Samantha Cheney (she/her)

Samantha graduated from UC Santa Barbara with honors in 2020 with degrees in feminist studies, sociology and a minor in applied psychology. Before graduating, Samantha served as a research assistant in the Sociology department, worked as a behavior interventionist and interned with the Santa Barbara Public Defender. During her time at UCSB, Samantha recognized the ways in which violence affects communities and the resilience individuals and communities demonstrate in response. As one of the founders of The Thriving Initiative, Samantha is eager to promote healing and resilience for survivors and communities in Santa Barbara and beyond. Samantha is particularly fond of how The Thriving Initiative integrates community into personal healing so that all people are able to heal in new ways and under the resilient guidance of one another.