As we close out our Woman of the Month 2024 season, we are honored to crown Rai Washington as our Woman of the Year! Rai is the inspiring founder of At Her Defense, LLC, a personal safety advocacy and training organization. Her work is a beacon of empowerment, equipping individuals—particularly women, families, and survivors of abuse—with essential safety skills to protect themselves and their loved ones.
After successfully running an accounting business for over 20 years, Rai made the courageous decision to retire early and follow a new calling. She now dedicates her life to teaching personal safety strategies, including lethal, non-lethal, and medical lifesaving skills. Through her work, Rai advocates for domestic violence and bullying awareness, creating safe spaces for healing and growth in her community.
Challenges Overcome
Rai’s journey hasn’t been without its struggles. She faced social anxiety and an intense fear of public speaking, obstacles she never encountered in her previous, numbers-driven career. Transitioning into a role that required sharing her personal story of trauma and abuse in front of others was a deeply emotional and vulnerable process.
Yet, Rai turned her pain into purpose. She used her experiences to connect with others, showing them that healing and empowerment are possible. Today, she confidently leads classes, empowers communities, and has broken free from generational cycles of toxicity to create a legacy of resilience and positivity.
Advice for Aspiring Women
Rai encourages women looking to enter the personal safety field to focus on continuous learning. “Knowledge is key,” she says. “Train and then train some more. Always remember, you are a student first. Stay humble, stay curious, and never stop seeking ways to improve your skills. The more you invest in yourself, the more confident and capable you’ll become.”
To learn more about Rai Washington's work and connect with her:
Website: www.atherdefense.com
Facebook: facebook.com/atherdefense
Instagram: @atherdefense
TikTok: @atherdefense
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rai-washington/
Comments