Hope S.A.V.E.S.H.E.R.
About Us
Her Voice. Her Power. Her Hope.
Our Story
Hope S.A.V.E.S.H.E.R. was co-founded by Ykia Williams and Lavinia Masters, two women deeply committed to creating spaces of healing and empowerment for survivors of trauma.
Ykia Williams brings years of nonprofit leadership, advocacy, and faith-based community work. Her dedication to empowering women and building sustainable programs laid the groundwork for creating a boutique nonprofit that would meet survivors where they are, offering both practical resources and emotional support.
Lavinia Masters is a nationally recognized advocate whose own experience as a survivor led her to champion legislative reform. Her tireless work resulted in the historic Lavinia Masters Act, landmark legislation that addresses the backlog of untested rape kits and advances justice for survivors across Texas and beyond. Her story of resilience and advocacy continues to inspire and shape the mission of this organization.
Together, Ykia and Lavinia united their voices, experiences, and visions to establish Hope S.A.V.E.S.H.E.R. Their combined efforts ensure that survivors are not only heard but also given the tools, community, and hope they need to reclaim their futures.
Meet The Co-Executives
Dr. Lavinia Masters
Dr. Lavinia Masters is a pioneering advocate and survivor whose leadership led to the 2019 Lavinia Masters Act in Texas, mandating the prompt testing of rape kits. As Founder of Hope S.A.V.E.S., named in honor of her late mother, she has championed survivor empowerment and justice worldwide. In 2024, she partnered with Ykia Williams to form Hope S.A.V.E.S.H.E.R., a nonprofit dedicated to safe spaces, advocacy, and healing for women and girls.
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Ykia Williams
Ykia Williams is a Dallas/Fort Worth businesswoman, survivor, and author of Confidently Scarred. After overcoming childhood sexual assault, the struggle of not knowing her biological father, and life with a rare skin condition, she founded HER SKIN Foundation in 2019. In 2024, she partnered with advocate Dr. Lavinia Masters to rebrand the nonprofit as Hope S.A.V.E.S.H.E.R., dedicated to empowering survivors through advocacy, healing, and hope.
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“Hope S.A.V.E.S.H.E.R. was co-founded by Ykia Williams and Dr. Lavinia Masters. Our governance structure includes founder protections to safeguard their vision, while ensuring accountability through board oversight, transparency, and community trust.”
Our Mission
Our mission is to create safe spaces for minority women and girls to heal from all forms of trauma through Christ-centered care, counseling, and community. We integrate faith, prayer, and practical support to help women break cycles of pain, restore their God-given identity, and walk in freedom and purpose.
Our Vision
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We envision a world where every minority woman who has endured trauma can find safe spaces rooted in Christ’s love—places free from shame, silence, or stigma. By acknowledging her past, equipping her to rise in the present, and empowering her to reclaim her God-given future, we seek to break cycles of trauma, restore dignity, and raise up survivors as leaders who inspire hope for generations to come.
Her Voice-Every woman deserves to be heard. We provide safe spaces where survivors can break silence, share their stories, and reclaim the voice that trauma tried to take away.
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Her Power – Healing restores strength. Through Christ-centered care, community, and empowerment, survivors discover the courage and resilience within to rise above their pain.
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Her Hope – Hope is her future. Rooted in faith, we walk with women as they rebuild their lives, reminding them that their tomorrow can be filled with freedom, purpose, and joy.