Follow @homicide_survivors on Instagram to get notified when we go live. Please note that the times below are in Pacific Time.
Survivor and Board Member
Jessica Daivs is the Event Director for El Tour de Tucson and assists non-profits with events and fundraising. She has a degree in Human Services. On October 1, 2017, her beautiful mother, Dolores Escobedo, was tragically taken from her family. After receiving support from Homicide Survivors, Jessica joined Homicide Survivors’ Board directors in September of 2022 to advocate for other survivors and raise awareness for domestic violence. Jessica’s radiant energy and resilience have catalyzed Homicide Survivors, Inc.’s participation in El Tour de Tucson by assisting in building a community of supporters for survivors. Jessica finds strength through family, faith, love, and support.
Survivor
Kimiko Washington was born and raised in Tucson. She is a wife, a mother of four, and a grandma. She is currently fighting for justice for the murder of her son, Ocean Washington—memorializing and honoring her son’s life and continuing his legacy.
Case Management Coordinator/Advocate at
Arizona Child & Adolescent Survivor Initiative
Anita Mealey Peppers is ACASI’s bilingual Case Management Coordinator/Advocate. Currently based in Tucson, Anita provides services to ACASI clients in southern Arizona and to Spanish-speaking clients around the state. Anita has worked in advocacy for approximately 15 years, first as a volunteer and board member in the field of domestic violence and then as a crisis response advocate within a family advocacy center. Prior experience also includes providing direct in-home services for at-risk children aged zero to five and their families, teaching art as a therapeutic modality to adults with serious mental illness, and as a hospice social worker assisting clients in coping with terminal illness and death. Anita is especially interested in facilitating the collaborative efforts of mental health providers, governmental agencies, and other child and family service providers to meet the needs of child IPH survivors and their caregivers, allowing them to learn and grow despite the tragedy and trauma they’ve experienced.
Anita earned her Bachelor’s in Social Work from Northern Arizona University, her Master’s of Science in Studies in Human Behavior centering on the relationship between individuals and groups from Capella University, and her Master’s in Social Work from Arizona State University. Anita is currently a Licensed Master’s Level Social Worker.
Survivor, Director & Founder of Justice for Rosaura
April Barbosa is driven by a profound passion for effecting positive change in the world. She assumes multiple roles in her relentless pursuit of advocacy. As the founder and Director of Justice for Rosaura, April is deeply committed to the enactment of Rosaura’s Law in Arizona. This legislation aims to mandate schools to offer classes on healthy relationships, domestic violence awareness, prevention, as well as teen dating violence awareness and prevention. Motivated by the memory of her daughter, Rosaura, April is unwavering in her dedication to ensuring that families and communities have the necessary resources to prevent domestic violence and support survivors.
In addition to her pivotal role at Justice for Rosaura, April serves as the Director of Ending the Silence, In Our Own Voice, and suicRoide prevention and awareness at NAMI Southern Arizona. Mental health advocacy holds a special place in her heart, and she is committed to eradicating the stigma surrounding mental illness while advocating for equitable access to support and resources for all.
On a personal level, April is blessed with a loving family, including her husband of 23 years and three remarkable adult children. Though one remains forever 18 in their hearts, she finds solace in her role as a grandmother to her 4-year-old grandson, who brings boundless joy to her life. April’s educational journey includes a Bachelor of Science in Correctional Program Management, and she is currently pursuing her Master’s in Nonprofit Management and Leadership. Her ultimate aspiration is to guide both survivors and perpetrators of violence toward healing, rehabilitation, and a brighter future.
Every year, families in our community are shattered by the loss of a loved one to homicide. Please consider joining us this Arizona Gives Day and donating to our cause. Your contribution will ensure we continue to provide services to Survivors, such as advocacy, support and assistance.