WASHINGTON—On Friday, April 19, 2024, FBI Director Christopher Wray presented Genevieve Meyer with the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award (DCLA) for her service to the Anti-Trafficking network in Northeast Indiana. Meyer is the founder of the Resiliency Foundation. This organization has played a pivotal role in establishing a law that prohibits marriage for individuals under the age of 16. Meyer and the Resiliency Foundation have aided cases of child marriage and human trafficking in the Immigrant community.

The FBI established the DCLA in 1990 to publicly acknowledge the achievements of those working to make a difference in their communities through the promotion of education and the prevention of crime and violence. Each year, one person or organization from each of the FBI’s 56 field offices is chosen to receive this prestigious award.

“Our success as both a law enforcement and an intelligence agency hinges on our ability to foster and maintain genuine partnerships with people in all communities,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “People like this year’s Leadership Award recipients not only identify what others need, but they are willing to roll up their sleeves and provide services. They are building bridges and relationships while putting in the work to have hard conversations and find common purpose. They do it out of kindness and compassion with a sincere belief that justice—in its many forms—requires all of us to do the right thing in the right way.”

In their efforts to combat child marriages, the minimum legal age for marriage in Indiana has been raised to 18. Meyer provided crucial testimony at the Indiana State House to advocate for these changes. She, along with the foundation, has also been instrumental in raising awareness about the prevalence and implications of child marriage in both Indiana and the broader United States. Moreover, she offered her support and services to victims during Operation Cross Country. Meyer’s readiness and her ongoing commitment make her an invaluable resource to the FBI and a vital ally in the fight against human trafficking and child marriage.

“As we honor Genevieve Meyer, we acknowledge the Resiliency Foundation’s impact in the fight against human trafficking and advocacy for legalizing marriage at 18 years. Meyer’s dedication to aiding victims and advocating for eradication of forced marriages exemplifies the highest ideals of compassion and human rights,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “These efforts inspire us all to strive for a world where every individual is afforded dignity and freedom.”

Director Wray hosted the 2023 DCLA winners in a special ceremony at FBI Headquarters on April 19th, emphasizing the importance of community partnerships in keeping our shared communities safe. These partnerships—as exemplified by the breadth of the work by the DCLA recipients—have led to a host of crime prevention programs that protect the most vulnerable in our communities, educate families and businesses about cyber threats, and work to reduce violent crime in our neighborhoods. Learn more about the Director’s Community Leadership Award program, the FBI’s general outreach efforts, and the Indianapolis Field Office.