Mildred D. Muhammad

Mildred D. Muhammad is a globally recognized keynote speaker, award-winning author, and certified domestic violence advocate and expert. As a survivor of domestic abuse and an authoritative voice on trauma recovery, she has dedicated her life to educating communities, organizations, and government agencies on the complexities of domestic violence, particularly the overlooked aspect of psychological abuse.

Mildred’s personal journey became public when her ex-husband, John Allen Muhammad—the convicted D.C. sniper—used his reign of terror as a calculated plan to target her. Through this harrowing experience, she emerged as a fearless advocate, raising awareness about the silent suffering of victims who are often unseen and unheard.

With multiple certifications, including as a consultant for the U.S. Department of Justice/Office for Victims of Crimeand a speaker for the U.S. Department of State, Mildred brings an unmatched depth of knowledge and firsthand experience to her work. She has been featured on CNN, The Washington Post, NPR, and various other media outlets, where she continues to educate the public on the long-term effects of trauma and healing.

Through Mildred Muhammad LLC and My F.O.C.U.S. LLC, she provides transformative training and programs such as the Abusive Relationship Recovery Program and R.I.S.E. (Resilience, Inspiration, Support, Empowerment)—an initiative launching in 2025 to empower survivors. Her expertise covers critical topics, including domestic violence within military communities, self-care for victim service providers, barriers to success, and workplace violence.

Mildred also hosts the powerful podcast, Rising Above It All with Mildred Muhammad, where she shares her personal experiences and insights to help victims and survivors navigate their healing journey. Each episode focuses on resilience, faith, and success after trauma, offering inspiration and guidance for those seeking to reclaim their lives.

In recognition of her extraordinary contributions, she has received numerous accolades, including the 2023 DomesticShelters.org Purple Ribbon Lifetime Achievement Medallion Award and the 2022 Who’s Who in America Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. She was also appointed by Maryland Governor Wes Moore to the Maryland State Board of Victim Services, further solidifying her impact on policy and advocacy.

Adding to her distinguished achievements, Mildred will soon receive an honorary doctorate in humanities in recognition of her tireless work in domestic violence advocacy, trauma recovery, and community education. This prestigious honor reflects her profound impact on survivors, professionals, and policymakers worldwide.

Mildred’s story is one of resilience, strength, and purpose. Through her books, training, and podcast, she continues to be a beacon of hope for survivors worldwide, proving that life after trauma is not only possible but full of purpose and success.