Audacious Impact: Leah M. Forney Of The Well On Leading An Audacious, Visionary, Impact-Focused Program
…Adaptability. An audacious idea will likely require you to pivot and adapt as you learn and grow. With The Well, I had to continuously adjust based on the feedback from survivors and the community. Being open to change and adapting to meeting their needs allowed me to refine and expand the programs we offer…
In an era where social and environmental challenges are increasingly pressing, certain organizations stand out for their bold and innovative approaches to creating meaningful impact. These trailblazing organizations are not just meeting the status quo but are setting new standards for what can be achieved through dedicated, impact-focused programs. What does it take to pioneer such transformative initiatives, and what can others learn from their successes? I had the pleasure of interviewing Leah M. Forney. Leah is a trailblazer in sexual violence response & recovery, trauma-informed care, cultural sensitivity, and advocacy, driven by an unwavering commitment to empower survivors of sexual violence and transform communities. Her social enterprise, The Well, is designed to dismantle barriers to sexual violence education and prevention, with a strong focus on the needs of marginalized communities.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you share a bit about your background and what has led you to your current role?
Absolutely! I often say I didn’t choose this work — it chose me. I’m a survivor of sexual violence, and my journey of healing opened my eyes to how often survivors from marginalized communities are ignored, silenced, or completely misunderstood by the systems that are supposed to protect them.
I grew up in a society where conversations about sexual violence, consent, or even healthy relationships just didn’t happen. When I finally spoke up about my own assault, I wasn’t believed — not because my story lacked credibility, but because of who I was: a Black woman. That experience left me determined to make sure other survivors wouldn’t face the same dismissal.
Over the last 10 years, I’ve worn many hats — advocate, consultant, speaker, educator — but my mission has always stayed the same: to empower survivors and create spaces where people can have real, honest conversations about sexual violence, safety, and healing. I focus on cultural sensitivity because survivors from marginalized communities face unique barriers in accessing & accepting support, and I want to dismantle those barriers.
Everything I do now — whether it’s training organizations, creating resources like my R.I.S.E. Academy, or speaking on stages across the country — is rooted in that passion for making sure no survivor feels alone or unseen in their journey toward recovery.
What inspired you to start or join your organization, and what is its core mission?
The Well was born out of two things: my own personal healing journey and my frustration with how marginalized communities, especially BIPOC women, are often left out of conversations around sexual violence response, safety, and recovery. I wanted to create a space where people who’ve experienced sexual violence — particularly those who’ve been overlooked and unheard — could come to be seen, believed, and empowered to heal.
What inspired me the most was seeing the gaps in services and support. It wasn’t just about survivors needing access to resources — it was about the resources not reflecting their lived experiences. The systems in place weren’t built for us. So, I decided to build something that was.
The core mission of The Well is to provide culturally informed care and education that helps survivors move from trauma to thriving. We focus on prevention, recovery, and advocacy, centering the unique challenges that BIPOC and Indigenous communities face when it comes to accessing support. Through our workshops, resources, support groups, and advocacy work, we’re making sure that conversations about sexual violence response and recovery aren’t just happening — they’re happening in ways that resonate with the people who need them most.
At its heart, The Well is about creating impact and legacy. It’s about empowering survivors to reclaim their voices, their bodies, and their futures. We believe in a world where safety, healing, and thriving aren’t privileges — they’re basic human rights.
Could you tell us about your journey in the industry and any significant experiences that have shaped your approach to impact-focused programs?
My journey in this work is deeply personal. I’m not someone who came into the field from a place of theory or textbook knowledge — I’ve lived it. When I reported my sexual assault, I did what survivors are often told to do: trust the system. But instead of receiving support, I was mishandled by law enforcement, dismissed, and made to feel like my experience didn’t matter. As a Black woman, I wasn’t just fighting to be believed — I was fighting to be seen as worthy of protection in the first place. That trauma didn’t just break me for a time; it lit a fire in me to create change.
The fear of not being believed is something that too many survivors, especially from marginalized communities, carry with them. It’s that fear that shaped my approach to my work and inspired one of our impact-focused programs under The Well — S.A.A.V.E. ME (Sexual Assault Advocacy for Victims Everywhere). S.A.A.V.E. ME is a safe space where survivors can begin their healing journey without judgment or fear of dismissal. It’s a community that prioritizes advocacy, empowerment, and recovery. We’re focused on breaking down the systemic barriers that often prevent survivors from accessing the care and support they need.
What makes S.A.A.V.E. ME unique is that it’s not about “fixing” survivors — it’s about helping them reclaim their power. We don’t just focus on recovery; we focus on thriving. We create culturally informed spaces where survivors can be vulnerable, heard, and validated, because for so many of us, that’s where true healing starts.
My experience taught me that it’s not enough to respond to sexual violence with cookie-cutter programs. We need intentional, inclusive, and culturally responsive solutions that address the unique challenges survivors face. S.A.A.V.E. ME is one of those solutions — a space for survivors to feel safe, seen, and supported in their journey from trauma to empowerment.
Can you describe your company’s mission? Does your organization solve societal problems? If so, tell us how. What customer problems are you solving?
At The Well, our mission is clear: we provide a healing-centered space for trauma recovery, advocacy, and holistic education on sexual violence prevention, response, & recovery. Our goal is for every person, especially those from marginalized communities, to feel seen, supported, and equipped to thrive. We believe in fostering inclusion, resilience, and hope — rooted in God’s love and justice — in a way that addresses the unique challenges marginalized communities face in accessing support and healing.
Yes, The Well is actively solving societal problems. We’re addressing the systemic barriers that prevent survivors, particularly those from BIPOC communities, from receiving the care they deserve. These communities often face mistrust, neglect, or outright discrimination within healthcare systems, law enforcement, and even among peers. Our organization works to break down these barriers by creating spaces where survivors are not only believed but empowered to reclaim their voices, their health, and their futures.
The primary problems we’re solving are multifaceted. We’re providing culturally informed, trauma-centered resources and education that address sexual violence and its far-reaching impacts. We focus on prevention, recovery, and empowerment by offering programs like S.A.A.V.E. ME and developing resources for individuals and organizations to respond to sexual violence in more inclusive and effective ways. Our work is about creating access to healing, safety, and education for those who need it most — ensuring no one feels left behind in their journey toward recovery.
At the heart of it all, The Well is about giving marginalized communities the tools, the space, and the support to thrive — because healing is not just about surviving; it’s about flourishing in the fullness of who you are.
Do you have a big hairy audacious goal for your organization and its impact on the planet?
Absolutely — I have a Big Hairy Audacious Goal that is deeply close to my heart. My vision is to build a community of transitional houses for survivors of sexual violence.
Too often, survivors of sexual violence find themselves in a position where healing goes beyond the emotional and physical — they face housing instability, financial insecurity, and a lack of support that leaves them vulnerable to further trauma. Transitional housing would provide more than just a roof over their heads. It would offer a safe, healing-centered space where survivors could rebuild their lives, receive the care they need, and access the resources that empower them to thrive.
The goal is to create a network of homes where survivors can focus on their healing journey without fear of being displaced or falling through the cracks. It’s about creating a community where survivors are nurtured, supported, and given the space to rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose.
This isn’t just about housing; it’s about hope. It’s about restoring the humanity that systems too often strip away from survivors. I want to create an environment where survivors aren’t just surviving — they’re flourishing, reclaiming their power, and living out their full potential.
This is my dream for The Well and for every survivor who needs a space to heal and grow.
Can you describe one of the most audacious impact-focused programs your organization has pioneered? What was the inspiration behind it?
One of the most audacious programs we’ve pioneered is S.A.A.V.E. ME (Sexual Assaulted Advocacy for Victims Everywhere), which started in 2018 with my dear friend, Carmen Hendrix. Carmen and I were both survivors of sexual violence, and we shared a powerful belief: that our stories could be a force for change. We wanted to break the silence surrounding sexual violence and show its impact in a way that truly resonated with others.
The inspiration for S.A.A.V.E. ME came from our desire to create a platform that didn’t just talk about sexual violence but also showed the real, raw experiences of those who live with its aftermath. We teamed up to create a series of Public Service Announcements (PSAs) to bring these conversations to the forefront. We wanted to use our voices to help others feel seen, heard, and validated, especially in a world that often dismisses survivors’ stories. Carmen and I were determined to ensure that survivors weren’t just statistics — they were human beings worthy of support and healing.
Tragically, Carmen passed away in September 2018 from domestic violence, but her legacy lives on through the work we started. Today, S.A.A.V.E. ME continues what Carmen and I began by offering survivors a safe space to recover through our 12-week From Pain to Power Survivor Recovery Group. This group is designed to support survivors in transforming their trauma into strength and power.
In addition, we’re planning our upcoming charity event, Courage Couture Fashion Show, happening in October 2025, which will provide further opportunities for survivors to showcase their resilience and strength. This event is a celebration of healing, empowerment, and hope for all survivors.
S.A.A.V.E. ME is more than just a program; it’s a movement, a promise that no survivor will ever have to walk their journey alone. It’s an audacious act of love, justice, and healing — and it’s exactly what Carmen and I set out to create.
What were the biggest challenges you faced while developing and implementing this program, and how did you overcome them?
Developing and implementing S.A.A.V.E. ME came with its fair share of challenges, but two of the biggest ones were funding and avoiding conflicts of interest.
When I first started this program, everything was coming out of my pocket. I was determined to make an impact, but without external funding or support, it was a tough road. I had to stretch every dollar and pour everything I had — both financially and emotionally — into getting it off the ground. But with time, commitment, and a clear mission, I’ve built a steady and consistent income stream for The Well. This has allowed us to grow the program in a way that’s sustainable, enabling us to reach even more survivors and offer the support they need.
The second challenge was navigating potential conflicts of interest. At the time I was developing S.A.A.V.E. ME, I was working for a nonprofit that was doing similar work, which could have led to overlapping efforts and blurred lines. To maintain my integrity and ensure I could focus on both my work and my passion project, I pitched an opportunity to my employer to reimagine my role. Instead of working directly for them, I proposed working as a consultant. This shift gave me the freedom, flexibility, and autonomy to pursue my vision for The Well and S.A.A.V.E. ME, while still contributing to the nonprofit in a way that aligned with both my values and their mission. It was a win-win situation — I was able to respect my professional commitments while having the space to grow my own vision.
These challenges were hard, but they also shaped my resilience and my ability to pivot and find creative solutions. Today, those early struggles fuel my passion for helping survivors, and they remind me that every challenge can be an opportunity to grow and create something bigger.
Tell us how your program has been received by customers. What struggles have you had generating customer interest? Please share what successes you’ve had with customers.
The response to S.A.A.V.E. ME has been overwhelmingly positive, but like any impactful program, there have been both struggles and successes.
When we first launched the program, one of the biggest hurdles was generating interest and awareness. Sexual violence is still a deeply stigmatized topic, and for many survivors, it can feel incredibly isolating to even seek out help. I realized that the process of engaging customers was about much more than just marketing a service. It was about creating trust and building a space where survivors felt truly seen and heard. To overcome this, I focused on sharing our personal stories — mine and the stories of others who’ve been impacted by sexual violence. By offering authentic, relatable experiences, we built a community of people who knew they weren’t alone. This has been essential in overcoming the fear of reaching out for help.
We’ve also been intentional about addressing the unique needs of marginalized communities. Through culturally informed outreach and a strong emphasis on safety and empowerment, S.A.A.V.E. ME has become a trusted resource for many survivors, particularly in communities that often don’t have access to the support they need.
One of the greatest successes we’ve had is the growth of our 12-week From Pain to Power Survivor Recovery Group. Survivors have found this group to be a transformative experience, where they not only heal but begin to rebuild their lives with power and purpose. The feedback has been incredible, with many participants sharing how the group has helped them reclaim their voice, process their trauma, and step into their strength.
We’ve also seen a great response to our upcoming Courage Couture Fashion Show event, which is a celebration of survivors’ resilience. This event has become a powerful platform for raising awareness about sexual violence while honoring survivors’ journeys. It’s been a beautiful way to bring together people from all walks of life to support this cause and show that survivors can thrive, not just survive.
While the journey hasn’t always been easy, seeing the impact of S.A.A.V.E. ME on survivors’ lives has been incredibly rewarding. The program continues to evolve as we listen to our participants and adapt to their needs. I’m proud of how far we’ve come, but there’s still so much more we can do to expand our reach and offer healing to even more survivors.
How do you measure the customer success, business success and impact of your programs? Can you share any specific metrics or outcomes?
Measuring success for both our customers and the business is essential to ensuring that S.A.A.V.E. ME is making a meaningful impact. For our customers — the survivors — success is about their ability to heal, reclaim their power, and move forward with purpose.
One key way we measure success is through feedback and surveys from participants in our From Pain to Power Survivor Recovery Group. We ask survivors to reflect on their emotional well-being, progress made, and their outlook on the future after completing the group. The majority report feeling more empowered, hopeful, and confident in their ability to heal and advocate for themselves. We also track the number of participants who return for ongoing support, which is a great indicator of the program’s long-term impact.
In terms of business success, we measure by tracking metrics like program enrollment, repeat participation, and community engagement. Since Courage Couture Fashion Show will be our first charity event, we’re looking forward to measuring its success through attendance, donations, and the level of community involvement. This event will be a huge milestone for us, and we’re excited to see how it will expand our reach and raise awareness about the impact of sexual violence and the resilience of survivors.
Additionally, we track the growth of our partnerships and collaborations. Each new partnership represents an opportunity to provide more survivors with the resources they need and amplify our mission.
Ultimately, the most important measure of success is seeing survivors walk away from our programs feeling empowered, equipped, and ready to thrive. When they share that they feel heard, respected, and supported, that’s the most powerful outcome for us.
How do you ensure that your programs are sustainable and scalable over the long term?
Ensuring the sustainability and scalability of our programs is at the heart of everything we do. The impact we want to make is long-term, so we focus on building a solid foundation that can grow and evolve with the needs of the survivors we serve.
One of the key ways we ensure sustainability is by diversifying our funding sources. In the beginning, everything was funded out of pocket, but as we’ve grown, we’ve worked on developing consistent streams of income, including grants, donations, and fundraising events like the Courage Couture Fashion Show. These efforts not only help us maintain the programs we currently offer but also allow us to expand and offer new services to survivors.
We also prioritize building strong, meaningful partnerships and collaborations. By working with other organizations, businesses, and community leaders, we can extend our reach, share resources, and create a network of support that helps us scale our impact. These partnerships are crucial for long-term growth, as they help amplify our message and resources without stretching our internal capacity too thin.
Another strategy for sustainability is continuously evaluating and adapting our programs based on the feedback we receive from survivors and the community. This ensures that we are meeting the needs of the people we serve, while also making necessary adjustments to stay relevant and effective in an ever-changing landscape. It’s about being flexible and responsive to what survivors need at different stages of their healing journey.
Finally, we aim to create programs that empower survivors to become active participants in their own healing process. The more we can equip survivors with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to thrive, the more sustainable the impact will be, even beyond our direct services. Empowering survivors means they can become advocates in their own right, helping to create a ripple effect of healing and advocacy in their communities.
By diversifying our resources, fostering collaboration, and continuously adapting to the needs of survivors, we are confident that our programs will not only be sustainable but scalable, allowing us to reach and impact even more survivors in the years to come.
What are your “5 Things You Need To Bring An Audacious Idea to Fruition”? If you can, please share a story or example for each.
1 . Clarity of Purpose
You need to be crystal clear on why your idea matters and how it aligns with your values. This clarity guides every decision and keeps you focused on the mission. For me, it was the understanding that S.A.A.V.E. ME was created to provide a safe space for survivors to heal and reclaim their power — everything I’ve done with the program has been driven by that clarity.
2 . Passion and Resilience
Passion fuels your journey, and resilience is what keeps you moving forward when things get tough. When I started The Well, I faced many hurdles, including funding and resistance, but my passion for helping survivors and my belief in the importance of healing-centered care kept me going, even when things seemed impossible.
3 . Support System
You can’t do it alone. Building a strong support network of people who believe in your vision and are willing to help in various ways is crucial. For S.A.A.V.E. ME, my dear friend Carmen Hendrix was a huge support. Together, we launched the program, and her untimely passing reminded me of the importance of having people who not only help you but keep you grounded.
4 . Financial Resources
Ideas need financial backing to take off. Whether it’s funding, grants, or partnerships, having the right financial resources is key. I remember funding the early days of S.A.A.V.E. ME out of pocket, but as I built partnerships and developed consistent income streams, the program became sustainable and scalable.
5 . Adaptability
An audacious idea will likely require you to pivot and adapt as you learn and grow. With The Well, I had to continuously adjust based on the feedback from survivors and the community. Being open to change and adapting to meeting their needs allowed me to refine and expand the programs we offer.
What piece of advice would you give to other organizations looking to pioneer their own impact-focused programs?
My biggest piece of advice would be to stay grounded in your mission and be patient with the process. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of launching something new, but true, lasting impact requires time, effort, and consistency.
Ensure that you’re always listening to the community you’re serving. The most successful programs are those that are shaped by the real needs and feedback of the people who will be directly impacted by your work. You don’t have to have all the answers from the start — the most important thing is to start, learn, and adapt.
Also, don’t underestimate the importance of collaboration. Surround yourself with people and organizations who share your vision and can help you expand your reach and resources. Your impact will be greater when you work together rather than going it alone.
Finally, take care of yourself and your team. You’re leading a mission that’s focused on the well-being of others, but it’s easy to overlook your own well-being in the process. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so make sure you have the support, self-care, and boundaries in place to sustain your efforts over the long haul.
Can you share a story of someone who has inspired you in your journey?
There are three incredible women who have deeply inspired my journey.
First, my mother, Nicole Forney. She was a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, and her struggles with addiction until the day she passed away opened my eyes to the profound challenges many survivors face, especially when they don’t receive the healing and support they deserve. Her story drives my work because I see the importance of offering survivors the tools to heal — something she didn’t have access to.
Second, my nana Willetta Daniels. She has always been my unwavering cheerleader, supporting me in everything from writing my books to my advocacy and activism work. She was, and still is, my number one fan. Her belief in me, coupled with her constant prayers, have been a powerful source of strength as I continue on this journey.
Lastly, Reverend Shirrell McNeill, my spiritual mother, has been an irreplaceable force in my life. She was the first person I turned to after I was sexually assaulted. She was the one who reminded me that it wasn’t my fault and gave me the courage to report my assault. She stood right behind me when I spoke publicly for the first time at a Take Back The Night event, one year after my assault. Her unwavering faith in me was the catalyst for my voice being heard and for me standing in my truth.
These women have shaped who I am today, and their support, love, and guidance continue to fuel my mission to help survivors heal and thrive.
How can our readers further follow your work or your company online?
Absolutely! You can follow me on all social media platforms @LeahMForney. You can email me directly at [email protected]. To learn more about my work and S.A.A.V.E. Me visit my website at www.leahmforney.com.
This was great. Thanks for taking time for us to learn more about you and your business. We wish you continued success!
Audacious Impact: Leah M Forney Of The Well On Leading An Audacious, Visionary, Impact-Focused Pro was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.