Megan Wiesner was a teenager when her aunt was the victim of domestic abuse. While in the midst of divorce proceedings and having lifted an order of protection against her husband, Wiesner’s aunt was shot four times by her husband, who then took his own life.
Megan Wiesner speaks to her co-workers at a recognition ceremony for the national award winners.
The horrific violence left the couple’s two young children orphans, before Wiesner’s family was able to adopt them. Yet, escalation from marital troubles to murder, left a lifelong impact on the entire family.
Wiesner now is paying it forward. She is Director of Clinical Services for WINGS, which offers a variety of support services for victims of domestic abuse. Last week, Wiesner won a National Purple Ribbon Award — one of four awarded to WINGS — as Team Member of the Year.
Rounding out the national award winners were: Christy Martin – Survivor of the Year, Jewel-Osco – Business Partner of the Year, and More Than a Phone – Outstanding National Organization.
For Wiesner, her involvement began as an intern, while she was earning her master’s degree in social work from Loyola University. Her own personal story led her to tour the Suburban Safe House operated by WINGS in the Northwest suburbs.
“I distinctly remember standing in a children’s counseling space and asking whether WINGS took interns,” Wiesner says. “When I learned they did, I applied — and I often joke that WINGS hasn’t been able to get rid of me since.”
Literally, Wiesner says, that moment changed the trajectory of her career.
“I started at the Suburban Safe House, holding several roles up to Manager of Safe House Services,” she says. “In 2019, I transitioned to overseeing adult counseling services.”
Wiesner is frequently invited to speak on domestic violence and healthy relationships. She recently spoke at the 2025 Community Health Summit for Illinois Community Health Workers, as well as at the District Rotary #6440 Mental Health Initiatives, and Cook County’s press conference for National Slavery and Human Trafficking Month.
Yet, as accomplished as Wiesner is at her job she never forgets her aunt and the tragedy that took her life.
“I am now the same age as my aunt when she was killed,” Wiesner says. “I also have two children, so it really makes me reflect on what my aunt — and my family — were going through at that time.”
Megan Wiesner stands to receive her award.
Wiesner describes her profound gratitude for working for an organization that values and continues to expand adult domestic violence counseling services through opportunities like grant funding. She points to funding as the key to opening the Foglia Family Resource Center in 2023, a dedicated space for individual and group counseling for both adults and children.
“To say I am proud of the work I am entrusted to do is an understatement,” Wiesner says. “My goal is to provide trauma-informed care, safety planning and education to clients, staff and interns — the kind of support I wish my aunt had had the opportunity to receive.”
Other News:
