501(c)(3) Non-Profit

Every story holds power, and every voice can spark movement.

Summer Willis Foundation exists to reframe the narrative around sexual violence, empower survivors to reclaim their stories, and create lasting systemic change that prevents future harm.

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Summer Willis running, strength through strides

All About Our Story

Our founder, Summer Willis, is a survivor of sexual violence. In the wake of her assault, she experienced firsthand the systemic failures, silence, and shame that often define the survivor experience. She began running as a bold act of reclamation. This personal challenge grew into Project 29, a commitment to run 29 marathons as a testament to her own resilience. She met survivors around the world, each with different lives yet she observed the same pattern. She realized sexual violence thrives on shame, silence, and laws that haven't kept up with reality. Eventually, Project 29 grew into the Summer Willis Foundation.

Running was only the start. Summer found her true, renewed strength not just in the miles, but in community, in the power of telling her story without shame, and in a fierce new purpose: creating tangible change so that what happened to her wouldn't happen to others. She realized she had a choice: accept the narrative of "victim," or rewrite it. She chose to rewrite it.

"I realized I didn't have to accept the story written for me. I could write my own."
Summer Willis, Founder

The SWF Approach

Mission

Through our commitment to advocacy, community, and resource provision, the Summer Willis Foundation exists to reframe the narrative around sexual violence, empower survivors to reclaim their stories, and create lasting systemic change that prevents future harm.

Vision

We envision a world where survivors are seen, believed, and supported, with real access to justice, and the power to turn their stories into lasting change.

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Our Pillars

Community, Connection, and Change: three intertwined pillars guiding every initiative we lead.

Community

Collective spaces dismantle the shame, stigma, and silence on which sexual violence thrives. When people come together to support survivors, engage in honest dialogue, and take action, we build systems that create lasting change.

Initiatives: Denim Runs · Talking Circles

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Connection

Healing begins with access to information, support, and choices. We make it easier for survivors and their loved ones to find, understand, and navigate trauma-informed resources through clear, supportive channels.

Initiatives: Resource Map · Understanding Your Options

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Change

Lasting change requires both cultural and structural shifts, driven by storytelling, survivor leadership, and sustained advocacy. We elevate survivor voices and fight for policies that reflect their realities, including the 2025 Summer Willis Act in Texas.

Initiatives: A Letter to My Younger Self · Legislative Advocacy

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Voices of the Movement

Through Summer's perseverance, I discovered the inner strength to keep healing and to run my own marathon.

Tristan E.

Denim Run Ambassador

As a parent of a survivor, SWF has helped me walk alongside my daughter in her journey. It has also allowed me to use my voice and experience to stand with other parents.

💛

Paulina P.

Advisory Board Member

Walking in the April 2025 Denim March filled me with a sense of hope and inspiration. It brought together a community so fiercely dedicated to making this world a better place, and I am immensely proud to stand together in support.

🤝

Logan S.

SWF Volunteer

Being part of this foundation has reminded me that real change starts with one person choosing to speak and others choosing to listen.

🌟

Heila S.

SWF Team

When a woman finds her authentic voice, she finds her power, and everything changes. Summer's story is proof of that.

✨

Gabriella Taylor, M.A.

Advocate

Every story holds power, and every voice can spark movement.

All About Our Story

The SWF Approach

Our Pillars

Community

Connection

Change

Voices of the Movement

Stand With Survivors