Solanghely Raffo

Solanghely Raffo (she/her) is a Survivor Advocate with Sexual Violence Response (SVR). As a Survivor Advocate, Solanghely provides support and case management through an empathetic, anti-racist, intersectional lens by committing to effective and practical crisis intervention, immediate aid, options, referrals, resources, psychoeducation, advocacy, and support services to primary and secondary survivors of gender- and power-based violence.

Prior to joining SVR, Solanghely served the public as the Client Services and Program Coordinator at the Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender Based Violence. There, she trained and supervised case managers and intake specialists, supported high-risk/high-profile cases, and managed mainline calls and client walk-ins. She also liaised between the District Attorney's Office, Non-Profit Voces Latinas, and the Queens Family Justice Center on the NYC Polyvictimization project, funded by the US Department of Justice, to provide comprehensive support to victims of violence.

Previously, Solanghely worked in the Immigration Affairs unit for former Congressman Joseph Crowley, guiding the immigrant community on their rights and visa options. She has also contributed to global initiatives with South Africa, Israel, Peru, and UN Women, focused on preventing and addressing  femicides and high-risk gender-based violence cases. Her work helped develop policies to enhance responses to gender-based violence in these nations.

A native of Queens, Solanghely proudly embraces her rich multicultural heritage and roots, embodying the vibrant identity of a true global New Yorker.

Professional Experience

  • Client Services and Program Coordinator at the Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender Based Violence
  • Immigration Affairs Unit, Office of former Congressman Joseph Crowley

Education:

  • Dual Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and International Affairs
  • M.S. in Criminology

Certifications and Licensure:

  • NYS Rape Crisis Counselor
  • NYS Mental Health First Aid Responder
  • NYS Mental Health Coach
  • CRPA (Certified Recovery Peer Advocate)

Awards and Honors:

  • Mayor’s Excellence in Customer Service 2021
  • Mayor’s Excellence in Customer Service 2023

Languages Spoken:

  • Italian
  • English
  • Portuguese
  • Spanish