Laura Segura is Back after Year-Long Breast Cancer Battle
October was both Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and one of Santa Cruz County’s most respected nonprofit leaders has just returned to work at Monarch Services from a 54-week battle with breast cancer.
Monarch Staff welcome back Laura Segura (middle). Their shirts read, “At Monarch, No one fights alone.”
Laura Segura was diagnosed with breast cancer in the Fall of 2018 and has undergone treatment for the past year. Segura is delighted to return to her career of violence prevention and empowerment.
While Segura was on medical leave, Assistant Director Kalyne-Foster Renda served as Interim Executive Director and has played an integral role in the agency’s success. Under her leadership, Monarch Services has not only maintained the services it has traditionally offered survivors, but also expanded its services to include a housing program, a more robust children and youth program and new community partnerships.
Segura has dedicated her career to issues of social justice and has worked with Monarch Services for 13 years. Combining her skills in public policy and strategic planning with her passion for cultural responsiveness and equity, Segura has helped transform the way survivors of sexual assault; human trafficking and domestic violence are served in Santa Cruz County.
A proud lifelong resident of Watsonville, Segura has served on numerous commissions, task forces and councils locally and statewide. She is a two- time Policy Fellow with the Women’s Policy Institute of the Women’s Foundation of California, which helps shape California laws impacting women-identifying individuals.
Segura is also a proud parent of two daughters.
“I am grateful to be back at work fighting a different type of battle,” Segura said. “This battle is to end violence and fight for human rights and dignity for our most vulnerable residents.”
Segura’s resilience and strength after experiencing trauma are testaments to her commitment to Monarch’s important work.
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Monarch Services (Formerly Women’s Crisis Support/ Defensa de Mujeres) has a 42-year history in Santa Cruz County of providing advocacy and resources to community members affected by violence. Services include court accompaniments, restraining order assistance, counseling, emergency shelter, 24-hour crisis line, outreach, education and support groups.
Monarch Services is the only rape crisis center in Santa Cruz County and includes an emergency response team. All services are available in Spanish and English and are free or low cost. Se Habla Español.
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For more info: www.monarchscc.org
