Regina Nelson
New Braunfels
Summary
Visionary leader with a proven track record in strategic planning, community outreach, and ethical integrity. Developed impactful programs that increased awareness and provided essential support for sexual assault survivors, ensuring effective crisis intervention and advocacy.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder and Executive Director
Fatigues Clothesline
12.2009 - Current
- Provided crisis intervention and emotional support to sexual assault survivors during initial reporting stages.
- Developed and facilitated educational workshops on consent, advocacy resources, and trauma-informed care for community outreach.
- Assisted clients in navigating healthcare services, including medical examinations and follow-up care post-assault.
- Established strong relationships with community organizations to enhance referral networks for survivor assistance programs.
- Led training sessions for new advocates on best practices in victim support and advocacy strategies.
- Maintained strict confidentiality of victim information, upholding ethical standards while providing advocacy services.
- Educated community members on sexual assault prevention, contributing to increased awareness and bystander intervention.
- Developed tailored safety plans for clients, addressing individual needs and ensuring their wellbeing.
- Established trust with clients through empathetic listening skills, non-judgmental responses, and consistent reliability in follow-through actions.
- Facilitated support groups, promoting healing through shared experiences and coping strategies.
- Advocate for policy changes benefiting survivor rights at the state level.
- Acted as liaison between clients and other service providers, facilitating clear communication and collaboration among all parties involved in a case.
- Evaluated effectiveness of advocacy programs using data-driven approaches, adapting strategies as needed to improve outcomes for survivors.
- Enhanced victim support by implementing trauma-informed care strategies and techniques.
- Assisted victims in navigating legal processes, advocating for their rights throughout the judicial system.
- Collected information about individuals or clients using interviews, observational techniques, and other assessment methods.
- Assisted clients with gaining insights, establishing clear goals and planning strategies to reach personal targets.
- Leverages excellent oral and written communication skills to interact professionally with staff and clients.
- Helped clients obtain outside specialist services by coordinating referrals and advising on options.
- Offered perspective on effectiveness of treatments concerning conditions such as depression and anxiety.
- Performed research on effectiveness of interventions and proposed changes to intervention structures based on evaluation outcomes.
Artist / Teacher
Myself
12.2009 - Current
- Created original artworks using various mediums, enhancing personal style and artistic expression.
- Developed unique concepts for exhibitions, showcasing creativity and thematic coherence.
- Collaborated with local galleries to organize art shows, increasing community engagement and visibility.
- Mentored emerging artists, providing guidance on techniques and professional development.
- Utilized social media platforms to promote artwork, expanding audience reach and brand recognition.
- Conducted workshops for aspiring artists, fostering skill development and creative exploration.
- Designed custom artwork for clients, meeting their creative vision and ensuring satisfaction with the final product.
- Made use of materials, such as ink, watercolors, charcoal, oil, computer software, paints, and pencils to complete unique piece for customers.
- Contributed to creative process through original ideas and inspiration.
- Sold original art pieces through online platforms, gallery exhibitions, and direct customer interactions, generating consistent revenue streams while maintaining an active artist presence within the community.
- Consulted with clients to discuss commission ideas and style preferences to create mutually agreeable project parameters.
- Participated in creative brainstorming sessions to develop new ideas or improve existing ones.
- Developed unique art pieces that garnered positive attention from critics and collectors, leading to increased sales and commissions.
- Facilitated partnerships with local businesses, displaying artwork in cafes and shops to reach broader audience.
- Partnered with non-profit organizations to use art as tool for social change, leading initiatives that raised awareness on various issues.
- Collaborated with other artists on various art projects and installations.
- Used oil and acrylic paints, watercolors and digital media to create art pieces.
- Created paintings, sculptures and illustrations for variety of exhibitions and shows.
- Built and maintained working relationships with galleries and other art venues.
- Led professional development workshops focused on innovative teaching strategies and techniques.
Public Speaker
Fatigues Clothesline
12.2009 - Current
- Established a network of industry connections to promote brand visibility at events.
- Implemented innovative storytelling techniques to convey key messages effectively.
- Researched material extensively before writing informative speeches.
- Implemented stories and anecdotes into speeches to make information more entertaining.
- Presented information regarding Military Sexual Trauma to groups of people.
- Established rapport with audience members before events to gauge interests and better tailor speech content accordingly.
- Collaborated with event organizers to ensure seamless execution of keynote speeches at conferences and industry events.
- Provided follow-up materials for participants, reinforcing key concepts discussed during presentations.
- Participated in panel discussions as a subject matter expert, contributing valuable insights on relevant topics.
- Promoted a safe environment for open discussion during interactive segments of presentations, fostering productive dialogue among participants.
- Continuously updated personal knowledge of industry trends and best practices in order to deliver cutting-edge content in presentations.
- Contributed to the overall success of events by working closely with other presenters and event staff, ensuring seamless transitions between segments.
- Created and executed targeted PR campaigns to raise awareness of organization and initiatives.
- Studied objectives, promotional policies or needs of organizations to develop public relations strategies influencing public opinion or promoting ideas.
Cooking Connection Chef
HEB Grocery Store
06.2022 - 06.2023
- Prepared and cooked a variety of menu items for daily service
- Maintained cleanliness and organization in kitchen and food preparation areas
- Assisted with inventory management, ensuring proper stock levels of ingredients
- Followed safety and sanitation guidelines to ensure food quality
- Collaborated with team members to streamline meal preparation processes
- Adapted recipes to accommodate dietary restrictions and customer preferences
- Provided support during peak hours to enhance kitchen efficiency
- Maintained well-organized mise en place to keep work consistent.
- Optimized food preparation processes, implementing time-saving techniques without compromising quality.
- Utilized proper cleaning techniques to sanitize counters and utensils used in preparation of raw meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.
- Trained kitchen staff to perform various preparation tasks under pressure.
- Prevented cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and pans when cooking and plating meals for food allergy sufferers.
- Reduced food waste with strategic menu planning and inventory control techniques.
- Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
- Cultivated a positive work culture among kitchen staff through open communication lines and mutual respect within the team.
- Upheld stringent food safety regulations, ensuring compliance with all relevant health department guidelines.
- Developed innovative recipes, attracting new clientele and increasing overall sales.
- Curated wine pairing list that complemented menu offerings, enhancing overall dining experience.
- Instituted mentorship program for junior chefs, providing guidance and support to nurture their professional development.
- Disciplined and dedicated to meeting high-quality standards.
- Evaluated food products to verify freshness and quality.
- Set up and broke down kitchen for service.
- Assisted with menu development and planning.
- Participated in food tastings and taste tests.
- Implemented food cost and waste reduction initiatives to save money.
- Developed new recipes and flavor combinations to enhance customer dining experience.
- Oversaw scheduling, inventory management, and supply ordering to maintain fully stocked kitchen.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Texas State University
San Marcos, TX12.2025
Minor - Forensic Psychology
Texas State University
San Marcos, TX12.2025
Minor - General Psychology
Texas State University
San Marcos, TX12.2025
Skills
- Strategic thinking
- Ethics and integrity
- Strategic planning
- Visionary leadership
- Strategic vision
- Growth mindset
- Partnership building
- Policies and procedures development
- Analytical and critical thinker
- Adaptable and flexible
- People and culture
- Community outreach
Accomplishments
Regina Nelson, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, artist, and advocate, is using her voice—and her art—to bring visibility to an issue that has long remained in the shadows: Military Sexual Trauma (MST).
Through her project, Fatigues Clothesline, Regina transforms military uniforms into powerful storytelling platforms. Veterans who have experienced MST are invited to write, paint, and share their stories directly onto their uniforms—many displayed inside out to symbolize both hidden trauma and the courage it takes to make those experiences visible.
What began as a personal path toward healing has grown into a broader movement—creating space for survivors to:
• Share their stories safely
• Process trauma through creative expression
• Build community and connection
• Reclaim ownership of their experiences
Her work has reached thousands, amplifying voices that are too often unheard and challenging systems that have historically failed to protect them.
More than an art installation, Fatigues Clothesline is a platform for advocacy, awareness, and healing. It stands as a powerful reminder that storytelling—especially when it comes from lived experience—can drive both cultural understanding and meaningful change.
Timeline
Cooking Connection Chef
HEB Grocery Store
06.2022 - 06.2023
Founder and Executive Director
Fatigues Clothesline
12.2009 - Current
Artist / Teacher
Myself
12.2009 - Current
Public Speaker
Fatigues Clothesline
12.2009 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Texas State University
Minor - Forensic Psychology
Texas State University
Minor - General Psychology
Texas State University
2014 Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Latina Award
The initiative itself highlighted Latina's making an impact in areas like community work, entrepreneurship, and media. I was one of 13 honorary to receive an award for the activism in Military Sexual Trama through Fatigues Clothesline.