What the mission means to Samantha
While being an advocate for survivors of sexual violence I often advocated for child survivors. Though this was fulfilling, I was limited to only advocating on addressing sexual abuse of children as opposed to advocating to ensure a child’s healthy physical and mental development, access to quality child care, or reducing their time in the child welfare system – issues impacting children as whole and issues, if not addressed, may lead to a child being abused. At Zero to Three I am able to fully advocate for children in all aspects of their lives to ensure children, regardless of their family’s economic status, have an amazing start to life, and that is something that truly makes me smile.
Professional Background
Samantha Cadet is an accomplished policy expert and advocate with extensive experience in federal government relations and legislative affairs. Most recently, Samantha served as the Director of Federal Affairs, Appropriations, and National Coalitions at RAINN, where she played a key role in establishing federal legislative priorities to address issues impacting survivors of sexual assault, harassment, human trafficking, and online exploitation. During her tenure, Samantha successfully advocated for funding and legislative measures supporting survivors, including the reauthorization of the National Sexual Assault Hotline after an 11-year lapse.
Prior to RAINN, Samantha worked at the University of Georgia’s Office of Government Relations, where she rose through the ranks from Federal Government Relations Assistant to Assistant Director of Federal Relations. In this role, Samantha championed higher education priorities, coordinated meetings with Congressional leaders, and led initiatives to promote the university’s research and appropriations agendas. She also demonstrated exceptional leadership by overseeing the University’s Federal Government Relations Internship Program and managing the university’s multi-million-dollar D.C. facility, Delta Hall.
Her expertise in legislative advocacy, coalition-building, and strategic planning has made her a trusted leader in advancing policies that improve the lives of vulnerable populations.
Samantha holds degrees from the University of Georgia and has consistently demonstrated a passion for supporting survivors, children, and advancing educational and social justice initiatives through her work in government relations and policy advocacy.
Future Vision
Samantha hopes to contribute to a future where every child’s earliest years are filled with the care, stability, and opportunities needed to reach their full potential. Her vision is to strengthen the early childhood field by advocating for federal policies, programs, and practices that center on the well-being of young children and their families. By fostering collaboration and innovation, she aims to create significant and lasting policy changes that positively shape children’s development and future success.
