Her Story
About Gigi
Gigi Kilroe is a speaker, author, survivor advocate, and former special education leader whose life and work are dedicated to helping others find hope and healing after trauma. Drawing from her own experiences of childhood incest, sexual abuse, dating violence, and sexual assault in college, she has transformed personal adversity into a mission of empowerment. She is the author of From Within: My Path of Hope and Healing from Sexual Abuse, a memoir that chronicles her healing journey and encourages survivors to reclaim their voice, strength, and sense of purpose. Through her advocacy, Kilroe inspires audiences with a message of resilience, self-worth, and the belief that healing is possible at any stage of life.
Before becoming a full-time speaker and advocate, Kilroe built a distinguished 32-year career in special education. She began as a special education teacher before serving more than two decades as a Special Education Supervisor with BLaST Intermediate Unit #17, where she oversaw educational programs across multiple school districts. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, a Master's degree in Special Education and Teaching, and a Special Education Supervisory Certification from Commonwealth University–Bloomsburg (formerly Bloomsburg University). Her passion for education and leadership earned her recognition through educator award nominations, reflecting her commitment to supporting both students and fellow educators.
Since transitioning into advocacy, Kilroe has become a respected voice for survivors of sexual violence. She serves as a volunteer speaker and speaker mentor with Resilient Voices through the Pennsylvania Office of Victim Advocate and is a member of the Speakers Bureau for the RAINN. She has spoken in high schools, colleges, residential treatment facilities, community organizations, and numerous Pennsylvania state prisons, helping both survivors and incarcerated individuals begin their own healing journeys. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors for the YWCA of Lycoming County and supporting the Crime Victim Alliance of Pennsylvania, Kilroe continues to advocate for survivor rights, trauma awareness, and compassionate leadership. Her work is deeply influenced by her own life experiences—including losing her mother to cancer at the age of five—and reflects her unwavering belief that hope, healing, and resilience can emerge from even the most difficult circumstances.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Gigi
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to God's grace and the second chance He gave me after surviving two suicide attempts, at ages 22 and 54. Those experiences strengthened my faith, gave me a renewed sense of purpose, and inspired me to live with resilience, gratitude, and a commitment to helping others.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is that the biggest challenges are often not the paperwork or the children—it's how adults choose to communicate, collaborate, and lead. That perspective has reminded me to focus on building positive relationships and navigating personalities with patience and professionalism.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to remember that you are beautiful just as you are in this moment. Believe in your worth, embrace your unique strengths, and let your confidence guide you as you pursue your goals.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I see in my field is ensuring that survivors are heard and supported. News surrounding the women connected to the Epstein case has been deeply triggering for me and has reinforced my belief that there must be greater accountability for those responsible, as well as more meaningful action to protect and advocate for victims.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me, both in my work and personal life, are honesty, integrity, sincerity, and empathy. I believe these principles build trust, strengthen relationships, and guide me in making ethical and compassionate decisions every day.
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