In the United States, one in four women and one in seven men will experience physical violence by an intimate partner at some point in their lives, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Biannyi Kasmar, originally from the Dominican Republic, a Psychology student and member of Keiser University’s Latin Division, was once in a relationship where she endured both domestic and immigration-related abuse. Years later, armed with the tools gained from her experience, she founded and now leads “SOS Mujer Extraordinaria” (Extraordinary Woman SOS), an organization dedicated to supporting women in vulnerable situations.

Kasmar is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, writer, mother of three, and recipient of the Dominican Republic’s 2023 National Youth Award. At 36, she has faced depression, homelessness on the streets of New York, and is a survivor of long-term domestic violence.

“Eleven years ago, I arrived in the U.S. and endured domestic violence for about four years,” Kasmar recalls. “During that time, I was vulnerable in every sense—economically, emotionally, physically, and in terms of immigration status. That first year, I fell into a deep depression and even attempted suicide.”

In 2021, after a series of personal events, she formalized her foundation to support women in crisis. “I know I can’t meet every need, but if I help even one woman, I’ve made a difference,” she says. “One person can impact everything around her. My goal is for those women to help themselves—and then help ten more. That support becomes a ripple effect. What truly matters is making real change.”

When Education Becomes a Tool for Change

Kasmar began her associate degree in Psychology at Keiser University. Despite personal challenges, with strong support from her professors, she decided to pursue a full degree in Psychology.

“One day I woke up and thought, ‘I have to change my destiny.’ I’ve always believed education is the key to transforming your life,” she explains. “During the pandemic, I needed a university that allowed me to study from home and in Spanish. Then I found Keiser and thought: Why not give it a try?”

At Keiser, she discovered new tools and perspectives. “In Psychology, I found a theory that fascinated me—Reality Therapy. It’s been incredibly useful for helping other women because it’s grounded in a strong scientific framework,” says Kasmar.

 ‘Don’t Hit Me in the Name of Love’: Educating and Transforming Communities

From her home in Connecticut, Kasmar is expanding SOS Mujer Extraordinaria, with the mission of creating a safe, educational space for vulnerable women. Through social media and an evaluation form, her team identifies specific needs and offers tailored support.

In 2023, she launched the campaign Don’t Hit Me in the Name of Love, which has already impacted over 2,347  women during that year through conferences, workshops, and community events, including a baby shower held in Baní, Dominican Republic.

Kasmar is also the author of Lights and Shadows of a Brave Woman, a book that offers tools to break the cycle of violence. “This book isn’t about telling my story—it’s about sharing the solutions that helped me move forward,” she emphasizes.

Patience as a Powerful Ally in Rebuilding

Over the years, Kasmar has supported dozens of women through their healing journeys. However, she is clear that there are no quick fixes.

“The advice I always give to a woman starting over is to be patient and don’t panic,” she says. “We often want everything to happen fast, but when we feel stuck, we panic and feel alone.”

For Kasmar, every small step matters. “Sometimes the smallest step is the one that counts the most—because it’s the one that takes you where you want to go,” she explains. “I encourage people to admire themselves, to recognize their own process. I know these journeys come with sacrifice and tears, but they’re necessary to be able to say: ‘It hurt, I felt it, I lived it—but I made it.’”

Now in her final year of her Psychology degree—set to graduate in October—Kasmar is preparing to begin a master’s in Social Work with a concentration in trauma at Boston University, furthering her commitment to supporting vulnerable women with professional care.