New Leadership at OPS

In early 2023, Rekina Perry will be taking over as Executive Director at OPS!

Rekina has been part of the OPS community for years, and there could not be a more perfect next step for this organization.

We’ll be holding an event (date TBA) to celebrate Rekina and OPS, and will share much more information then. In the meantime, Rekina has shared a little about her vision and priorities for OPS.

This includes increasing support for staff, promoting equitable and livable wages, and providing structure amid the transitions. “If the people who are doing this work are not taken care of, it trickles down to the survivors we serve. And we want to support the survivors the most, that’s paramount,” Rekina said, addressing the impact that wellness among staff has on the work we do.

Rekina is also interested in raising awareness about OPS, stating, “A lot of people need to know there is an organization like OPS. We’re one of a kind, honestly.” Rekina shared the impact OPS had on her and how the women who worked with her, including some current staff, were a huge part of her own journey. She sees this in the way OPS as a community supports survivors, stating, “We ride with these women no matter what.”

One important aspect of OPS that Rekina wanted to highlight is its goal to meet people where they are at. “The one thing I love about this program is we help people wherever they are,” Rekina said. “They have the compass, right, they let us know where they are and what they need help with.” This nonjudgmental approach to service delivery is one Rekina wants to use to run OPS as well. She argues that unconditional love and a safe, judgement-free space allows us to improve ourselves and strengthen community. “The things that are uncomfortable help us grow and really help us expand our perception of good, bad — of the judgments that we made.”

Please join us in welcoming Rekina to her new role!