Victim/Witness Coordinator Patty J. Boardwine Receives Social Justice Award from Community Coalition Against Human Trafficking
During its Annual “Ignite a Force” Dinner and Fundraiser held at The Pavilion at Hunter Valley Farms on October 27, 2016, the Community Coalition Against Human Trafficking (CCAHT) surprised Victim/Witness Coordinator Patty J. Boardwine by presenting her with its A Force For Change: Social Justice Award. District Attorney General Charme Allen and many DA Staff members were also in attendance during this momentous occasion.
A 1987 graduate of the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science, Patty has worked with victims of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence since receiving her degree. In addition to being the Victim/Witness Coordinator for the Knox County DA’s Office since 2006, Patty is an active member of the Board of Directors for CCAHT. While working at the DA’s Office, she has been instrumental in ensuring that all victims who deal with our Office are provided with knowledge of their rights under Tennessee law and compensation where appropriate.
Kate Trudell, the Executive Director of CCAHT, stated the following with regards to Patty receiving the Social Justice Award:
“The Community Coalition has been working in the social services field for nearly seven years, and our work has always been about ensuring all people are free from injustice and exploitation. We exist with the belief that ‘injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,’ and our goal is to fight for the inherent humanity possessed by each person we serve. We recognize that this goal is challenging, and historically legal infrastructures and service providers have often gotten it wrong, leaving those who need our help the most paying the price.
It is difficult and burdensome to have a heart for serving others and to make change within systems that serve others, and oftentimes that work goes unnoticed and un-thanked. So, we wanted to celebrate and recognize someone in our community at the forefront of this honorable work. Someone who has and is challenging inefficient systems, pushing for innovation, and inspiring individuals and organizations to work harder and smarter in pursuit of social justice.
After Patty Boardwine was nominated and unanimously selected, we were thrilled to honor her as the first ever recipient of the CCAHT’s A Force for Change: Social Justice Award. Patty’s career has been dedicated to advocating for those who have no voice, upholding the dignity of each person, pushing for change and innovation in social services, and inspiring others with her wisdom and determination. We could not be more proud to have Patty as part of the CCAHT family and to celebrate her accomplishments.”
Indeed, Patty’s career has been defined by her devotion to crime victims and her staunch commitment to helping them receive compassion and justice. She is a compellingly deserving recipient of this award, and General Allen and Staff also could not be more proud of her. Congratulations, Patty!
[Background Photo Credit: Erin Morrison Photography]