Announcing the 2025 Concealed Revealed Awards
Each year, we use the Concealed Revealed Art Auction as an opportunity to thank, celebrate, and highlight the contributions of our incredible partners and supporters. We’re excited to share this year’s awards! We asked each awardee to share a little about their work and connection to the YWCA Center for Safety and Empowerment.
Mary M. Handley
Volunteer
What inspires you to support survivors and the organizations that serve them?
No one should be judged for the life experiences they have had or continue to have due to circumstances that we may not know or understand. All people desire to be treated with kindness.
What would you like to share about your work?
The CSE has amazing staff who demonstrate care, kindness, thoughtfulness, and patience with those whom they serve and with their coworkers. I have been volunteering there for over 5 years and will continue to be a part of this team as long as they will have me. I am only a very, very small part of this program.
What message do you have for people in our community about domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or trafficking?
You are not alone and there is help, support, and HOPE.
Kelly J. Trussell, J.D.
Community Partner
How did you get involved with CSE?
In developing the City of Topeka's domestic violence prosecution program, CSE provided us with training that was key to understanding the pathway to successful prosecution, as well as victim assistance.
What inspires you to support survivors and the organizations that serve them?
Domestic violence survivors are often the most vulnerable citizens in a community. They truly need assistance and support in their greatest time of need. I am passionate about stopping the cycle of violence.
What message do you have for people in our community about domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or trafficking?
These crimes are often hidden by the victims and are more prevalent than most people realize. These are dangerous crimes that harm entire families, not only physically but also mentally. It takes many resources to address these crimes.
Sharon Sullivan, Ph.D.
Lifetime Advocate
How did you get involved with CSE?
For decades, I’ve been advocating for an end to violence against women and children. Working in this space has created endless opportunities over the years to partner with CSE, especially in anti-trafficking services and advocacy. I am a member of the Kansas Human Trafficking Advisory Board, Executive Director of the International Public Policy Institute, and a member of Rotary Club of Community Action Against Human Trafficking (CAAHT). I also founded the Topeka Shawnee County anti-Human Trafficking Coalition.
Tell us about your connection to Concealed Revealed.
Way back in 2004, I had a group of students in a special topics course at Washburn University. Several of them were already volunteering or interning at CSE, and they decided to plan a fundraiser as their semester assignment. We came up with the idea to hold an art auction! I believe in the power of art as a form of activism and education. I’m also an artist, and donate a piece (or two!) to the auction each year.