When it comes to raising awareness about human trafficking and exploitation, there's no substitute for someone who has been there. Survivor-leaders, who have experienced this dark world and triumphed over their circumstances offer a unique and powerful perspective.
Their shares are a shot across the bow and a beacon of hope, particularly for those who may be grappling with their own challenges and seeking inspiration to move forward.
Unfortunately, there exists a presumption within some sectors — churches, non-profits, and government agencies included — that survivor-leaders should educate and motivate others with little to no compensation. These professional speakers have very often been featured at fundraising events without receiving a share of the proceeds for their work or as a donation to their charities. These actions, even done innocently, can be considered a form of re-exploitation.
It's time we change this narrative and treat survivor-leaders with the respect and recognition they deserve. Like any professional, their expertise, insights, and contributions hold immense value and should be remunerated accordingly. When you invite a survivor-leader to speak at your event or consult for your organization, remember to consider their fees and expenses as you would any other professional in the field.
According to Amanda, being traumatized isn't a competition that makes one more valuable or more important. She teaches those choosing to turn their trauma into service and serve as effective leaders how to recognize and overcome personal obstacles, let go of stuffed emotions, and have the difficult conversations that free them and their people.
Have Cierra, online as well as in-presence, address your school, church, hospital, hospitality company and anywhere where teens are around. She provides real life cases from working with hundreds of young ones as well as tools that can be put to use immediately to spot and recover young ones in trouble.
Often brought in as a child trafficking expert, former White House HT Council Advisor Jennisue also delivers potent talks on Healing Hearts with Compassion, which uncovers the power of compassion and a profound strategy that empower those who have experienced human trafficking to reclaim their lives, and Reclaiming Identity, the keys to reclaiming your true self, understanding your purpose, and harnessing the strength to rebuild after intense trauma.
Jessa has addressed legislators at the Colorado State Capitol, done training the Department of Homeland Security,, and spoken at the National Character Leadership Symposium for the Air Force. Jessa has been a consultant for OVC TTAC, Department of Homeland Security, Department of State, and Polaris Project. Additionally, Jessa has been highlighted by Real Women Real Stories, Fight the New Drug, and People Magazine.
Ms. Solomon has contributed to the arrest of over 200 buyers and the recovery of more than 30 victims and has testified in trials resulting in substantial sentences for traffickers—totaling more than 400 years, Karla serves as a Council Member for the Human Trafficking Survivor Leader Council with the Office of the Governor for the State of Texas. She is also a Community Education Partner with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and a Board Member with For Freedom Initiative.
It is important for a survivor or therapist to understand the specific pieces and patterns that go into intense programming for slavery. By taking an in depth look at the programming methods, purposes, and outcomes; a person can finally understand the pieces to mind control and slavery. Laura has written books and leads courses on the important topic of getting free from the most intense types of control.
Using years of frontline experience assisting victims and survivors in South Florida, Nathan has trained and educated about males, 2SLGBTQ+ young adults, individuals challenged with substance dependency and runaway and homeless youth. He's served as a grassroots activist and brings an important perspective to topics seldom addressed.
Currently on the United States HT Advisory Council, Rachel has over 12 years' experience in teaching, mentoring, corporate training, curriculum writing and public speaking. She has educated and inspired a wide range of audiences including teens, social service providers, churches, teachers, college students, law enforcement and lawmakers.
Shametria has spoken on stages like the Zurich Classic, Dress for Success Worldwide Conference, and Grant Cardone 10x Growth Conference – just to name a few - and has been heard by over 100,000 people. She is also celebrated for the impact she has on the lives of teens. Through Shametria's Foundation Unleash to Speak she has reach out to 50,000 teens that have experienced abuse and ready find their voice and stand up for themselves.