Executive Director Marquiepta Odom-Williams and her team at YWCA Greater Memphis continue to set a powerful standard for advocacy, community engagement, and survivor-centered leadership. Through thoughtfully curated events and impactful fundraisers, the organization consistently honors its supporters while amplifying awareness for survivors of domestic violence and the vital services the YWCA provides. Most recently, the organization welcomed actress, author, and wellness advocate Tabitha Brown, whose presence and wisdom added another meaningful layer to an already mission-driven gathering.
As YWCA Greater Memphis remains deeply rooted in community care, its work is now intersecting with a historic shift in state policy. On January 1, 2026, Tennessee launched the nation’s first domestic violence offender registry, a publicly searchable database focused on repeat offenders. The registry was established under Savanna’s Law, signed by Governor Bill Lee in May 2025 and named in honor of Savanna Puckett, a Robertson County deputy killed by her ex-boyfriend in 2022 after a documented history of domestic violence arrests. According to Williams, the registry carries particular weight for Memphis, a city that continues to rank among the highest in the nation for domestic violence cases. For communities like Memphis, she emphasizes, accountability and protection for vulnerable populations must remain a top priority.
Williams’ leadership philosophy is grounded in empathy, listening, and empowerment. Her approach has been shaped by years of hearing survivors’ stories and witnessing firsthand the systemic barriers they face. Under her guidance, YWCA Greater Memphis prioritizes trauma-informed care, strong community partnerships, and long-term solutions that restore dignity and safety. Advocacy, she believes, is not a moment but a sustained commitment to policy change, awareness, and equity.
The new offender registry represents a meaningful step forward for survivors. By increasing transparency and accountability, it helps remove the secrecy that often allows abuse to persist. For survivors, it offers an added layer of protection and validation. For Memphis, it strengthens prevention efforts in a city already grappling with economic hardship, housing instability, and limited access to resources. Williams views the registry not only as a tool for justice, but as a signal that domestic violence will no longer be minimized or ignored.
Despite progress, survivors in Memphis continue to face urgent challenges. Housing insecurity, financial dependence, limited legal access, and overextended support systems remain daily realities. YWCA Greater Memphis addresses these needs by operating Shelby County’s only 24-hour emergency domestic violence shelter, offering confidential safety, case management, child advocacy, and mental health services. The organization also provides one-on-one advocacy to help survivors navigate court systems and protective orders, alongside education programs focused on healthy relationships and prevention. Economic empowerment remains central to this work, with employment support and financial literacy programs designed to help survivors achieve independence and long-term stability.
In celebration of resilience and collective strength, YWCA Greater Memphis will host a Tea Party on March 22, 2026. The event will spotlight girl and women power through an empowering atmosphere filled with connection, inspiration, and visibility. Attendees can expect an uplifting experience featuring local leaders, meaningful conversation, and performances, all in support of raising awareness for the YWCA and survivors of domestic violence. Creating spaces like this, Williams notes, is essential for fostering confidence, representation, and community healing.
Carrying the emotional weight of this work requires intention and care. Williams draws strength from the resilience of survivors, her faith, reflection, and the importance of setting healthy boundaries. To women navigating their own healing journeys, her message is simple and affirming: healing has no timeline, every step forward matters, and peace and joy are deserved.
Support for YWCA Greater Memphis extends far beyond city limits. Readers and allies across the country can contribute through donations, advocacy, awareness sharing, and corporate or organizational partnerships. Speaking openly about domestic violence, supporting survivor-centered legislation, and leading with compassion in everyday spaces all play a role in strengthening the safety net for survivors everywhere.
Through leadership, policy advocacy, and unwavering community commitment, YWCA Greater Memphis continues to remind us that ending domestic violence is a collective responsibility, and that real change begins when survivors are seen, supported, and empowered.
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