Our logo is a visual embodiment of our guiding values in promoting safer futures for all: unity, focused action, positive progress and commitment. A circle does not have a clear beginning or an end - this physical metaphor parallels the strength of our unified work in ensuring violence prevention and safety for all, as a continuous process that is always engaged and refined.

The Koshka Foundation was originally conceived in the initial months following the tragic events and school shooting that occurred on the campus of Virginia Tech on April 16, 2007 in Blacksburg, Virginia at the home of our founder, Kristina Anderson. As donations from organizations and individuals from across the globe arrived at the Anderson home to show support, Kristina and her parents chose to create positive meaning and impact with the funds, and establish The Koshka Foundation. The word "Koshka" translates to "little kitten" in Russian, a nod to a family nickname given to Ms. Anderson, who was raised speaking both Russian and English.

As a symbol of our commitment to always remember and honor the events of April 16, 2007 and share the lessons learned in prevention, our circle logo is made up of 32 pillars, for the 32 individuals who lost their lives in 2007. We are grateful to Ross Patton for the original logo, Lily Habtu, and Terry Marks for their creative work.

As the programs of The Koshka Foundation have expanded to impact safety cultures and conversations within workplaces, public spaces, law enforcement departments and various other organizations, our work will always continue to focus on the importance of safety within places of learning and research - our colleges, universities and K-12 schools.

Launching Conversations about Preparedness, Violence Prevention and Resilience

The Koshka Foundation for Safe Schools offers training and interactive presentations to focus on the importance of personal safety, awareness of violence prevention steps, and community resilience. We accomplish this by partnering with a variety of groups, including school districts, higher education, law enforcement and first responders, government agencies, victim advocates, workplaces and community organizations to help support and build your culture of safety.

Our speakers and resources cover a range of issues in school and workplace violence prevention, as well as focusing on the aftermath and recovery. Each speaker has a standard keynote presentation, and is available for customized sessions, in-person or for online learning. Due to privacy and other reasons especially in regard to speakers who are survivors of mass violence, we do not share a full list of speakers online. Please get in touch for more specific person.

Presentation Topics:

-- Personal preparedness, the individual?s role in violence prevention and personal safety planning

-- The importance of sharing information and emergency preparedness planning

-- Survivor informed understanding of the reality of an active threat situation

-- Recommendations for working with survivors of mass violence

-- Creating long-term recovery plans that are inclusive of all impacted individuals, cognizant of language and trauma, proactive and tiered over time

-- De-escalation and situational awareness

-- Community and workplace violence prevention