Episode 104: Erin Runnion
Erin Runnion
Erin Runnion, Founder & President
“Turning tragedy into triumph and protecting our children”
The Joyful Child Foundation
On this deeply insightful episode, host Jeanne Pepper is joined by Erin Runnion, the Founding Director of The Joyful Child Foundation—In Memory of Samantha Runnion. This impactful 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is dedicated to the essential mission of preventing crimes against children through comprehensive programs focused on education, awareness, and empowerment for children, parents, and communities.
The foundation's genesis is rooted in a profound and tragic loss that Erin Runnion experienced: the abduction, sexual assault, and murder of her beloved five-year-old daughter, Samantha Runnion, on July 15, 2002. Samantha was an artistic, bright, and joyful little girl, and her tragic death became a national news story. Despite enduring unimaginable grief, Erin made the courageous choice to channel her pain into proactive advocacy for child safety. Within weeks of her daughter's passing, she focused her energy on creating a lasting legacy for Samantha and ensuring her death would be a catalyst for positive change in the world.
Erin has since devoted her career to protecting other children, firmly believing that preventing childhood victimization requires a collective community responsibility. The Joyful Child Foundation’s programs, such as the Be Brave – Be Safe Empowerment Programs and the BRAVE Initiative, are designed to empower children with the knowledge and skills to recognize and respond effectively to inappropriate behaviors and potential safety risks. The foundation is committed to providing every parent and caring adult with the information, training, and tools to better prevent abuse, violence, and exploitation. Erin’s work is driven by a desire to cultivate resilience, empower confidence, and protect the joy of every child.
A respected spokesperson and award recipient (including the FBI Director's Award for Excellence), Erin’s passion, resilience, and unwavering dedication serve as the driving force behind the foundation’s far-reaching mission. In this conversation, you will hear Erin’s powerful story of transforming trauma into a beacon of hope, her work with legislators, and how she continues to honor Samantha's memory by working toward a world where every child is a Joyful Child.
For a brief introduction to the foundation from Erin herself, you can watch BRAVE Moment about The Joyful Child Foundation In Memory of Samantha Runnion.
Episode 104
Executive Producer: Jeanne Pepper
Producer: Eli Moskowitz
Camera Operator: Keith Anthony
Sound: Eli Moskowitz
Post Production: Eli Moskowitz
Original Theme: Jay Bernstein
Special Thank You to:
Gideon Bernstein
Monica Levy
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DISCLAIMER Jeanne Pepper is providing this podcast as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Jeanne Pepper unless so stated. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Ms. Pepper’s guests are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ms. Pepper. If you have any questions about this disclaimer or the content herein, please contact us at Producers@PepptalkswithJeanne.com #PeppTalkswithJeanne #JeannePepper #BlazeitForward
