Denise's Story

President & CEO, Saint Luke's Foundation

Denise San Antonio Zeman had her first experience with Cleveland Rape Crisis Center (CRCC) while working as a hospital administrator more than 15 years ago. Denise played an instrumental role in developing a “safe room” within the hospital to help sexual assault survivors feel more comfortable as they sought treatment. While coordinating this project with CRCC, Denise learned a great deal about the resources the center offered.

CRCC volunteers left an indelible impression on Denise and her colleagues. “To have these advocates available at any hour of the day, when a survivor was in our ER, was invaluable to our hospital,” Denise shares. 

Just a few years after working toward establishing the safe room, Denise became President and CEO at Saint Luke’s Foundation – a local grant-making foundation which supports organizations in Greater Cleveland. In her role as a funder, Denise is inspired by CRCC’s commitment to its mission.

“They have never lost sight of their mission and the importance of focusing on their organizational strengths, sustainability, and inclusiveness as they have gone through their own growing pains. They have remained very faithful to their mission, their clients, and their community.” 

Four years ago, Denise participated in CRCC’s Sing Out! Chorale with other community and civic leaders to sing out against sexual violence. Through being a part of the awe-inspiring performance, Denise saw the importance of telling the story of CRCC. Denise recalls that she helped, quite literally, “give a voice to the organization that gives voice to so many people who do not have one.” 

The center’s work not only motivates Denise professionally, but also on a personal level. “As a woman, stepmother and grandmother to young women, I feel that this work is so important. How lucky are we to have this center that is here to teach us, support us, and advocate for us? If these resources aren’t available to the community, we don’t have a prayer in breaking the cycle of sexual violence.”

Join Denise in becoming a Face of Change.  Click here to donate and help break the cycle of sexual violence.