Rosanne St. Sauver has always been one to stand up for the underdog.

As a high school student, she looked out for students who were bullied.

As an advocate at Houston County Women’s Resources, she did what was best for battered women.

And now, in her new role as executive director of the LGBT Resource Center for the 7 Rivers Region, she’ll be a voice for the local lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

“There is something in my nature. I am a firm believer in what I believe,” said St. Sauver, 36. “We need to always be promoting equality. We all have a responsibility to do what we can. It’s our responsibility.”

St. Sauver came to Houston County Women’s Resources in the early 1990s as a battered woman and rape victim. She stayed as an advocate and eventually became the program coordinator and was responsible for the battered women, sexual assault, crisis line, safe home and motel/hotel programs.

“I was trying to make sense of something really bad that was quite devastating to me as a person,” St. Sauver said.

By working at the women’s center, she was able to help other women through their situation and show them resources that were available and make sure they knew their options.

She stayed with the organization, located in Hokah, until taking the position in August with the LGBT Resource Center for the 7 Rivers Region.

St. Sauver first became associated with the LGBT center when she was coordinating an event to celebrate June Kjome two years ago. She then got involved with the agency’s board and worked on its strategic plan.

When the plan to hire an executive director came to the forefront, St. Sauver decided to apply. She was among five applicants who interviewed.

St. Sauver said her new position “fits well” and allows her to be a mother and a student.

She is in her fourth semester at Viterbo University and would like to earn a degree in women’s studies.

“It is very symbolic of who I am,” St. Sauver said. “I’ve raised my kids and have been a provider for them. This will be very validating.”

St. Sauver will look for funding sources in her new role and will provide resources and information to people who call or stop in.

She will also promote the agency to the public and keep people informed on current issues.

St. Sauver File

? Name:Rosanne St. Sauver

? Age:36

? Title:Executive director of the LGBT Resource Center for the 7 Rivers Region

? Family:Partner Dee Carpenter, seven children, and three grandchildren

? Involvements:Minnesota Network on Abuse in Later Life

? Awards:St. Sauver was recently awarded the Outstanding Service Award at the Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault Annual Meeting and Symposium. It is inscribed with “recognizing her work in the anti-sexual violence movement, for her dedication to victims of sexual assault, to creating systems change, and to seeking an end to sexual violence.”

She said, “as a survivor this meant the world to me. I feel truly blessed to have worked among such committed advocates for all those years. This is amazing as often n even after all these years have passed n I can still return to the dark recesses of my mind of self-doubt and fear from my rapes and battering. It is through my advocacy and speaking out that I find my strength to keep fighting my inner struggles as a survivor.”