Santa Fe Living Treasures – Elder Stories

On the prevention side, Gressett also teaches fourth-graders how to protect themselves against sexual assaults through the crisis center's Project Aware program. "I just feel very strongly that we need to do everything we can to raise the position of women to equality," Gressett said. "I believe in doing what I believe in and not just sitting by and mouthing sentiments."

After raising her daughter, Jessica, and working for a county welfare office in California, Gressett appreciates having time to pursue her interests now. "I just enjoy every day," she said. "I feel so lucky to wake up and not have a pain in my body and to have so many interesting things to do. It's incredible the feeling of liberation and freedom that what I do with my life is exactly how it turns out."