This week's episode, Del Rae sits down with Attorney and Domestic Violence Survivor, Heidi DeFord. Born and raised in Coon Rapids MN, Ms. De Ford graduated from the University of MN with a degree in Organizational Communication in 1992. While in college Ms. DeFord began working at Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) as a Health Unit Coordinator. This experience not only allowed Ms. DeFord to gain valuable experience it also exposed her to people from many different backgrounds, cultures, and lifestyles both with colleagues and the patients and clients served. Ms. DeFord considers this one of the most formative times of her life.

Ms. DeFord eventually transferred from HCMC to Hennepin County Economic Assistance where she worked as a Financial Worker. During her time with HC Economic Assistance, Ms. DeFord worked on a multi-disciplinary team focused on children under 10 who had had contact with law enforcement and who were deemed most at risk for continued delinquent behavior. Following this assignment Ms. DeFord worked with homeless families in HC shelters. During this time Ms. DeFord also decided to apply to law school.

Ms. DeFord attended law school while working full-time for HC and graduated in June 2003. She sat for the bar exam the same year and was admitted to practice in October 2003. Ms. DeFord also served as the American Bar Association liaison for the negotiations competition committee for 2 years. In 2019, Ms. DeFord was recruited to the Hennepin County Attorney's office. Ms. DeFord spent 13 months handling jury trials, specifically for serious personal crime felony cases. In August 2020, she transferred to the child protection division where she continues the work she loves. Ms. DeFord currently mentors several younger lawyers and handles some of the most complicated cases in the child
protection division.

Ms. DeFord endured many years of physical and emotional abuse both while she was in law school and while she was prosecuting felony domestic violence cases herself. After a serious assault, that occurred on International Women’s Day 2007, she was able to escape and thrive. Ms. DeFord often shares her survival story publicly reminding the community of the insidious nature of domestic violence.

EPISODE QUESTIONS:

1. I met you at a women's event and your story was inspiring & empowering. Share a few highlights of your life journey with us. 
2. You are a survivor of domestic violence.  How has your experience shaped you and what would you like anyone who is experiencing domestic violence right now to know?
3. What are the common myths and misconceptions about domestic violence?
4. How can we raise awareness about domestic violence and promote healthy relationships?
5. You work in a predominantly male industry.  How have you navigated this with confidence?
6. What has been a recent challenge you have overcome?
7. How has embracing your authenticity and femininity impacted you?
8. What are your top 3 values and why are they important to you?
9. You mentioned your work in child protective services can be emotionally challenging.  How have you supported your own mental health and well-being?

RESOURCES:

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, you can reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233, or text SMART to 88788. More information in regards to the National Domestic Violence Hotline and resources can be found at thehotline.org.

CONNECT:

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