THE ASPIRE BLOG

Jasmine Hunter is not someone to choose the easy path. 

As an undergraduate at Purdue University, she worked as a victim’s advocate at a domestic violence women and children’s shelter. Upon graduating with a major in Psychological Science with minors in Forensic Science and Sociology, she chose to focus on sex offender treatment. While working on her masters degree in Clinical Forensic Psychology, she served as a rape crisis advocate, responding to sexual assault ER calls and providing victim support/advocacy.

Prior to coming to aspire, Hunter provided treatment for youth with sexual maladaptive behaviors and families impacted by trauma in probation, correctional and residential settings.

“Throughout my career I received extensive training and certification in the Family Centered Treatment model (FCT) and as a Credentialed Sexual Abuse Youth Clinician (CSAYC),” Hunter says.

The work that most sustains her is working with youth in prison and residential settings with sexual maladaptive behaviors. Hunter focuses not on the offenses that may have brought a person into her care, but on the needs, loss of support and abuse that contributed to unhealthy and harmful choices.

“Although public, family and victim safety are always at the forefront of the intervention and prevention work that I do, working with this population always brings a sense of hopefulness. When you treat kids like kids and not ‘juvenile offenders,’ you get to witness their growth,” she says. 

“Fancy certifications and workbooks don’t bring upon change, but treating a client as a whole person, separate from their behavior, can. Helping them to believe in themselves and look forward to a future is everything because they need hope, just like anyone else.”

Hunter’s leadership qualities were quickly recognized at Aspire, and she strives to be someone who not only supervises and trains others but also teaches and mentors. She was accepted into The Executive Journey Fellowship, which accepts 30 individuals per year who serve as leaders in youth services across Indiana. In 2022 she will attend four retreats focused on rejuvenation, self exploration and grounding, building a professional community and continuing to be inspired to make a difference in her field.

Hunter has been one of Aspire’s strongest voices on diversity, equity and inclusion issues, even before George Floyd’s murder brought renewed nationwide attention to racial disparities and systemic racism. 

“Moving from Illinois to Indiana was a culture shock, to say the least, and unfortunately along the way I learned there are often consequences for speaking up on issues related to race and culture. So I focused on working my hardest and denying a part of myself; setting aside my blackness each time I arrived at work,” she says.

“However, in the last couple of years, I’ve focused on showing up as my most authentic self, Black and Beautiful. So throughout this process I’ve found my voice and used it to have tough conversations with colleagues at Aspire.”

She serves as a member of the Aspire Marketing Editorial Board and Cultural Conversation Strategy Committee, as well as the Indiana Council Racial Equity and Leadership Committee.

“Honestly, this is not a switch that can be turned on and off, it’s unlearning years of pressure to assimilate and be silenced while also unpacking racial trauma. However, I’m hopeful that I can continue to do this work and travel along this journey at Aspire,” Hunter says.

Hunter is married with four children including the youngest, ages 6 and 3, and lives in Fishers. Both she and her husband hail from Illinois and travel to Chicago regularly to see family and friends. She is a horror fanatic – movies, TV, podcasts and true crime – and tries (and fails) to convert her friends. For self-care she enjoys daily walks, adventures with her little ones and sand volleyball.

“My kids are adventurous so every week you’ll find me involved with youth sports and activities. I love God and attend church regularly and volunteer,” she says.