Jessica Lucía Zambrano
Jessica Lucía Zambrano is a dedicated case manager and volunteer rape crisis advocate, committed to supporting vulnerable populations through trauma-informed care. In 2023, she began her work with Catholic Charities of Brooklyn & Queens and has also consulted with Kathy’s Charity on migrant casework, providing individualized support and advocacy for displaced individuals and families. As an on-call, trauma-trained volunteer, Jessica assists sexual assault and domestic violence survivors in hospital emergency departments, offering immediate crisis intervention, emotional support, and guidance through complex medical and legal processes.
Jessica’s professional focus centers on trauma-informed support and psychoeducation for women survivors, helping them move from surviving to thriving. She emphasizes self-awareness, establishing healthy boundaries, and educating clients on how trauma impacts the brain, behavior, and relationships. Her approach is grounded in empathy, empowerment, and culturally responsive practice, ensuring that every client feels heard, safe, and supported in their journey toward recovery and stability.
Jessica’s career in advocacy and social services began in 2017, when she completed a 40-hour rape crisis advocate training and began volunteering with hospitals and special victims units. Her experience extends to community-focused initiatives, including volunteering with Make the Road New York to support English learning and pathways for community health workers during the early COVID-19 period. With a strong foundation in strengths-based case management, crisis intervention, and survivor-centered advocacy, Jessica combines her expertise, compassion, and commitment to social justice to create meaningful impact for the communities she serves.
• Community Health Worker
• Rape Crisis Advocate
• Arizona State University - BSW
• Make the Road New York
• SAVI – Sexual Assault Violence Intervention
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success in case management and consulting over the past three years to the guidance, support, and mentorship I have received—beginning with my sister, Josepha, who was my first mentor and a source of inspiration. Professionally, my experience as a Rape Crisis Advocate with the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, as well as my work as a Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Advocate at SAVI, has shaped my approach to client support, advocacy, and intervention. These roles have honed my ability to provide compassionate, trauma-informed care while navigating complex systems, and have reinforced my commitment to empowering individuals and fostering resilience in the communities I serve.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Volunteer early and often to discover which population or niche you are passionate about serving. Volunteering lets you explore roles without committing to a job path.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Jessica highlighted decreasing help-seeking among survivors and migrants (fear of going to hospitals or programs) as a major challenge, noting the resulting need for active outreach. She also described how COVID accelerated adoption of remote tools like Zoom for community support and learning.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are compassion, integrity, and empathy. In my professional role in sexual assault and violence intervention, I prioritize creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment for those I serve, ensuring that every individual feels heard and empowered. In my personal life, I cherish curiosity, reflection, and connection—whether I’m examining films as a cinephile, diving into the intricate storytelling of serial killer podcasts, or spending quality time with my family. These values guide me to approach both work and life with thoughtfulness, understanding, and a genuine commitment to the people and experiences that matter most.