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Mariah Cabrera, who graduated from Westfield in 2020 with a degree in criminal justice and sociology, soon found her way into a role as a victim advocate at Westover, the Air Force base located in Chicopee, MA. Cabrera plays a crucial role in being available to talk and work through many complex situations 24 hours a day.  

Her phone is never silenced because the weight of the calls she receives warrants immediate response. Cabrera serves as the 439th Airlift Wing’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) victim advocate. She is a comforting presence for those who need support, resources, or even something as simple as hope when people are at a loss, after a sexual assault or harassment. In an article with Airman 1st Class Jahnae Holmes, Cabrera discusses an impactful quote, “I’ve always had a strong sense of service and justice…This role allows me to combine those two passions—to serve people and help them find their own path to healing.” Cabrera also discusses a crucial aspect of victim advocacy: meeting people where they are, in that immediate moment. For Cabrera, sometimes that is just being a person they can talk to. Cabrera also coordinates outreach for the SAPR services, ensuring that everyone is aware of the available resources, regardless of their specific needs.  

Mariah Cabrera, thank you for your hard work and dedication to helping others. Providing services like this cannot be easy, so we appreciate all that you do every day!  

To read more about Mariah, click the link here