Meet Leah Forney | Disruptor of Sexual Violence Systems, Advocate, & Activist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Leah Forney and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Leah, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
My business, through the SAAVE Me Movement, addresses the critical issue of sexual violence, particularly within marginalized communities, by creating safe, culturally informed spaces for survivors. We focus on advocacy, education, and prevention through community-based initiatives such as survivor support groups, survivor speak-outs, and an upcoming run/walk. My work centers on dismantling the systemic barriers that disproportionately impact BIPOC and Indigenous survivors of sexual violence, ensuring that their unique needs are met with trauma-informed, culturally sensitive care. By offering services like training and workshops, strategic consulting for organizations, institutions, & entities, I amplify the voices of survivors and equip professionals with tools to foster safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for all. Our impact extends beyond just supporting individuals; we aim to shift societal perceptions of sexual violence and reimagine what survivor recovery looks like, ensuring it is rooted in healing, justice, and equity for all.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business is rooted in a mission to disrupt, educate, and empower. I lead two key brands: the SAAVE Me Movement and the Disruptive Justice Collective. Together, they focus on advocating for survivors of sexual violence, particularly in marginalized communities, and reimagining justice through healing and systemic change.

What sets us apart is our culturally-informed approach. We recognize that sexual violence disproportionately impacts BIPOC and Indigenous communities, and our work ensures that survivors receive care that reflects their unique cultural experiences. We provide survivor support programs, training, and strategic solutions to organizations, helping them foster inclusivity, recovery-oriented healing, and a safer environment for everyone.

Additionally, Disruptive Justice Collective pushes boundaries by calling for equity within the criminal justice system and holding systems accountable. We work to dismantle harmful narratives and build a world where survivors’ voices are not just heard but amplified.

Getting here wasn’t easy. As a Black woman, I faced countless hurdles, from not being believed in my own experience with sexual violence to navigating the complexities of starting a business in a space where systemic oppression often silences voices like mine.

I overcame these challenges by leaning on my resilience, faith, and a community of advocates who helped lift me up. Each setback taught me that transformation is possible when you’re willing to challenge the status quo. I’m proud to say that despite the challenges, I’ve turned my pain into power and have become a beacon for others on a similar journey.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that healing and justice must be intersectional. We cannot address sexual violence without looking at how race, gender, and socioeconomic status influence the experiences of survivors. I want the world to know that both SAAVE Me and the Disruptive Justice Collective exist not just to serve but to transform. We are here to build legacies of resilience, hope, and justice.

This journey is deeply personal, and my work is dedicated to ensuring no survivor feels alone or silenced. My brands are a testament to the fact that change is possible—if we dare to be disruptive.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I have so many favorite spots in the RDU area. I am foodie. Here are some of my favorite restaurants to go to: Kales Kitchen, Mr. E’s Kitchen & Catering, Waffle House, and Briggs Restaurant. If I could give an itinerary for a week long trip, it would be as follows: Breakfast at Briggs Restaurant followed by a trip to the Distillery Tour in the afternoon for wine tasting, lunch at It’s a Southern Thing, Then you can take a nap, and dinner at Kales Kitchen or Mr. E. Kitchen and Catering.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate this shout to every survivor of sexual violence whose pain has gone unheard, ignored, and invalidated. I want you to know that I see you, I hear you, and I am fighting for you. I would like also dedicate this shout out to my mentor Dr. Kamila Alexander for her continuous support in my career and pushing me towards greatness. I would like to dedicate this shout out to my sista circle: Victoria Henderson, LaToya Burris, Chelsea Hood, Melissa Webb, Erika Nicole Brown, Ashley Reed, Asia Brooks, & Olivia Smith. I truly appreciate each and every one of you for your continuous love and support.

Website: https://www.leahmforney.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/@leah_m_forney

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-forney-3b089814

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leahmforney

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@saavememovement1227

Image Credits
Theresa Mitchell
Shenna Hair of Shair Photography