Headshot Photo of Sarah Van Zanten
2008 Award Recipient

SarahVan Zanten

Project Spokesperson Against Teenage Dating Violence

Location Palo Alto, CA

Issue Area Mental Health & Emotional Support

Sarah, as a younger teen, began her advocacy efforts after she found herself in an abusive relationship. When she reported an incident to the police, she was shunned by her peers. She felt a responsibility to help remove the stigma and increase awareness and understanding of abusive relationships, and became a spokesperson against teen dating violence.

The thought of helping just one young girl avoid my mistakes and reduce her risk of abuse has been very motivating to me.

Sarah Van Zanten
“It is never too late, too early, or too often TO GIVE BACK AND MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE”
Helen Diller