The Nebraska Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence is thrilled to announce that Veronica Holguin, Prevention Coordinator at The S.A.F.E. Center in Kearney, has been named our 2026 Visionary Voice Award recipient — an honor that reflects more than nine years of dedicated, creative, and community-centered prevention work.
About the Visionary Voice Award
Presented annually by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), the Visionary Voice Awards recognize individuals across the country who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and leadership in the movement to end sexual violence. This award honors those who not only show up for survivors but also boldly shape the future of prevention in their communities.
A Decade of Purpose-Driven Prevention Work
Veronica has been a cornerstone of The S.A.F.E. Center’s prevention efforts for over nine years. As Prevention Coordinator, she oversees the agency’s prevention programs, ensuring they are implemented effectively and that community members receive meaningful education about healthy relationships. Her work spans presentations and events, social media outreach, and ongoing collaboration with local organizations across the region.
Veronica was drawn to this work by a deep desire to make a real difference. She finds purpose in being part of an organization that supports survivors while actively building a safer, more informed community.
“I really enjoy working with other people who care deeply about this work,” Veronica said. “Connecting with others, sharing ideas, and being creative in how we reach the community is what keeps me motivated and excited about what I do.”
Pioneering Safe Bars in Nebraska
Among Veronica’s most significant achievements is her role in establishing the first and only Safe Bars chapter in Nebraska. Safe Bars HQ is a nationwide program designed to help alcohol-serving establishments create safe, welcoming, and respectful environments for both patrons and staff — prevention work that meets people where they are.
Under Veronica’s leadership, a team of nine trainers now delivers this training across five counties. She manages both trainer development and direct staff training for alcohol-serving spaces throughout the region, a model built through years of collaboration within The S.A.F.E. Center and with community partners.
“Seeing Safe Bars in action has been incredibly rewarding,” Veronica shared. “The feedback and data we’ve received continue to confirm that the training is useful, needed, and making a real difference.”
A Well-Deserved Recognition
Veronica’s work embodies what the Visionary Voice Award stands for: a steadfast commitment to prevention, a gift for building community connections, and the courage to try new approaches. From community presentations to bustling bars, she has taken safety education to every corner of her community.
The Nebraska Coalition congratulates Veronica on this well-deserved honor and thanks her for the impact she makes every single day. She is a true Visionary Voice for Nebraska.
Past Recipients
- 2025: Abra Poindexter
- 2024: OutNebraska
- 2023: Candias (Candi) Jones
- 2022: Kirby Williams
- 2021: Suzannah Rogan
- 2020: Sydney Brun-Ozuna
- 2019: Christine Torres
- 2018: Shir Smith
- 2017: Lindsey Spaulding
- 2016: Jamie Manzer
- 2015: Robin Phipps
- 2014: The DOVES Program
- 2013: Cari Emerson
- 2012: Marla C. Sohl
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