Since 2015, Iliana Tavera has led one of the largest domestic violence (DV) agencies in Los Angeles County. Established in 1977, Haven Hills started its Crisis Line and Outreach Program to provide DV survivors with emergency intervention, safety planning and access to resources and referrals. In 1980, Haven Hills opened a 30-Day Crisis Shelter for the many Survivors who accessed the Crisis Line or counseling but had no safe place to go. Access to this shelter program allowed survivors safety to begin their journey toward a violence-free life. Tavera has navigated the complexities of leading an organization dedicated to supporting Survivors while striving to implement innovative programs that address the complex needs of survivors and their children.
This has included revising children’s programming to address the traumatic impacts
of exposure to abuse and violence as well as provide academic support. She also led the effort to enhance community outreach serving DV survivors who are currently not in need of shelter but need access to critical DV information, support and referrals. She also leads the effort to ensure the shelter remains a beacon of safety and empowerment by providing access to counseling, and outreach services to under-served populations of DV survivors including heterosexual men, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Ques- tioning/Queer (LGBTQ+) community, and survivors of human trafficking.
Tavera also spearheads capital investments to ensure that Haven Hills facilities are welcoming and inspirational to those it serves. Her leadership is characterized by resil- ience and a commitment to creating a nurturing environment for survivors.
