We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Erin Brassard. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Erin below.
Erin , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I found my purpose through healing from my trauma and turning my pain into something meaningful. Fro m the age of 17 to 24 I was raped numerous times. I felt completely broken. For a long time, I coped in ways that weren’t healthy—through alcohol and avoidance—because I didn’t know another way to deal with the pain. But as I slowly started my healing journey, over a decade later, I realized that I wasn’t alone. So many survivors were suffering in silence, carrying shame that was never theirs to hold.
My purpose came to life when I decided to fight for other survivors—to ensure they had the support, resources, and community that I so desperately needed when I was younger. STAND ASA was born out of that mission. Every retreat, wellness workshop, and peer support session we offer is designed to help survivors reclaim their power, their voice, and their hope. I do everything I can to change the statistic that 1 in 2 girls experience sexual violence before the age of 16.
My purpose isn’t just about healing—it’s about fighting to end the silence and hold perpetrators accountable. Sexual violence thrives in secrecy, in a culture that protects abusers and shames survivors into silence. I refuse to let that continue. Through education, advocacy, and community action, I work to create a world where survivors are believed, justice is served, and no one has to suffer in the shadows.
I also found my purpose in the love of my nieces, daughters, and the athletes I coach. They remind me why I fight so hard—because no one should have to go through what I did, and those who have deserve a space to heal without shame. My purpose is to show survivors that what happened to them was never their fault and that they are worthy of healing, love, and joy.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am the founder of STAND Against Sexual Assault, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual violence through peer support, preventing sexual violence through educational, and promoting healing through holistic wellness programs. As a survivor myself, I know firsthand how isolating and devastating the aftermath of trauma can be. That’s why I created STAND—to be the resource I needed when I was younger, to fight against the silence that allows sexual violence to persist, and to ensure that every survivor knows that what happened to them was never their fault.
STAND ASA is run by survivors, for survivors. We understand the deep, lasting impact of sexual violence because we’ve lived it, and that’s why our peer support program is at the heart of what we do. Through one-on-one and group peer support sessions, we provide survivors with a safe, non-judgmental space to share their experiences, connect with others who truly understand, and receive guidance from those who have walked a similar path. Healing doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens in community. Our program ensures that no survivor has to navigate their journey alone, offering compassion, understanding, and empowerment every step of the way.
At STAND, we know that everyone’s healing journey is unique and what works for one person may not be a fit for another. We offer a variety of trauma-informed workshops, wellness retreats, and support groups designed to help survivors heal mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. From art therapy, rage release and self-defense workshops to breathwork, SIT, Equine Therapy and yoga sessions, we provide a variety of holistic approaches to healing.
One of our biggest upcoming projects is the Women’s Finding Joy Retreat in July 2025, a three-day immersive healing retreat that will provide survivors with tools to reclaim their joy and well-being in a safe, supportive environment. We are also launching the Girls Finding Courage, Connection, and Confidence Retreat, a specialized program for young adults aged 14-17.
Another major focus is fighting to end the silence and holding perpetrators accountable. Sexual violence is far too common—with 2 in 3 women in Alberta having experienced it sexual violence—and yet so many survivors suffer alone, feeling shame for something that was never their fault. Through our education initiatives, advocacy work, and healing programs, STAND is working to change that.
I’m incredibly proud of the work we do, and I’m always looking for ways to expand our impact. STAND ASA relies heavily on donations to provide life-changing peer support, healing retreats, and trauma-informed workshops for survivors. Every dollar goes directly toward creating safe spaces where survivors can heal, rebuild their confidence, and find community. Please consider making a donation to STAND ASA—your generosity helps ensure that no survivor has to navigate their healing journey alone.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey were passion, determination, and a willingness to learn.
Passion and determination were everything when I first had the idea for STAND ASA. So many people told me I couldn’t start a charity, questioning my educational background as if lived experience wasn’t enough. But I always believed that my life experience as a survivor was the most valuable qualification I could have. If you know your purpose and what you want to do, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it.
The second key was a willingness to learn. I didn’t know how to run a nonprofit, organize retreats, or build programs when I started—but I researched, asked questions, and figured it out step by step. If you don’t have the knowledge, find the people who do. Surround yourself with those who are willing to help, and never be afraid to ask for guidance.
My biggest advice to those starting their own journey is to never give up on your dreams. There will be obstacles, doubters, and moments when you question yourself—but if you keep pushing forward, learning, and believing in your mission, you’ll create something truly impactful.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes, we are always looking for passionate individuals and organizations to collaborate with! Whether you want to volunteer, become a donor, or offer a service that could support survivors, there are so many ways to get involved. One of the most powerful things you can do is help spread the word—let people know who we are, what we do, and why it matters.
Beyond direct support, we encourage everyone to educate themselves about sexual violence—how to support survivors, how to prevent it, and how to break the cycle of silence and shame that society has upheld for far too long. For too long, our culture has relied on a protection-based approach to combating sexual violence, which has only reinforced silence and stigma. Instead, we need to shift towards education, awareness, and open conversations.
At STAND ASA, we offer free educational workshops to help individuals, families, and communities understand the realities of sexual violence and how to take action. Talk to your kids. Learn how to support survivors. Help us end the silence. Survivors need to know that they are seen, heard, and believed.
If you’re reading this and want to collaborate, please reach out! Together, we can create real change.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://standasa.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stand.asa/#
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/standd.asa
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@STANDasa-yyc
Image Credits
Angie Anderson
Alyse Lakeman
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
