WHAT WE'RE ABOUT
Not an Object (NAO) is a female-led nonprofit founded by survivors to support women impacted by sexual trauma. We believe that surviving is only the beginning. Every woman deserves access to trusted resources that help her heal, feel safe, and reclaim her independence. NAO does not provide direct services; instead, we connect survivors to a carefully vetted network of mental health providers, legal and medical professionals, self-defense experts, and community organizations. Our mission is simple: to make the path from surviving to thriving clear, compassionate, and accessible for every woman who walks it.​
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Their time is up and our time is NAO.
MEET THE TEAM BEHIND NAO
Ali Pereyda – CEO & Founder
Ali founded NAO with a clear mission: to bridge the gap between surviving and thriving for women impacted by sexual trauma. As CEO, she oversees the organization’s vision, strategy, and partnerships, ensuring that every aspect of NAO aligns with its core values of empathy, empowerment, and community. Drawing from her own experiences as a survivor and advocate, Ali is a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community and deeply committed to building a platform that not only connects women to trusted resources, but also amplifies their voices and fosters systemic change. Her leadership drives NAO’s mission forward, transforming compassion into actionable support for survivors everywhere.
Sarah Heckman – Co-Founder & Chief Engagement Officer
Sarah leads NAO’s engagement efforts, overseeing outreach, marketing, and the development of meaningful community connections. With a strong background in communications and an unwavering passion for healing modalities, Sarah is dedicated to ensuring that survivors have access to their healing journey and feels empowered at every stage. Her work focuses on creating approachable, impactful pathways for women to discover the trusted resources NAO provides, fostering a sense of belonging and hope for every survivor we serve.
Together with our leadership team, we are building a strong foundation for NAO creating a safe, empowering network where survivors can find the care and connection they deserve.
OUR LEADERS
At Not an Object, our work is driven by a leadership team deeply committed to turning vision into action and ensuring survivors feel supported every step of the way.
Jen Mwongozi
Chief Financial Officer
Jen brings a strong background in financial management and operations. Her expertise in building sustainable financial systems ensures that NAO remains transparent, accountable, and prepared for growth. Jen is deeply committed to advancing NAO’s mission, using her skills to create a financially strong foundation that allows survivors to access the resources they need without barriers.
Devin Sercu
Head of Partnerships
Devin has extensive experience in operations and partnership development, making her instrumental in connecting NAO with trusted providers across our core pillars of support. Her strategic approach to cultivating and maintaining partnerships reflects her passion for creating meaningful, survivor-focused networks. Devin’s dedication to NAO’s mission drives her to ensure every collaboration furthers our goals.