Janet Van Heyde is an advocate and activist for civil and human rights who has collaborated with various organizations to advance the rights of all people. For 13 years, she served as a Court Appointed Guardian ad Litem in Franklin County, Ohio with the mission of advocating for the best interests of children who had experienced abuse and neglect.

She then transitioned to working as a case manager for Big Brothers Big Sisters, supporting the relationships between at-risk youth and their mentors. In 2013, she began her role as a care provider for adults with developmental disabilities, reinforcing her commitment to working with historically marginalized populations.

Recognizing the need for direct action, from 2016 to the present, she immersed herself in various forms of political activism. Janet believes in the power of grassroots efforts—putting boots on the ground alongside her fellow humans to drive positive change in the world. It is because of this that she remains committed to the struggle to end police brutality and looks forward to the day that the perpetrators and their enablers are held accountable.