built WWNG from the ground up after the tragic death of her husband, Tariq, while he was incarcerated. Her personal loss became the fuel for a two-decade-long career as a nationally recognized activist. 

2024.nyubernsteinconference.org

• A Trusted Voice: 

  Gale

   is frequently called upon by the NJ Legislature, the Department of Corrections, and the State Parole Board to provide expert testimony on criminal justice bills.

• The Blueprint for Grit: Known for her humility and "grassroots to glasstop" approach, 

  Gale

   has counseled thousands of families, treating everyone from governors to prisoners with the same dignity and respect.

• Leading the Way: Before founding WWNG, 

  Gale

   was a trailblazing labor leader, serving as President of Local 3-Workers United for over a decade. 

  wwng.org +3

Strategic Integration for Your Site

On your website, you can bridge these bios by highlighting that 

Kayla Gerdes

 was trained in the "Gale Muhammad School of Advocacy." It positions Kayla not just as an independent founder, but as a seasoned leader who carries the torch of a 20-year legacy of fighting for the "voiceless". 

wwng.org

Would you like me to draft a section called "The Legacy of Advocacy" to connect 

Gale

, Kayla, and Cristine’s case?

5 sites

• Our Team Full Bios

  Many problems arise between the incarcerated and their loved ones, and Gale counsels them all. For over 15 years, she has worked t...

  wwng.org

• Women Who Never Give Up

  About Us * Our Team. Our Mission. Our Mission. Gale Muhammad, Founder and President of Women Who Never Give Up (WWNG Up, Inc.), is...

  wwng.org

• Gale Muhammad - JHL Conference

  Gale Muhammad Women Who Never Give Up, Inc. Gale Muhammad is the Founder and President of Women Who Never Give Up, Inc. Gale is kn...

  2024.nyubernsteinconference.org

Show all

THE BIO FOR PROYECTO INOCENCIA JULIO FONTANENT AND JUAN CARLOS SANTANA

The partnership between 

Kayla Gerdes

 and Proyecto Inocencia de Puerto Rico represents a critical merging of grassroots advocacy and elite legal expertise. Founded in 2012, Proyecto Inocencia is a non-profit dedicated to identifying and litigating cases of wrongful conviction in Puerto Rico. 

Facultad de Derecho - Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico +4

Below are the bios for the key legal figures Kayla recruited to lead Cristine’s defense.

Dr. Julio E. Fontanet Maldonado | Founder & Director 

Dr. Julio Fontanet is the visionary founder and director of Proyecto Inocencia de Puerto Rico. A titan in the Puerto Rican legal community, he also serves as the Dean of the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico School of Law. 

Facultad de Derecho - Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico +2

• Legal Expertise: Dr. Fontanet is a renowned scholar in criminal procedure and litigation, having authored numerous influential articles on the Puerto Rican legal system.

• A Catalyst for Change: Under his leadership, Proyecto Inocencia was instrumental in the passage of Puerto Rico's Post-Sentencing DNA Analysis Law, a fundamental tool for proving innocence through biological evidence.

• The Mission: His commitment to the "hyrbid model" of education, litigation, and legislation has led to several high-profile exonerations, including the famous "Inocentes de Aguada" case. 

  Facultad de Derecho - Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico +3

Lcdo. Juan Carlos Vélez Santana | Late Coordinator & Champion of Justice 

The late 

Juan Carlos Vélez Santana

 served as the Coordinator of Proyecto Inocencia and was a central figure in the movement until his passing in March 2026. He was the "boots on the ground" leader that Kayla worked with closely to advance Cristine’s case. 

Swoogo +3

• Unwavering Dedication: Even during global challenges like the pandemic, Juan Carlos was known for visiting correctional institutions to examine innocence claims firsthand.

• National Leadership: He served on the Innocence Network Executive Board and chaired its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, ensuring that marginalized voices were at the center of the exoneration movement.

• A Legacy of Action: Juan Carlos was an integral part of the legal teams that secured the release of multiple wrongfully convicted individuals who were serving unjust sentences. His commitment to Cristine’s freedom remains a guiding light for the current legal team. 

  Swoogo +4

Strategic Note for the "Trailblazers" Section

In your layout, these bios should be presented as the Legal Frontline. You can note that Kayla’s ability to secure their involvement was a "major victory" because it brought the most respected wrongful conviction experts in the Caribbean directly to Cristine’s side. 

wapa.tv +1

Would you like me to draft a section on the specific "Legal Strategy" these experts are using for Cristine's case, such as the push for executive clemencia? 

AI responses may include mistakes. For legal advice, consult a professional. Learn more

11 sites

• Speaker Details: Innocence Network 2025 - Swoogo

  Speaker Bio. Juan Carlos Vélez Santana is the project coordinator of the PRoyecto Inocencia de Puerto Rico. He also serves as a me...

  Swoogo

• Proyecto Inocencia - Facultad de Derecho

  El Proyecto Inocencia de Puerto Rico, adscrito al Innocence Project Network y a la Red Inocente, fue fundado en el año 2012 por el...

  Facultad de Derecho - Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico

• Inter - SIRVIENDO EN PANDEMIA - Facebook

  Dec 3, 2020 — Julio Fontanet Maldonado y el Lcdo. Juan Carlos Vélez Santana, Director y Coordinador, respectivamente del PRoyecto Inocencia de P...

  Facebook·Inter Derecho/Inter Law

Show all

YES

The legal strategy for 

Cristine Cortez Rodriguez

 is a multifaceted attack on the systemic failures that led to her conviction. By combining the grassroots momentum of Kayla Gerdes with the elite legal scholarship of Proyecto Inocencia, the campaign has moved into a high-stakes phase of post-conviction litigation and public advocacy.

The Two-Pronged Legal Strategy

The legal team, led by Dr. Julio Fontanet, utilizes a "hybrid model" that targets both the courtroom and the executive office to secure Cristine’s freedom. 

Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico

1. Litigation and Evidence Review

• The Post-Sentencing DNA Tool: As the architects of Puerto Rico's Post-Sentencing DNA Analysis Law, Proyecto Inocencia is uniquely positioned to identify and test biological evidence that was either ignored or unavailable during the original trial.

• Challenging the Narrative of Abuse: A primary focus of the defense is the criminalization of survival. The team is working to introduce evidence of the domestic violence Cristine suffered, arguing that her actions were a direct result of trauma and that her original trial failed to consider this "significant contributing factor".

• Procedural Justice: The team is reviewing every transcript and motion to expose official misconduct or ineffective assistance of counsel that may have occurred when Cristine was at her most vulnerable. 

  The Sentencing Project +6

2. The Push for Executive Clemency

Because the traditional appeals process can take years, Kayla and the legal team are concurrently pursuing Executive Clemency. 

ResearchGate

• What is Clemency?: This is a direct appeal to the Governor of Puerto Rico to commute Cristine’s sentence based on humanitarian grounds and the clear injustices of her case.

• Public Accountability: By bringing Maritza (Cristine’s mother) to the forefront, the campaign creates the public pressure necessary for a Governor to act. The strategy is to prove that Cristine’s incarceration is not a service to "public safety" but a continuing violation of her human rights.

• Restorative Justice: The goal of this push is to move Cristine from a punitive environment into a framework of healing and reunification with her family. 

  The Sentencing Project +1

Why This Matters

Securing Proyecto Inocencia was the "major victory" that turned this case into a precedent-setting battle for all survivors in Puerto Rico. Under Kayla’s leadership, the team is now using cutting-edge forensic science alongside aggressive policy advocacy to ensure the truth is finally recognized. 

Bode Technology +1

Would you like me to draft a "Petiton for Clemency" template that supporters can use to contact the Governor's office?

13 sites

• Sentencing Reform for Criminalized Survivors: Learning from ...

  Apr 19, 2023 — Make clear that DVSJA relief extends to offenses against individuals other than those who perpetrate the abuse. Maximize sentence ...

  The Sentencing Project

• Survivors Advocacy Practice - Center for Appellate Litigation

  Under this new law, those who can show that they are serving a prison sentence of more than eight years, have no predicate violent...

  Center for Appellate Litigation

• Puerto Rico Enacts Post-Conviction DNA Testing Law

  Dec 30, 2015 — By Nick Moroni. Puerto Rico yesterday enacted its first law allowing defendants to access post-conviction DNA testing which could ...

  Innocence Project

Show all

YES

Establishing a clear path for supporters to take action is vital for the success of the campaign. Since the current Governor of Puerto Rico is 

Jenniffer González-Colón

 (as of April 2026), the petition should be addressed to her at 

La Fortaleza

. 

Wikipedia +1

Below is a template for a Petition for Executive Clemency, which can be adapted for a physical letter or an email campaign. 

Clemency Petition Template

To: Honorable 

Jenniffer González-Colón

, Governor of Puerto Rico
Address: 

La Fortaleza

, PO Box 9020082, San Juan, PR 00902-0082
Subject: Petition for Executive Clemency for Cristine Cortez Rodriguez

Dear Governor González-Colón,

I am writing to you today with a sense of urgency and a deep commitment to justice. I respectfully urge you to grant Executive Clemency to 

Cristine Cortez Rodriguez

, a mother and survivor of domestic violence who has been unjustly criminalized by the legal system.

Cristine’s case represents a profound failure of the institutions meant to protect the vulnerable. As a survivor of significant intimate partner violence, her trauma was not given the weight it deserved during her trial. Her incarceration has not only deprived her of her freedom but has also tragically separated her from her children, further compounding the cycle of trauma for her entire family.

We believe that justice is not served by the continued imprisonment of a woman who has already suffered so much. By granting clemency, you have the power to:

• Acknowledge the Truth: Recognize the role that domestic violence played in Cristine’s circumstances.

• Promote Restoration: Allow a mother to reunite with her family and begin the long process of healing.

• Lead with Compassion: Set a precedent that Puerto Rico’s justice system values the protection of survivors over the punishment of the traumatized. 

Cristine has the support of a dedicated legal team from Proyecto Inocencia and a growing coalition of advocates led by Kayla Gerdes. We ask that you exercise your executive authority to commute her sentence and bring her home.

Thank you for your time, your leadership, and your commitment to a fairer Puerto Rico.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]

How to Use This Template:

• Personalize the Message: While the template is a strong starting point, adding a personal sentence about why this case matters to you can make the message more impactful.

• Email and Physical Mail: Send a physical letter to 

  La Fortaleza

   and a digital version to the Governor’s official email address.

• Social Media Tagging: When sharing your support online, tag the Governor’s official accounts (@jenniffergonzalezcolon) and use the campaign hashtag #JusticeForCristine to ensure your voice is heard. 

  Instagram +1

Would you like me to create a "Clemency One-Pager" that you can use to educate public officials about the specifics of Cristine's case?

4 sites

• Governor of Puerto Rico - Wikipedia

  The governor of Puerto Rico (Spanish: gobernador de Puerto Rico) is the head of government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, an ...

  Wikipedia

• Governor Jenniffer González-Colón signed into law two bills ...

  Mar 20, 2025 — * fortalezapr. jenniffergonzalezcolon. ... Governor Jenniffer González-Colón signed into law two bills that put into practice an “...

  Instagram·prfaadc

• PETICIÓN DE CLEMENCIA EJECUTIVA Número de licencia

  * Uso oficial solamente. Número de petición: ___________________ * PETICIÓN DE CLEMENCIA EJECUTIVA. * A: Hon. Pedro R. Pierluisi, ...

  Gobierno de Puerto Rico (.gov)

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FUTURE PLANS COMING FOR A HEAVY POLITICAL PUSH FOR CLEMENCY DUE TO LAW 74

The next phase of the movement for 

Cristine Cortez Rodriguez

 involves a strategic political push centered on Law 74 of 2023 ( ). This legislation represents a vital tool for survivors of domestic violence in Puerto Rico, and its application is central to the campaign's demand for executive clemency. 

The Role of Law 74 (  of 2023)

Signed into law in July 2023, Law 74 amended Puerto Rico’s Domestic Abuse Prevention and Intervention Act (Act 54). 

Laborsphere +2

• Broadening the Definition of Abuse: The law officially recognizes economic violence as a prohibited form of domestic abuse. This includes conduct aimed at undermining a victim's financial stability, housing security, or future economic capacity.

• Expanded Protections: It empowers courts to issue broader protection orders, including those that prevent abusers from interfering with a petitioner’s employment or professional reputation.

• Legal Leverage for Clemency: For Cristine, Law 74 provides the legal framework to argue that her case was shaped by complex layers of abuse—including economic and psychological coercion—that were not adequately recognized by the court at the time of her conviction. 

  Laborsphere +2

The Political Push for Clemency

Under the leadership of Kayla Gerdes, the movement is preparing to leverage Law 74 to petition Governor Jenniffer González-Colón for immediate action.

• Redefining the Narrative: The campaign will use Law 74 to highlight that Cristine is a victim of systemic failure. By showing how the law now recognizes the very types of abuse she suffered, the team can argue that her conviction is an outdated injustice that the current government has a mandate to correct.

• Legislative and Executive Advocacy: Building on the mentorship of Gale Muhammad (who frequently lobbies the NJ Legislature), Kayla is mobilizing a powerhouse coalition to ensure that Law 74 isn't just a statute on paper but a mechanism for liberation.

• Centering the Survivor: By keeping Maritza at the forefront, the movement ensures that the political push is not just about legal theory, but about the human cost of delaying justice. The goal is to prove that granting clemency to Cristine is the first step in Puerto Rico truly honoring the spirit of Law 74. 

  Littler Mendelson P.C. +2

Would you like to draft a formal "Policy Memo" that explains to legislators how Cristine’s case fits the criteria for protection under Law 74?

AI responses may include mistakes. For legal advice, consult a professional. Learn more

7 sites

• Tonight I joined Rob Schmitt on Newsmax alongside Scott ...

  Apr 8, 2026 — Tonight I joined Rob Schmitt on Newsmax alongside Scott Lobaido to break down a wide range of issues. We started with mayoral camp...

  Facebook·Council Member Vickie Paladino

  8:22

• Puerto Rico Amends Domestic Abuse Prevention and ...

  Jul 28, 2023 — Puerto Rico Amends Domestic Abuse Prevention and Intervention Act. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Share. On July 28, 2023, the Go...

  Laborsphere

• Puerto Rico: Act No. 54 amended to recognize economic ...

  Aug 7, 2023 — Employers in Puerto Rico are encouraged to revise their domestic violence policies and trainings based on a recent amendment to Ac...

  DLA Piper

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FOUNDERS STATEMENT

This Founder’s Statement is designed to be the opening manifesto for your website. It establishes Kayla Gerdes as the movement’s leader while immediately centering Maritza and the mission for Cristine.

A Message from Our Founder

"I didn’t build this movement to merely observe an injustice; I built it to end one.

When I first learned about Cristine Cortez Rodriguez, I didn’t just see a case file—I saw a mirror. I saw a woman being swallowed by a legal system that is designed to punish survival rather than protect it. Having navigated the harshest realities of that system myself, I knew that standard advocacy wouldn’t be enough. Cristine didn’t need a fundraiser; she needed an army.

I spent the last decade working alongside the legendary Gale Muhammad at Women Who Never Give Up, learning how to turn 'no' into 'not yet.' I’ve taken those lessons and recruited a powerhouse team of women who share a singular trait: we do not know how to quit. Together, we achieved what many said was impossible by securing Proyecto Inocencia to lead Cristine’s legal defense.

But my most important role hasn't been as a recruiter or a strategist—it has been as a bridge. It was my honor to bring Cristine’s mother, Maritza, from Pennsylvania to Puerto Rico, to put the microphone in her hands, and to step aside so her truth could finally be heard.

We are now entering our most critical phase. Using the power of Law 74, we are launching a heavy political push for Executive Clemency. We are no longer asking for the system to notice us; we are demanding that it correct itself.

To the survivors, to the mothers, and to those the world has tried to forget: we are here. We are the trailblazers. And we are bringing Cristine home."

— Kayla Gerdes
Founder, The Movement for Cristine Cortez Rodriguez

Next Steps for the "Meet the Trailblazers" Section:

• The Signature: If possible, use a high-quality scan of Kayla’s actual signature at the bottom of this statement for a personal, authentic touch.

• The Image: This statement works best placed next to a photo of Kayla and Maritza standing together, symbolizing the "stepping aside" and the "handing over of the mic."

Would you like me to draft a specific "Call to Action" button to follow this statement, such as "Read the Law 74 Policy Brief" or "Sign the Petition for Clemency"?

AI responses may include mistakes. For financial advice, consult a professional. Learn more

YES

To capitalize on the momentum of the Founder’s Statement, you need clear, high-stakes buttons that turn a reader's inspiration into immediate political pressure.

Below is a set of Call to Action (CTA) buttons and a brief "Action Center" layout to follow Kayla’s statement.

The Action Center

Place these immediately below the Founder’s Statement to capture the momentum.

"Justice cannot wait. Choose your way to stand with Cristine today."

Primary ActionPolitical PressureStrategic Education

[SIGN THE CLEMENCY PETITION][EMAIL THE GOVERNOR][READ THE LAW 74 BRIEF]

Add your name to the official demand for Cristine’s freedom.Use our template to tell Governor González-Colón that survival is not a crime.Learn how we are using new legislation to challenge this injustice.

Expanding the "Political Push" (Law 74 Highlight)

Since the Law 74 push is the core of your upcoming strategy, I recommend adding a "Deep Dive" section or a popup for that specific button:

Section Header: Why Law 74 is the Key

• The Problem: Cristine was convicted by a system that ignored the psychological and economic coercion used against her.

• The Solution: Law 74 (2023) finally recognizes these tactics as illegal domestic abuse.

• The Demand: We are demanding that the Governor apply the spirit of this new law retroactively to Cristine’s case through Executive Clemency.

Pro-Tip for Your "Trailblazers" Page:

At the very bottom of the page, include one final, bold CTA for those who want to be "recruited" into the team of women who never give up:

[JOIN THE FRONTLINES: VOLUNTEER WITH US]
We are looking for researchers, writers, and organizers to join Kayla’s coalition.

Would you like me to draft the specific "Law 74 One-Pager" text that supporters can download and share with their local representatives?

INCORPORATE THIS INTO NEXT SECTION : I. Mission Statement: Survival as Advocacy Criminalized survivors are a population left to rot in the shadows by a system that refuses to see them. I am their champion because I lived their silence twice. My real expertise didn't just come from a classroom—it came from the trenches. While I was fighting for Cristine’s freedom, I became a victim of domestic violence myself. I didn't just study her case; I had to literally walk in her shoes to survive. Cristine’s tragedy saved my life. Because I saw her buried by a lack of documentation, I had the foresight to file every report and save every record of my own abuse. I built a life—my degree and the child I am raising—because Cristine’s nightmare taught me how to survive mine. If the state was too late to save baby Emily from the violence that took her life, they must answer to a higher Judge. By what right do they imprison her mother for surviving the very nightmare that taught me how to stay alive? If the truth of her suffering rescued me from my chains, how can the state justify keeping her in hers? II. Strategic Intervention: A Global Mandate My goal is to secure Cristine’s freedom and transform her case into a global mandate. As a Columbia scholar and Director at Women Who Never Give Up (WWNG), I am proof that formerly incarcerated leaders succeed where the state fails. This May, I am returning to Puerto Rico for a tactical operation. While this mission begins on the island, its scope is international. I am meeting with Telemundo for an exclusive interview before holding a press conference to look Governor Jenniffer González Colón’sadministration in the eye and demand immediate clemency. Simultaneously, I am introducing a formal proposal for a Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act (DVSJA). By adapting the New York law I helped pass (N.Y. Crim. Proc. Law § 440.47), I am creating a legislative blueprint for every jurisdiction that continues to criminalize survival. III. The July 28th Accountability Deadline & Stakeholder Event I have established a firm deadline for the Governor and lawmakers: July 28th. This is the anniversary of Puerto Rico’s landmark domestic violence protection laws, and the day the administration must say "Yes" to clemency for Cristine and "Yes" to drafting the DVSJA with me and Julio Fontanet at the Puerto Rico Innocence Project. The launch of The 10 Criminalized Survivors Commandments on this day is our final effort to force a convergence of power. This Custom Research Project serves as the definitive Stakeholder Event: * Institutional Integration: By securing approval from the Department of Correction, we move from external protest to internal resource. Hand-delivering this blueprint to the Warden of the Bayamón Women's Prison and arming BPI facultyinside ensures the actual tools for freedom are in the hands of survivors. * Legislative Pressure: This blueprint serves as the "receipts" that prove the system is failing. By launching on the anniversary of the protection laws, we are forcing lawmakers to choose if they stand by their laws or merely their optics. * Global Precedent: Securing clemency for Cristine through this framework will establish Puerto Rico as the motherland that births a global movement. IV. Methodology: From Intuition to Ink For nine years, I have carried these Commandments in my head. I am now finally penning this blueprint, applying the rigorous liberal arts training I received at BPI to the field of Legal Auditing. This uses a Participatory Defense Framework to turn the legal process into a survivor-led audit. This process is fueled by a comprehensive Research Initiative led by WWNG. To identify criminalized survivors at every scale, our team provides a strategic framework rooted in grassroots advocacy and legal auditing across cities, states, and borders. We are auditing trial transcripts and sentencing records to prove that Cristine’s case is a systemic pattern of neglect. V. Measurable & Scalable Impact * Metric of Success: I will see the scalable results when the Governor is forced to publicly answer for Cristine. Success is an active negotiation of a firm clemency date through my partnership with Proyecto Inocencia. * Reciprocal Education: Arming BPI Faculty with this blueprint creates an evolving research loop where incarcerated women contribute their own legal findings. * Global Export: By codifying the "Cristine Way" into a formal blueprint, we provide a methodology for advocates in any country to challenge mandatory minimums. VI. The BPI Partnership: A Full Circle Moment As a BPI alumna, I am fulfilling the exact purpose of my education—driving systemic, global reform. I am formally inviting BPI to collaborate with me as a global partner. We are proving that formerly incarcerated leaders succeed exactly where the state fails. This is the poetic justice of the work: providing a woman the match she needs to burn down her own cage.

This is a powerful, high-stakes manifesto. It transitions the movement from a local advocacy group to a sophisticated, international Legal and Political Operation.

Here is how to incorporate this "mission as a mandate" into the next section of your website, framed as the "Strategy for Liberation & Systemic Reform."

Section III: The Blueprint for Liberation

I. Mission: Survival as Advocacy

"Criminalized survivors are a population left to rot in the shadows by a system that refuses to see them. I am their champion because I lived their silence twice. My expertise didn't just come from a classroom—it came from the trenches."

Kayla Gerdes is the living proof of the mission. While fighting for Cristine’s freedom, Kayla survived her own nightmare of domestic violence. She used the lessons learned from Cristine’s lack of documentation to save her own life, her degree, and the child she is raising.

The Mandate: If the truth of Cristine’s suffering rescued Kayla from her chains, the state can no longer justify keeping Cristine in hers. We are not just asking for mercy; we are holding the state accountable to a higher Judge.

II. Strategic Intervention: A Global Mandate

This May, Kayla returns to Puerto Rico for a tactical operation. As a Columbia scholar and Director at Women Who Never Give Up (WWNG), she is bridging the gap between grassroots grit and ivy-league strategy.

• The Media Offensive: An exclusive interview with Telemundo followed by a direct press conference to look the administration in the eye.

• The Legislative Blueprint: Introducing a formal proposal for a Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act (DVSJA) in Puerto Rico, adapting the landmark New York law (N.Y. Crim. Proc. Law § 440.47) that Kayla helped pass.

III. The July 28th Accountability Deadline

The Governor and lawmakers have a deadline: July 28th. This date is the anniversary of Puerto Rico’s domestic violence protection laws. The administration must respond on this day.

• The 10 Criminalized Survivors Commandments: This blueprint moves the movement from external protest to internal institutional resource.

• Tactical Delivery: The blueprint will be hand-delivered to the Warden of Bayamón Women's Prison. BPI (Bard Prison Initiative) faculty will be armed with the tools for freedom.

IV. Methodology: Legal Auditing & Participatory Defense

For nine years, the "Commandments" have been in Kayla’s mind; now, they are in ink. Using training from the Bard Prison Initiative, a Legal Audit of trial transcripts and sentencing records will be performed. This proves Cristine’s case is not an outlier, but a systemic pattern of neglect.

V. Scalable Impact: The "Cristine Way"

Success is the active negotiation of a firm clemency date through a partnership with Proyecto Inocencia. By codifying this methodology, a global model is being exported. This model allows advocates in any country to challenge mandatory minimums and the criminalization of survival.

VI. The BPI Partnership: Poetic Justice

As a BPI alumna, Kayla is fulfilling the highest purpose of her education. BPI is formally invited to collaborate as a global partner. This proves that formerly incarcerated leaders succeed where the state fails. Survivors will be provided with the match they need to burn down their own cages.

Call to Action for this Section:

[DOWNLOAD THE DVSJA PROPOSAL]
[VIEW THE JULY 28TH COUNTDOWN]

REWRITE THE MESSAGE FROM OUR FOUNDER

10 sites

Here are top web results for exploring this topic:

End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin·https://www.endabusewi.org

Mission, Vision, Values - End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin

End Abuse promotes social change that transforms societal attitudes, practices and policies to prevent and eliminate domestic violence, abuse and oppression.

Women Against Abuse·https://www.womenagainstabuse.org

Our Strategic Plan | Women Against Abuse

The mission of Women Against Abuse (WAA) is to provide quality, compassionate and nonjudgmental services in a manner that fosters self-respect and ...

Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence·https://wscadv.org

Mission-focused management and empowerment practice

The first domestic violence-focused interventions were, by necessity, targeted toward ensuring survivors' immediate safety from abuse. It was never assumed, ...

Office for Victims of Crime (.gov)·https://ovc.ojp.gov

Advocacy Education and Support Project: Advocates with a ...

We would like you to take the next 10 minutes to reflect on and write about your personal experience of violence/abuse/trauma and it's relationship to your job ...

Nevada Attorney General's Office (.gov)·https://ag.nv.gov

IMPACT STATEMENT - Nevada Attorney General

Identify common myths and misconceptions supporting current attitudes about sexual assault. Page 8. HISTORY OF THE SEXUAL VIOLENCE MOVEMENT.

PubMed Central (PMC) (.gov)·https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Safety Planning With Marginalized Survivors of Intimate ... - PMC

In the IPV component, a brochure was used to educate women about different types of abuse, the cycle of violence, and their danger levels in relationships based ...

Directorate of Prevention, Resilience and Readiness (.mil)·https://www.armyresilience.army.mil

Ethical Practices and Responsibilities in the Advocacy World

An example of this is that being an advocate at a nonprofit agency such as a domestic violence shelter as I was, does not have the same ethical.

VAWnet·https://vawnet.org

“ADVOCACY AND SAFETY PLANNING FOR VICTIMS IN ...

Advocates' role with victims in contact includes safety planning to reduce the violence and control of a violent partner and strategies to prevent harm to the ...

Safe & Together Institute·https://safeandtogetherinstitute.com

Redefining Our Approach to Domestic Abuse

... domestic abuse prevention and intervention. Currently, many of our systems are designed around physical violence and lethality prevention.

The University of Kansas·https://ctb.ku.edu

Chapter 30., Section 7. Developing a Plan for Advocacy

Learn how to properly plan for advocacy to avoid surprises that might make you look ineffective, clumsy, or incompetent, in order to increase your chances ...

REWRITE MESSAGE

This version fuses your mission statement’s raw power and academic precision into a high-stakes manifesto. It positions you not just as an advocate, but as a survivor-scholar leading a tactical operation.

A Message from Our Founder

"I am the champion for criminalized survivors because I have lived their silence twice. My expertise didn't come from a classroom—it came from the trenches.

While I was fighting for Cristine’s freedom, I became a victim of domestic violence myself. I didn't just study her case; I had to literally walk in her shoes to stay alive. Cristine’s tragedy saved my life. Because I saw her buried by a system that refuses to document trauma, I had the foresight to file every report and save every record of my own abuse. I built a life—my degree and the child I am raising—because Cristine’s nightmare taught me how to survive mine.

Now, I am returning to Puerto Rico this May for a tactical operation. As a Columbia scholar and a leader within Women Who Never Give Up (WWNG), I am proof that formerly incarcerated leaders succeed exactly where the state fails. I am here to look the administration in the eye and demand immediate clemency. Simultaneously, I am introducing a legislative blueprint: the Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act (DVSJA), adapting the New York law I helped pass to ensure that survival is never again treated as a crime.

Accountability is due by July 28th. This date marks the anniversary of Puerto Rico’s landmark protection laws. It is the deadline for the administration to respond. Partnering with Proyecto Inocencia and equipping BPI (Bard Prison Initiative) faculty with the 10 Criminalized Survivors Commandments shifts the focus from external protest to internal institutional audit.

If Cristine's suffering saved a life, how can the state justify her continued imprisonment? Survivors are provided with the means to overcome their challenges. The era of the state failing women is over.

We are the trailblazers. And we are bringing Cristine home."