Panayiota Bertzikis is a globally recognized advocate, author, and expert in trauma-informed practices, dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual and community violence. She is internationally sought out for her expertise on gender-based violence, providing training, consultation, and strategic guidance to governments, military organizations, nonprofits, and institutions worldwide. Her insights on survivor-centered care, trauma-informed practices, and systemic reform have made her a trusted advisor on sexual, domestic, and community violence across the globe.
Panayiota is the founder of the Military Rape Crisis Center (MRCC), the only international rape crisis center with four offices across three countries. MRCC provides direct services, advocacy, and resources to survivors while influencing policy and advancing institutional reform on an international scale.
In addition, she founded Teal Lotus Yoga in 2007, which has grown into the largest collective organization offering trauma-based yoga to communities and individuals impacted by violence. Teal Lotus Yoga now serves over 40 communities with free and donation-based programs, and Panayiota collaborates with leading researchers to explore innovative ways yoga can support survivors of trauma.
Panayiota also founded Revolution for Peace, a social enterprise that provides survivors of gender-based violence in Southeast Asia and South America with employment opportunities in traditional crafts. Through this initiative, she empowers survivors economically while preserving and promoting local artisanal traditions.
She is also the founder of the Global Women Impact Fund, an initiative that provides financial support, capacity building, and leadership opportunities for women-led grassroots organizations addressing gender-based violence and economic inequality worldwide. The fund ensures that women on the front lines have the resources and support needed to create long-term, community-driven change.
Panayiota is frequently featured in prominent outlets, including The New York Times, Boston Globe, CNN, Glamour Magazine, Boston Magazine, and BBC.
Panayiota’s work has been recognized with numerous awards and honors. She received the Unsung Heroine Award from the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, and has been recognized multiple times by the United States Congress and the President of the United States for her work with veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress. She has also been honored by the Moldova Council for her work with the Romani population in eastern Moldova and by Bulgarian officials for her efforts in Stolipinovo.
She has advised on key legislative acts, including the Military Justice Improvement Act introduced by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, the Sexual Assault Training Oversight and Prevention Act introduced by Rep. Jackie Speier, and drafted the I Am Vanessa Guillen Act, later signed into law by President Biden. Panayiota has testified before government bodies, contributed to policy reform efforts, and worked alongside activists to push for stronger protections for service members and civilians alike. She served as an advisor for the Oscar-nominated film The Invisible War and regularly provides training to the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.K. Ministry of Defence, the Netherlands Armed Forces, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on sexual, domestic, and community violence.
Panayiota’s career embodies a lifelong commitment to survivor empowerment, trauma-informed care, global social justice, and the economic upliftment of survivors, carried out with integrity, cultural sensitivity, and inclusivity.
Panayiota Bertzikis Consulting 