Meet Nicole

For more than 20 years, Nicole has demonstrated her heart for Women Aware’s mission to move victim-survivors of domestic violence and their children beyond abuse. In the early days, she hosted book and backpack drives and collected items for babies in emergency shelter. Her commitment morphed into Christmas for a Cause one year, when Nicole and her husband invited their whole family for Christmas Eve dinner, on the condition they make a financial donation to Women Aware. When Nicole and her husband renewed their wedding vows, family and friends knew to donate to Women Aware as their gift to the couple.

Through the years, Nicole connected with Women Aware’s Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT) Coordinator Anna Andrade. While Nicole felt called to the DVRT, work, school and family commitments did not leave much time for volunteering with Women Aware. That changed early this year when Nicole completed her 40-hour domestic violence training as a member of the DVRT class of 2025. She feels well-prepared and well-supported to be the first face of Women Aware when called out to meet with a victim at the police department following an incident of domestic violence.

Nicole recognizes the all-consuming experience of living with domestic violence while trying to be a mom, dad, caregiver and employee. As she said, life still happens even though a victim may be falling apart on the inside. “I know what it’s like to be scared and have no one there to back you up,” said Nicole. “I want survivors to know they have a team in Women Aware to back them up in any way, shape or form.”

Nicole understands that law enforcement and the courts can be intimidating to survivors. She believes it makes an enormous difference to have a regular person come in the room and say, “I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Let’s see how we can make this better together.”

Thank you for your commitment, Nicole.

As Sylvia looked forward to retiring in February 2023, she thought, “What’s next in this season of my life? Traveling, spending more time with family and friends and even redecorating my whole house!”   Sylvia retired from her town’s Board of Education Community Education program, serving the Before and After School families in an administrative capacity.  She loved working in her community, recognizing her program’s work was so important.  When Sylvia saw an ad for Women Aware volunteers, she realized this opportunity could continue her community involvement with work that was just as important. Syliva completed her 40-hour training in May 2022, feeling fortunate to meet and work with some great people who share the common goal of helping victims of domestic violence.  “It is a difficult subject but rewarding to know the part we have in it,” said Sylvia.

Trough her training, Sylvia came to understand victims need someone to listen and not judge.  By listening with compassion and providing resources to change the narrative, she hopes victims will be able to move on with the lives they most certainly deserve.

Sylvia shared the story of a woman, who came to the police station in the middle of the day with her two sons.  The younger boy was busy playing with his toys, while the teenage boy said, “Please help my mom,” as they went to talk in private.  This victim was very accomplished in her career but had no access to her finances.  Having been taken to their home country under the pretense of a family vacation, they were locked away in a hotel with no money and no way to move around without a vehicle and very little food except when the abuser decided they could eat, while he was away enjoying his family and friends. The survivor’s story reminded Sylvia that domestic violence presents in many forms, not just physical.  The victim had reached her limit, but did not know where to begin.  Sylvia helped her take the first step. Their conversation offered time for safety planning and discussing the manipulation and control the woman was under.  It is Sylvia’s hope to continue to go on call-outs and help victims take that first step.

Sylvia is the proud grandma of nine with another on the way. Having had two weddings and baby showers this past year, she just might take up event planning. Sylvia also loves cooking and interior design.

Women Aware recently announced the appointment of Rachel Carnes as a member of its Board of Trustees. Ms. Carnes is Senior Vice President, Global Product Strategy for Ionis Pharmaceuticals. A member of Ionis’ Leadership Team, she is committed to supporting the commercialization of Ionis pipeline products, ensuring that pioneering therapies are developed, commercialized and made readily accessible to the patients who need them worldwide.

Ms. Carnes’ 20+ years of diverse experience in the pharmaceutical industry includes sales and sales training, as well as global and US marketing. Prior to being recruited by Ionis, Ms. Carnes enjoyed a successful career with Celgene Corporation that was acquired by Bristol Myers Squibb in 2019. Her most recent role at that time was Vice President, Early Commercial, Global Hematology Marketing.

“Rachel has a long track record in advancing opportunities for women,” said Women Aware Board of Trustees President Diane Palmer. “She recognizes that access to resources are critical to victim-survivors’ ability to break down the barriers that stand between them and a brighter, self-sufficient future. We welcome the experience and strategic thinking she brings to the board at Women Aware.”

Ms. Carnes earned a Bachelor of Nursing degree from the University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia and attended the University of Virginia Darden School of Business Executive Finance Program. An active member of the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association, she served on the steering committee which developed the Career Transformations Initiative. Ms. Carnes also served as a guest lecturer for Rutgers University’s Communicating Science course.

“My decision to join the Board of Trustees of Women Aware stems from a deep belief in the importance of empowerment, advocacy and access to resources,” explained Ms. Carnes. “I am committed to helping women reclaim their futures and to raising awareness about the services available—so that those suffering in silence, or those close to someone in need, can find a path to safety and support.”

Women Aware recently announced the appointment of Amy Broidrick as a member of its Board of Trustees. With an accomplished career in the pharmaceutical industry spanning 30 years, Ms. Broidrick is currently serving as a strategic advisor to public and private US and international pharmaceutical and biotech companies and start-ups. She also serves on the Board of Directors of Logix Biosciences.

In 2020, Ms. Broidrick was appointed as an independent, non-executive director to the Board of Qualigen Therapeutics, a Nasdaq listed clinical stage biotechnology company focused on developing rare cancer therapeutics, where she later served as President, and Board Director from 2021-2023. Prior to Qualigen, she served as Senior Vice President and Head of Corporate Development at Viking Therapeutics responsible for US and global corporate and business development functions. Previously, she was Vice President and Head of Global Marketing Excellence and Business Innovation at EMD Serono (part of Merck KGaA). From 2010 to 2012, Ms. Broidrick was Vice President and Head of Marketing and Commercialization at Arena Pharmaceuticals. She also held various roles at Merck & Co., including Global Brand Leader with P&L accountability.

“Amy brings strategic thinking, experience in board service and a personal commitment to improving the lives of victim-survivors of domestic violence and their children to Women Aware’s Board of Trustees,” said Board President Diane Palmer. “Her invaluable experience will help guide and support our goals to expand capacity and advance our mission. Amy joins the board at an exciting time and we are pleased to welcome her.”

Ms. Broidrick earned her B.A. from Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU). She completed studies at Wroxton College, England, and post-graduate coursework at FDU.

“Every adult and child deserves a safe life free of violence, with access to knowledge, shelter, educational services and healthcare,” stated Ms. Broidrick. “I am deeply moved by the positive impact of Women Aware across Middlesex County for many victim-survivors and children by listening and finding solutions, sheltering, and aiming to transform lives on a daily basis. I have seen the ravaging effect of domestic violence in loved ones and want to contribute to support survivors to move beyond abuse toward safe, self-sufficient and productive lives.”

Krystina’s commitment to victim-survivors of domestic violence stands the test of time. Having been involved a domestic violence volunteer for many years, Krystina joined the Women Aware Domestic Violence Response Team in 2022. Her work with victim-survivors of domestic violence is important because she has seen firsthand the impact it has. In terrible situations, Krystina believes even the slightest bit of information can empower a survivor and help move them beyond abuse.

When she meets with victims at the police station, Krystina brings a sense of security and optimism, encouraging them to take advantage of the services Women Aware offers, programs that help survivors to heal, gain their independence, and free themselves from an abusive situation. Krystina believes the best part of her service is advocating for victims. She recognizes that having to work with police officers and within the legal process and court system can be incredibly intimidating. She provides assurance that Women Aware is here to help navigate a difficult situation.

One case stands out in her memory. “There was a young man, approximately 20 years old, who ran out of his house in the middle of January trying to escape his abusive father.  He had no shoes, no jacket and no cell phone.  This victim had no family to assist him. He would Uber to and from work every day and pay to stay at a hotel for the night, because he had no other place to go.  This young man literally had all his chips stacked against him.  If I could have given him a chance and a roof over his head, I would have.  My heart hurt for this young man.” Krystina was glad to be in a position to connect the young man with Women Aware for supportive services.

Krystina’s other interests include crafty do-it-yourself projects in her home. At the end of the day, she enjoys sitting on her patio, enjoying the Zen of the lake behind her house, and admiring the fruits of her labor.