Bethny Barrett lives in Roanoke, Virginia but hails from Northwest Arkansas. Bethny has spent the past decade advocating for survivors of violence, for reproductive justice, and for LGBTQ+ rights. Following an accelerated three-year program, she graduated from Hollins University in 2014 with a B.A. in English with honors. At Hollins, Bethny volunteered with the Coalition Against Sexual Assault, which began her career in advocacy.

In 2019, she received her J.D. from Washington and Lee University School of Law. While in law school, Bethny served as President of the Public Interest Law Students Association. She also interned with the Women’s Center for Advancement and the Women’s Law Project.

Bethny became a member of the Virginia State Bar and was certified as guardian ad litem in early 2020. Afterwards, she practiced family law with Slovensky Law PLLC. Bethny spent a year as a legal advocate for survivors of sexual and domestic violence at the Women’s Resource Center of the New River Valley. She also represents children in custody and child protection matters. In April 2023, Bethny became the Director of Education and Outreach for SARA Inc. in Roanoke. In addition to her work with Virginia NOW, Bethny sits on the board of the Lean In Project.