Learn how this CHANGE court is literally saving lives!
EmpowerU Studio at Frame USA225 Northland Blvd
Cincinnati, Ohio 45246
To Watch A Complete Recording of This Class Click Here
Judge Heather Russell’s CHANGE Court treats people caught up in the web of human trafficking as victims rather than criminals. Both local Police and Representatives are very supportive of this endeavor. Judge Russell will share a video in which Senator Rob Portman visited the court and several survivors shared their experiences with him. Learn firsthand how this CHANGE court is literally saving lives by helping rather than incarcerating those less fortunate among us!
Judge Russell addresses the trauma, homelessness, mental and physical health of prostituted persons, all of whom are also fighting addiction. During the two year program, CHANGE Court graduates gain housing, jobs, self-esteem and sobriety, they re- connected with their families and reclaim their lives.
EDUCATION: 1980 Miami University of Ohio, 1983 University of Cincinnati College of Law; Urban Morgan Institute of International Human Rights Fellow
EXPERIENCE: 2014 Created and currently presiding over CHANGE Court, an Ohio-Supreme-Court-certified specialty court for Sex Trafficked victims. 2011 – 2016 Chief Justice O’Connor Appointee, Ohio Supreme Court Domestic Violence Advisory Committee
ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 2015 Sohsza Award for female leadership, nominated by Women Helping Women 2016 Keynote speaker for Cincinnati’s commemoration of National Police Memorial Week. 2018 Judge Julia Stautberg Award from Cincinnati Bar Association’s Women Lawyers Section, “In Recognition of Outstanding Female Counselor for her Exemplary Service and Accomplishments”
Married since 1985; mother of two grown sons.
