Strength Through Strides
Reframing the Narrative. Creating Change. Empowering Survivors.
Our Mission
Strength Through Strides is dedicated to shifting the conversation around sexual violence. We work to prevent assaults, empower survivors to share their stories without shame, and drive real, measurable change through community action, resource provision, and policy advocacy.
The Challenge We Face
Too many survivors of sexual violence are forced into silence, left without justice or support. The statistics are staggering:
For every 6 women, 1 is raped
1 in 4 college women are sexually assaulted
Men pursuing higher education are 5x more likely to be sexually assaulted
Fewer than 20% of rapes are ever reported
70% of rape or sexual assault victims experience moderate to severe distress—a larger percentage than for any other violent crime
For every 100 rapes, 99 will never see justice
These aren’t just numbers—they represent real people whose lives have been forever altered. Our society continues to stigmatize survivors rather than celebrating their strength and resilience.
Our Three-Step Solution
1
Changing the Narrative
We’re reframing how the world sees sexual violence—focusing on resilience instead of victimization. STS is all about transforming the way people think about survivors—not as victims to be pitied, but as powerful individuals who have overcome extraordinary challenges.
Groundbreaking Multimedia Projects
Docuseries, short films, and interviews featuring survivor voices
Public Awareness Campaigns
Viral endurance feats like the world’s first marathon crawl and the Mattress Marathon
Speaking Engagements
Bringing survivor-centered education to schools, workplaces, and major platforms
2
Building Survivor-Led Communities
We foster safe spaces where survivors and allies can connect, heal, and create lasting change together.
Denim Day 5K Race Series
A nationwide running event to honor survivors (Launching 2026)
Survivor Retreats & Workshops
Connecting survivors with safe spaces that offer healing and retreats
Support Networks
Connecting survivors to local, national, and global resources
3
Fighting for Policy Reform
We work at the highest levels of government to push for stronger protections and accountability for survivors.
Texas House of Representatives
Testifying for a bipartisan legal definition of consent and elimination of statute of limitations
U.S. Senate Advocacy
Pushing for the SOS Campus Safety Act with bipartisan support
Coalition Building
Working with legislators across party lines, including teams from Sen. Bill Cassidy, Sen. Mazie Hirono, Sen. Joni Ernst, and others
Meet the Founder: Summer Willis
Survivor. Advocate. Record-Breaking Endurance Athlete. Filmmaker. Legislative Champion.
Summer Willis is a force in the fight to end sexual violence. A survivor of sexual assault and domestic abuse, she found healing through endurance sports—using physical feats to create global conversations about trauma, resilience, and justice.
- World Record Holder — First person to crawl a marathon to raise awareness for survivors
- World Record Holder — Ran a marathon while carrying a mattress, symbolizing the burden survivors often bear
- 29 Marathons in One Year — Completed a nationwide running campaign to fund survivor retreats and policy change
Today, Summer is working to reform the system by championing landmark legislation, including The Summer Willis Act and the SOS Campus Safety Act. Her journey has taken her from the pavement to the halls of Congress, where she fights tirelessly for bipartisan policy reform that will protect survivors and hold perpetrators accountable.
Through Strength Through Strides, she is ensuring that no survivor feels alone—and that every story sparks change.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Survivors deserve to be heard. Change doesn’t happen in silence. Whether you run, donate, advocate, or simply listen—you are part of the movement.
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She did, because she could.
Supporting resilient women + important causes around the world.
THANK YOU FROM STRENGTH THROUGH STRIDES
