Doreen G. Lesane is a seasoned Educator, Trainer and Public Speaker. She is the Founder and CEO of Sunshine in My Living Room and has created a “SPEAK UP” against domestic violence campaign where she is committed to being open and frank about this controversial topic. Her book, “THRIVER: My Story To Tell: What Domestic Violence Taught Me and How I Learned To Live” is a beautifully written account of her journey from neglect and abuse to a leading advocate against domestic and sexual abuse in New York City. She was Keynote Speaker at NYPD 15th Annual Domestic Violence Conference (2016) and has conducted training/ lectures on Intimate Partner Violence throughout the City in various environments of law enforcement, medical, higher education, faith based organizations, substance abuse treatment programs, CBOs and NGOs in both the private and public sector at federal, state and local levels. Her professional experience includes but is not limited to nine years with the New York City Department of Education; providing academic and educational services to the residents of Green Hope Services For Women Inc., (residential treatment program for formerly incarcerated women) where she established a College Awareness Program for clients and conducted outreach within other agencies including Rikers Island Correctional Facility. She operated three years as a Service Provider (Domestic Violence) under the NYSOARS/ ATR 3 Initiative, where she also assisted with creating the Policy and Procedure manual and is currently with an intensive residential treatment program for women and provided Domestic Violence and Trauma Recovery for both men and women. She is also a certified Rape Crisis Advocate and volunteered with the North Bronx Health Network where she facilitates the care of rape survivors in the Emergency Department. She has received numerous awards for her work in the community from local elected officials such as the New York City Public Advocate Leticia James, the Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., and Community Board #9 in the Bronx as well as from the North Bronx Health Network at North Central Bronx Hospital as Volunteer of the Year 2015 for her work as a Volunteer Rape Crisis Advocate. Doreen was Nominated by the NYPD Domestic Violence Unit as a NYC 2017 Domestic Violence Advocate then recognized by the Mayor’s office to Combat Domestic Violence for her advocacy work and commitment to educating others on domestic violence. In 2018, 700 copies of her book THRIVER: My Story To Tell were purchased by the NYPD Domestic Violence Unit and she has appeared on several cable shows discussing how bot her journey and how Domestic Violence/Intimate Partner Violence impacts the family structure and the community at large. Doreen is an engaged and influential leader in her immediate community and within the City of New York. She continues to create and organize community events to advocate, educate and spread awareness about domestic violence throughout the five boroughs and lower Westchester County.