MARCELLA “Marcy” CISNEROS had her dream come true when Sor Juana Ines, offering services for abused women, opened its doors in 1993. Both the office and hot line were in Macy’s home until 1994. The agency has served over 5,000 women in San Mateo County answering crisis calls and providing counseling. Macy started her work with family violence victims as a volunteer for the San Mateo Battered Women’s Services, then served as Director of Program Services and Outreach Education from 1990 to 1993. In 1995 Macy was hired by the District Attorney’s Office as one of the first Domestic Violence Victim Advocates. With her bilingual and bicultural abilities, Macy has provided a much needed service to a previously underserved population. In addition to her current position with the DA, she continues to educate the private sector about domestic violence as well as serving in a number of other volunteer capacities. She is an Advisory Board Member of the Psychology Department for the College of Notre Dame and a co-chair of the County Task Force on Violent Crimes Against Women, to name just two. Macy has received a number of awards for her initiating spirit and commitment to combat domestic violence while “treating people in crisis and distress with compassion, courage, dignity and wisdom”.
