The Power of Voices: Activating Communities to Create Safe Spaces | Megan Manigault | TEDxCharleston

When survivors and survivor-led organizations are underfunded, entire communities stay in survival mode, but when we truly listen and invest, survivors don’t just survive, they thrive. Megan K. Manigault is the Founder and Executive Director of I AM VOICES, Inc., a Charleston-based nonprofit that provides housing and supportive services for survivors of sexual violence and trafficking. A survivor herself, Megan has transformed lived experience into leadership, advocacy, and program design that empowers women and youth to reclaim their voices. She has served on multiple state task forces and coalitions, advancing survivor-centered policies across South Carolina. As an independent researcher and consultant, Megan has developed advocacy briefs, public reports, and training materials centering girls, youth, and marginalized communities. She also serves as a Lead Researcher/Trainer with Armar Training and Consulting, presenting on survivor-centered practices, equity, and leadership development. Her work bridges story, research, and systems change to ensure survivors are not only heard but resourced to thrive. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx