written by: Elizabeth Waite, F2F Intern Spring 2025
Tricia Russell’s journey with Fear 2 Freedom began over a decade ago when she was invited by Rosemary Trible to a luncheon focused on introducing people to the organization and recruiting volunteers for its first gala. Moved by a powerful video shown at the luncheon, Tricia agreed to serve as one of the gala’s co-chairs.
Following her role as co-chair, Tricia joined Fear 2 Freedom as the marketing director, taking on additional responsibilities typically associated with a director. Tricia held this position for approximately three and a half years. During her leadership, she navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, which taught her an important lesson: “One of the reasons that Fear 2 Freedom is so important is because COVID did not stop sexual assault from happening on college campuses.” While the organization underwent many changes during her time there, the pandemic presented one of the most significant adjustments. Social distancing restrictions made it difficult for colleges to host large-scale sexual assault prevention training, creating a barrier to education and awareness. Because of this, they pivoted to creating virtual programs to continue educating students.
Tricia’s connection to Fear 2 Freedom is also personal—each of her three sons attended an Hour 2 Empower event when they reached high school. She believes the hands-on nature of these events is vital in helping participants understand the reality of sexual violence. “You look around the room and see people’s brains working as they pack underwear, shampoo, and a t-shirt. They realize why they’re doing what they’re doing and what these kits are actually going to be used for.”
The Hour 2 Empower events hold deep meaning for Tricia, and she actively encourages members of her community to attend. Looking to the future, she envisions expansion as the next major step for Fear 2 Freedom, whether through virtual programs or in-person events. “We really need to create chapters across the United States to fill the need.” She highlights that Greek life and athletics, which are prominent on campuses nationwide, are key areas where increased awareness and prevention efforts are essential.
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