http://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradiowww.kelleyalsobrook.com We cover topics such as self-esteem & self-worth in order to help motivate & empower for healing from hurts. Although our focus is to bring awareness regarding Human Trafficking, We also discuss sexual assault and domestic violence. Our guest speakers will share personal stories on how they became over-comers as well as professionals that will share their experience in dealing with abuse, human trafficking, sexual assault, etc........No matter who the guest is you will definitely NEVER want to miss an episode!!!!!enCopyright Kelley Alsobrook (C/O Blogtalkradio)Sat, 15 Jun 2019 08:15:00 GMTMon, 08 May 2017 01:00:00 GMTMotivationBlogTalkRadio Feed v2.0https://dasg7xwmldix6.cloudfront.net/hostpics/51927111-1be4-431b-bda5-fc36b147f12b_10391831_1689608184656442_3767101293040101332_n.jpghttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradiowww.kelleyalsobrook.com We cover topics such as self-esteem & self-worth in order to help motivate & empower for healing from hurts. Although our focus is to bring awareness regarding Human Trafficking, We also discuss sexual assault and domestic violence. Our guest speakers will share personal stories on how they became over-comers as well as professionals that will share their experience in dealing with abuse, human trafficking, sexual assault, etc........No matter who the guest is you will definitely NEVER want to miss an episode!!!!!feeds@blogtalkradio.comBlogTalkRadio.commotivation,god,hope,human trafficking,love,grace,redemption,domestic violence,redeemed,mercyEmpowerU Radionowww.kelleyalsobrook.com We cover topics such as self-esteem & self-worth in order to help motivate & empower for healing from hurts. Although our focus is to brepisodichttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2017/05/08/from-the-heart-of-a-best-friend--ileana-lago-cinkilicMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2017/05/08/from-the-heart-of-a-best-friend--ileana-lago-cinkilic/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2017/05/08/from-the-heart-of-a-best-friend--ileana-lago-cinkilicMon, 08 May 2017 01:00:00 GMTFrom the Heart of a Best Friend - Ileana Lago-CinkilicIn elementary school and middle school they were best friends, almost inseperable. Neither one realized at the time how much the other needed each other. They were both going through their own trials and the other didnt even realize it. Until the the father of one started playing sexual "games" with Ileana. She knew something was off but being a child herslf she didnt really understand. She questioned for years "Was it her fault?" Here best friend finally decided that they shoud only go to Ileana's house because she know it wasnt safe for her at her own house. She didnt want her best friend to be subjected to what she was enduring. Many years later they would reconnect via Facebook and rekindle their friendship. They shared their individual hurts and pains as well as their triumphs. They spoke about what happened with Ileanas best friends dad. It was hard for the best friend to hear how much damage was done but it was a relief to know Ileana had not gone down the same path. Wait til you hear who Ileana's best friend was! You DO NOT want to miss this show!!!   01:10:00EmpowerU Radionohope,abuse,human trafficking,GodHow could the elementary and middle school best friend know that her friend would eventually be involved inhuman trafficking?http://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2017/05/01/from-the-heart-of-a-mother--selika-corleyMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2017/05/01/from-the-heart-of-a-mother--selika-corley/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2017/05/01/from-the-heart-of-a-mother--selika-corleyMon, 01 May 2017 01:00:00 GMTFrom the Heart of a Mother - Selika CorleySelika Corley has always been an advocate.  Please don’t mistake her smiles and calm demeanor as a sign of weakness.  Selika is stronger than she appears.  She has used her platform to educate the community on the rising crime of Human Trafficking.  Selika has used her voice for those who have been silenced by their abusers, whether it was domestic violence or sexual assault.  Selika has used her voice in the court room; helping victims of domestic violence to fight for protection orders against further abuse.  She has worked tirelessly to train with other advocates and agencies to provide the best service possible to her clients.  She has facilitated training for the Crisis Counselors with Catholic Charities Rape Crisis Center, the entire staff at Hinds Behavioral Health in Jackson, MS and offers trainings by participating in trauma conferences and Human Trafficking conferences.  Selika has a passion for helping people.  She has volunteered with many organizations to fight domestic violence, homelessness, and human trafficking.  Selika often says, “I work so hard, because I know how it feels to be silenced.  I am fueled by my past experiences…especially my domestic violence and having a child lured and kidnapped into sex trafficking.  I will not stop fighting for this cause.  There are far too many dangers in the world for people to sit quietly.” In 2013, Selika established Without Consent Foundation.  The goal of Without Consent Foundation was awareness and prevention against Human Trafficking and referral sources for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.  “There was once a time when I didn’t know what to call it (trafficking)…Now that I know, I won’t stop until everyone knows.  I want everyone to join this fight.”    01:00:00EmpowerU RadionoHuman trafficking,hope,God,Redemption,advocateSelika often says, “I work so hard, because I know how it feels to be silenced. I am fueled by my past experiences…especially my domestic violence and having ahttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2017/04/10/warriorsurvivor-teresa-cunninghamMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2017/04/10/warriorsurvivor-teresa-cunningham/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2017/04/10/warriorsurvivor-teresa-cunninghamMon, 10 Apr 2017 01:00:00 GMTWarrior/Survivor Teresa Cunningham Teresa Cunningham, survivor of sexually abuse from age 2 to 17 and victim of a kiddy ring from ages 6 to 9. Her predators were her father and the men on his side of the family. Teresa's the author of a new book "Never A Child" which is the story of her life of abuse from early childhood through her late teen years, and of how it impacted her adulthood decisions. She turned in her father at 17 but, she writes, ".. he got a slap on the wrist." Teresa speaks of how the law system failed her as well as society, explaining, "I grew into adulthood with many demons walking on a very destructive path for myself and those around me." After considerable suffering, she eventually found God, "..and through Him I found peace with my past. He healed me fully from all the scars that were put on me. And now that I have come full circle in my healing." She goes on, "I want victims to see that there is true healing and there is life to be lived to the fullest after abuse." Teresa continues, "I was led to the healing path by befriending many who helped me change from what I was to who I am now. I have come full circle with my healing." She concludes, "My goal with my story is to reach those that are still in the darkness of abuse to let them know that it is okay to come out .. that there can be life lived to the fullest from love to laughter, to how do deal with anger, and how to forgive to letting go .. to live full functional life away from all the pain."  00:59:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,God,hope,redeemed,JoyTeresa Cunningham, survivor of sexually abuse from age 2 to 17 and victim of a kiddy ring from ages 6 to 9. Her predators were her father and the men on his sidhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2017/04/03/why-does-human-trafficking-matter-as-a-issue-in-your-cityMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2017/04/03/why-does-human-trafficking-matter-as-a-issue-in-your-city/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2017/04/03/why-does-human-trafficking-matter-as-a-issue-in-your-cityMon, 03 Apr 2017 01:00:00 GMTWhy Does Human Trafficking Matter as a Issue in YOUR City?What parents, grandparents, teachers or role models should know to raise children who are less susceptible to becoming victims or perpetrators.   Hope is a human trafficking and ritual abuse survivor. She resides in the North East and enjoys the beauty of each of the four seasons. After breaking free at age thirty, Hope has spent the past twenty-one years healing. She chose to follow Christ, because His unfailing love proved her captors' lies false, restored her hope, and redeemed her scars. He has demonstrated over and over His love, mercy, and sovereignty, compelling Hope to go deeper into the relationship and pursue Him with passion.   Kamekio is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor who has worked over 15 years providing counseling, coaching, and career planning to help unemployed and underemployed individuals prepare for and get in position to achieve their employment goals and increase their earnings! Her passion to help others succeed is demonstrated through her ongoing work with veterans, youth with disabilities, and survivors of domestic violence, providing individualized coaching sessions and interactive workshops! 01:00:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,God,hope,redeemedWhat parents, grandparents, teachers or role models should know to raise children who are less susceptible to becoming victims or perpetrators.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2017/03/27/warriorsurvivor-pineapple-sodaMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2017/03/27/warriorsurvivor-pineapple-soda/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2017/03/27/warriorsurvivor-pineapple-sodaMon, 27 Mar 2017 01:00:00 GMTWarrior/Survivor Pineapple SodaMs. Pineapple Soda (born K.Denise), is a South Philadelphia (PA) native born December 1974.  She is the daughter of an Apostolic Faith church-going mother, and an unsaved (deceased) father whom was full of life, love, and a compassion for arts and people.  Pineapple lived as if the world was her oyster.  Her father always stressed to her that there was nothing that she couldn't do if she put her mind to it, and she really believed him. When her father, whom she loved and adored began a new career that kept him away from home most of the months throughout the year, her once happy-go-lucky life became a never ending nightmare.  Pineapple's mother became very physically and mentally abusive towards her which brought on a lot of nervousness, fear, and confusion. Being raised in an abusive household at such a tender age, Pineapple turned to books and prayer.  As her home became her hell, Pineapple also found out that her church was not her safe house. After enduring years of broken skin, molestation, public humiliation, and failed suicidal attempts, today, Ms. Pineapple Soda is the Founder of 4EKG World; an Organization of women, supporting other women, children, communities, and positive initiatives.  She has made the choice to love, to empower, and to live unapologetically happily ever after. 01:00:00EmpowerU Radionochild abuse,hope,empowerment,Love,encouragementMs. Pineapple Soda (born K.Denise), is a South Philadelphia (PA) native born December 1974. She is the daughter of an Apostolic Faith church-going mother, andhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2017/03/13/warriorsurvivor-tara-madisonMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2017/03/13/warriorsurvivor-tara-madison/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2017/03/13/warriorsurvivor-tara-madisonMon, 13 Mar 2017 01:00:00 GMTWarrior/Survivor Tara MadisonTara Madison is a published author, speaker and a full time college student whose chief aim is to educate the public on the dynamics of human trafficking. As a survivor leader and a professional tattoo artist of twenty years, she is currently working on CE platforms to educate the tattoo professionals on the phenomena of branding in the United States and the legal implementation on the industry.  00:59:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,God,redeemed,hope,educateTara Madison is a published author, speaker and a full time college student whose chief aim is to educate the public on the dynamics of human trafficking.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2017/03/06/warriorsurvivor-robin-miller. ]]>. ]]>Motivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2017/03/06/warriorsurvivor-robin-miller/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2017/03/06/warriorsurvivor-robin-millerMon, 06 Mar 2017 02:00:00 GMTWarrior/Survivor Robin Miller. ]]>Robin Miller recieved her Bachelor's degree in Social Science from Portland State University in 2012. Today she works as the Case Manager and Mentor for the New Options for Women Program at Life Works NW. Robin provides direct services to women who have been commercially sexually exploited (CSE) and connects them to community resources and provides peer support. Part of her job also requires her to work closely with law enforcement and the local district attorney's office. Robin presents to a variety of audiences on the issues of commercial sexual exploitation from a survivor and professional perspective, including buyers enrolled through Multnomah County and LifeWorks NW Sex Buyers Accountability and Diversion class, faith based comunities, social service providers and service organizations focused on the issue of CSE and CSEC (commercial sexual exploitation of children) Robin is a survivor leader in her community and a member of the Clark County Human Tafficking Task Force Committee in Vancouver, WA>. 00:59:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,God,hope,RedemptionRobin Miller is a survivor leader in her communityhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2017/02/20/warriorsurvivor-kristen-tebowMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2017/02/20/warriorsurvivor-kristen-tebow/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2017/02/20/warriorsurvivor-kristen-tebowMon, 20 Feb 2017 02:00:00 GMTWarrior/Survivor Kristen TebowKristen serves as the Human Trafficking Program Coordinator at the  Domestic Violence Center in Lawrence, KS. Kristen is also an advocate for survivors of human trafficking with almost a decade of serving marginalized youth and adults, developing programs, and educating the public on the indicators and red flags of human sex trafficking. A survivor of sex trafficking and a leader in the movement, Kristen has worked locally, regionally, and nationally as a case manager, consultant, founder and developer of programs, researcher, community organizer and advocate for youth and adult victims of human trafficking. Earning her BS in Sociology and Women’s Studies in 2011, Kristen combines her passion for serving high-risk youth with her education and is dedicated to bringing forth education and awareness to equip them with the tools to stay safe. Kristen is a founding developer of three nonprofit organizations, two ministries, and three student organizations. Kristen has been a forerunner in mobilizing communities toward taking action against human trafficking by facilitating multidisciplinary teams, public speaking and sharing her testimony, and organizing community events. Kristen serves on the Kansas Human Trafficking Working Group for the US Attorney and has been invited to serve on a subcommittee for the statewide Human Trafficking Advisory board. Kristen is a respected member of the Human Trafficking Survivor Leader community and continues to empower, provide support to, and collaborate with Survivor Leaders from around the globe.  Kristen is renewed through relationships with friends and family, specifically her Husband and their two Jack Russell Terriers. Kristen enjoys painting, singing and dancing, and yoga. Kristen has been nationally recognized for her artwork, providing two paintings for the world-renown Pathbreaker Award at the Shared Hope JuST Conference in 2016. 01:00:00EmpowerU RadionoHuman trafficking,God,hope,restoration,redeemedKristen is the Human Trafficking Program Coordinator for the Domestic Violence Center in Lawrence, KS. Kristen has served as a Victim Advocate for marginalizedhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2017/02/13/warriorsurvivor-angie-connMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2017/02/13/warriorsurvivor-angie-conn/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2017/02/13/warriorsurvivor-angie-connMon, 13 Feb 2017 02:00:00 GMTWarrior/Survivor Angie ConnAngie is a survivor, speaker, writer, educator, wife, and momma. She is a recent graduate of the Rebecca Bender Initiative online mentoring program Elevate and is currently taking the Advanced Elevate Business Course. She hopes to become more involved in the movement by becoming a certified life-coach/personal trainer where she can help women suffering with PTSD feel more empowered and connected to their bodies. She has learned over the course of her life and working with other women that too many women feel alone, ashamed, and afraid. "My heart is to dare to make a difference in the lives of others through sharing my experiences, pain, and hurt. I want others to understand that none of your pain is wasted pain." Angie grew up in a small town in WV. At the age of fourteen she was raped by a school classmate. That event spiraled her into the darkness of drugs, alcohol, and abusive relationships. At 15 after running away from home she experienced another rape by a stranger after her boyfriend took her to a party. She set out to run as far away from the pain as she could. After hitchhiking from WV to California she found herself in the middle of what years later she realized was sex trafficking.  The following 10 years of her life was filled with violence, drugs, and darkness. Today she uses the experiences to shine a light into the world of human trafficking. No one should have to walk alone. For years I stuffed the pain of my past away. I locked it up tight and prayed noone would ever find out what I had done or where I came from. The problem with that is it festers just below the surface like a storm threatening  to destroy everything in its path.  "Freedom is what you do with what's been done to you." -Sartre  00:58:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,God,hope,Love,GraceShe has learned over the course of her life and working with other women that too many women feel alone, ashamed, and afraid. "My heart is to dare to make a difhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2017/02/06/warriorsurvivor-amy-andrews-grayMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2017/02/06/warriorsurvivor-amy-andrews-gray/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2017/02/06/warriorsurvivor-amy-andrews-grayMon, 06 Feb 2017 02:00:00 GMTWarrior/Survivor Amy Andrews-GrayWith over 10 years experience working with trauma victims, Amy Andrews- Gray is Executive Director and Co-Founder of Survivors Consultation Network which provides crisis interventions, trauma informed advocacy and mentorship, placement assistance and court advocacy. With 25 keynote speeches and over 50 public appearances, Ms. Andrews is also a well-known and established public speaker. She speaks at conferences and holds informational workshops and trainings on issues related to Human Trafficking throughout the United States for public, private and government agencies as an independent consultant. Amy Andrews is a certified human trafficking advocate, a certified court advocate and a true subject matter expert. She works collaboratively with NGO’s and governmental agencies to develop strategies for best practices. Amy also developed a vicarious trauma prevention retreat for survivor leaders who are working as advocates and providing services to other victims. During her career, Ms. Andrews has accomplished many firsts. In 2014, Amy was the first trafficking survivor in San Bernardino County who was asked to accompany Law Enforcement in a nationwide sweep, (Operation Cross Country.) She was asked to provide advocacy to the victims who were arrested. Amy’s organization is also the first to secure trafficking specific housing for a minor victim, and have the courts release the victim to her and then transport victim to facility. Amy has experience speaking to and training psychotherapists, psychologists, psychiatrists’, social workers, law enforcement, teachers, high school and college students, counselors as well as spiritual and religious individuals. Her inclusive approach holds great value in breaking apart the roots of human trafficking in a collaborative way. She enjoys incorporating humor into her public appearances due to the level of seriousness the topic of human trafficking carries.  01:00:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,hope,healing,restorationWith over 10 years experience working with trauma victims, Amy Andrews- Gray is Executive Director and Co-Founder of Survivors Consultation Network which providhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2017/01/23/ride-my-road--rebecca-bender-initiativeMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2017/01/23/ride-my-road--rebecca-bender-initiative/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2017/01/23/ride-my-road--rebecca-bender-initiativeMon, 23 Jan 2017 01:00:00 GMTRide My Road - Rebecca Bender InitiativeOne Girl. One Camera. One Motorcycle. 9k Miles. Raising Funds and Awareness for Survivors of Sex Trafficking.  The Rebecca Bender Initiative is a leading forerunner in the efforts to eradicate modern day slavery and change the mindset of our culture. RBI assists in crisis response assisting victims to escape. Next, RBI offers, ELEVATE, an intensive online 16 week program, allowing victims to receive services regardless of where they live. This online course offers deeper levels of healing, business development and leadership, but doesn't end there. With many tracks to choose from, ELEVATE is an entire year of follow up and a lifetime of support. What is more, RBI has some of the most advanced trainings in the country, equipping FBI, Homeland Security, Former Presidents, SVU & Undercover, Medical Professionals, Service Providers and Faith Communities all across America. We are so honored to have Lauren Trantham and Kathy Bryan as our guests.  02:00:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,god,hope,strengthOne Girl. One Camera. One Motorcycle. 9k Miles. Raising Funds and Awareness for Survivors of Sex Trafficking.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2017/01/16/what-ritual-abuse-exists-in-the-united-statesMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2017/01/16/what-ritual-abuse-exists-in-the-united-states/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2017/01/16/what-ritual-abuse-exists-in-the-united-statesMon, 16 Jan 2017 01:00:00 GMTWhat? Ritual Abuse exists in the United States?We are extremely honored to have Hope Manasseh and "Rachel" as our guests to talk about ritual abuse which is a reality in the United States. Both of these amazing women are survivors of ritual abuse and human trafficking but today they are serious warriors in bringing awareness to both of these horrendous crimes. They help others that have been through this and shows the love of Christ in order to help others heal!!  Rachel is a survivor.  After being kidnapped at the age of 4, Rachel returned home only to begin a journey through years of extreme violence.  She traveled around North America being bought and sold out of hotels, motels, truck stops, warehouses, homes, mansions, the back of moving trucks, and even church basements, Rachel earned her traffickers millions of dollars all before she was old enough to vote.  Her traffickers believed for enough cash nothing was off limits for their clients, so Rachel was thrown into a world of violent sadistic sex, alcohol, drugs, child ography and ritual abuse.      Hope is a survivor of human trafficking and ritual abuse.  She dislikes both labels, but recognize their effectiveness in sharing her story and communicating the love of Christ. After breaking free at age thirty, she has spent the past 19 years healing. Christ found and saved her fifteen years ago! Hope has chosen to follow Christ because His unfailing love proved that her captors' lies were false, her hope has been restored, and HE has redeemed her scars. He has demonstrated over and over His love, mercy, and sovereignty, which compels her to go deeper into the relationship and pursue Him with passion. The result is a deeply personal and intimate relationship with God, a unique perspective on life, and a passion to share the power of Christ to redeem and His desire to restore.   02:00:00EmpowerU RadionoRitual Abuse,Human trafficking,God,Hope,redemptionWe are extremely honored to have Hope Manasseh and "Rachel" as our guests to talk about ritual abuse which is a reality in the United States. Both of these amazhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2017/01/09/the-survivors-viewpointMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2017/01/09/the-survivors-viewpoint/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2017/01/09/the-survivors-viewpointMon, 09 Jan 2017 01:00:00 GMTThe Survivors ViewpointAs we kick off National Human Trafficking Awareness month I have the honor of having 5 amazing survivor/warriors on the show to talk about the reality of human trafficking, what life is like after coming out of trafficking, how important inner healing is and what actions need to take place to battle this horrific crime. I am honored to have Author Alice Jay-Smith, Christa Hernandez, Michaela Floyd, Summer Dickerson and Toni McKinley joining me on this panel. They are all doing amazing things in the fight against human trafficking so be sure NOT to miss this show!     02:00:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,hope,Grace,Sexual abuse,healing5 Amazing survivors talking about human trafficking, what are the issues, what life is like now, and what needs to be done to stop this horrendous crime!http://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/07/25/warriorsurvivor-much-more--lexie-smithMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/07/25/warriorsurvivor-much-more--lexie-smith/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/07/25/warriorsurvivor-much-more--lexie-smithMon, 25 Jul 2016 01:00:00 GMTWarrior/Survivor & Much More - Lexie SmithLexie is a first generation college graduate with a degree in Psychology from Lee University. She is a dynamic speaker with a purpose-filled life that developed from overcoming child sex trafficking, exploitation, and incest doors down from her family. What was meant to destroy her is now being used to inform communities on how to better protect the vulnerable, and properly respond to human trafficking. She has been an inspiring voice to over 42,000 teens since 2012 and imparts a sense of worth, identity, and awareness into a digitally relational generation. Her expertise has been utilized by a number of agencies including local Churches, NPO's, Tennessee Corrections Institute, ICE, Nashville Metro Vice, and local officers as a trainer, on-call advocate, and consultant.  Lexie serves as a member of the Rebecca Bender Ministries Speaker Team as well as a mentor for the Virtual Mentor Program. She and her mom are currently working on their first book about restoring the family unit after abuse.  01:00:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,survivor,God,LoveLexie is a first generation college graduate with a degree in Psychology from Lee University. She is a dynamic speaker with a purpose-filled life that developedhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/06/27/ritual-abuse-qa--hope-and-rachelMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/06/27/ritual-abuse-qa--hope-and-rachel/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/06/27/ritual-abuse-qa--hope-and-rachelMon, 27 Jun 2016 00:00:00 GMTRitual Abuse Q&A - Hope and RachelMay 29th we had the honor of having Hope Manasseh and Rachel Black sharing their experience with Ritual Abuse and giving us an education about what Ritual Abuse is and how real it is in the United States. They also shared the effects of Ritual abuse after a survivor comes out. This episode is to answer any questions you may have about the information shared on the prior episode. If you missed the episode you can listen at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/05/30/what-is-ritual-abuse-and-does-it-exist-in-the-united-states  If you have questions please email them to kelley@kelleyalsobrook.com and they will be answered in this episode. Please know that your name will stay anonymous.        02:00:00EmpowerU Radionoritual abuse,human trafficking,God,PTSD,LoveQuestions from our previous show will be answered on this episode. We will answer questions about Ritual Abuse.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/06/13/never-a-child--teresa-cunninghamMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/06/13/never-a-child--teresa-cunningham/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/06/13/never-a-child--teresa-cunninghamMon, 13 Jun 2016 01:00:00 GMTNever A Child - Teresa CunninghamNever A Child is my life story of being sexually abused from a very early age in childhood into my late teens by my father and several of the men on his side of the family. After turning my dad in at 17, the law and society failed me. Walking into adulthood I carried many demons with me, leading me on a very destructive path most certain for Hell. Until one day I found a new path to walk on. On this path I found healing from my past. The veil of darkness was lifted off me so that I could live a normal life away from the oppression of abuse. And now I have come full circle in my healing to share my story. I pray my story brings that same healing light to the many still suffering under that veil of darkness. There is healing and there is life after abuse. 00:57:00EmpowerU RadionoSexual abuse,God,Love,Grace,mercyNever A Child is my life story of being sexually abused from a very early age in childhood into my late teens by my father and several of the men on his side ofhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/06/06/warriorsurvivor-much-more--elizabeth-ciccantelliMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/06/06/warriorsurvivor-much-more--elizabeth-ciccantelli/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/06/06/warriorsurvivor-much-more--elizabeth-ciccantelliMon, 06 Jun 2016 01:00:00 GMTWarrior/Survivor & Much More - Elizabeth CiccantelliElizabeth Ciccantelli (chee kahn tell’ ay) is a licensed practical nurse, a self taught amateur artist, hobbyist, inspirer, and a 43 year survivor and thriver of child molestation, child exploitation, and human trafficking. After several years of soul searching and misguided advice, Elizabeth reached out to receive professional and ethical help assist her in a self transformation of which continues to this day. She answers the invitation to share some of her story with EmpowerU listeners, offering a heartful of joy, gratitude, and love. She speaks about the unfolding of the many diversified events that led to her entering into the horrifying subculture of human trafficking, the people who rescued her, and the wreckage left behind that has helped to mold her into the person she is today.   Born in Pennsylvania and raised primarily in New Jersey, she now resides in New Mexico with her faithful companion, Morpheus, where she has worked in the area of home healthcare for over 16 years.   00:59:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,artist,Love,redeemed,thrivingElizabeth Ciccantelli (chee kahn tell’ ay) is a licensed practical nurse, a self taught amateur artist, hobbyist, inspirer, and a 43 year survivor and thriver ohttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/05/30/what-is-ritual-abuse-and-does-it-exist-in-the-united-statesMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/05/30/what-is-ritual-abuse-and-does-it-exist-in-the-united-states/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/05/30/what-is-ritual-abuse-and-does-it-exist-in-the-united-statesMon, 30 May 2016 00:00:00 GMTWhat is Ritual Abuse? And does it Exist in the United States?We are extremely honored to have Hope Manasseh and "Rachel" as our guests to talk about ritual abuse which is a reality in the United States. Both of these amazing women are survivors of ritual abuse and human trafficking but today they are serious warriors in bringing awareness to both of these horrendous crimes. They help others that have been through this and shows the love of Christ in order to help others heal!!  Rachel is a survivor.  After being kidnapped at the age of 4, Rachel returned home only to begin a journey through years of extreme violence.  She traveled around North America being bought and sold out of hotels, motels, truck stops, warehouses, homes, mansions, the back of moving trucks, and even church basements, Rachel earned her traffickers millions of dollars all before she was old enough to vote.  Her traffickers believed for enough cash nothing was off limits for their clients, so Rachel was thrown into a world of violent sadistic sex, alcohol, drugs, child ography and ritual abuse.      Hope is a survivor of human trafficking and ritual abuse.  She dislikes both labels, but recognize their effectiveness in sharing her story and communicating the love of Christ. After breaking free at age thirty, she has spent the past 19 years healing. Christ found and saved her fifteen years ago! Hope has chosen to follow Christ because His unfailing love proved that her captors' lies were false, her hope has been restored, and HE has redeemed her scars. He has demonstrated over and over His love, mercy, and sovereignty, which compels her to go deeper into the relationship and pursue Him with passion. The result is a deeply personal and intimate relationship with God, a unique perspective on life, and a passion to share the power of Christ to redeem and His desire to restore. 02:31:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,ritual abuse,God,hope,LoveWe are extrememly honored to have Hope Manassah and "Rachel" as our guests to talk about ritual abuse which is a reality in the United States.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/05/23/warriorsurvivor-much-more--kathryn-robbinsMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/05/23/warriorsurvivor-much-more--kathryn-robbins/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/05/23/warriorsurvivor-much-more--kathryn-robbinsMon, 23 May 2016 01:00:00 GMTWarrior/Survivor & Much More - Kathryn RobbinsKathryn R. Robbins is a freelance writer, speaker and personal development coach with more than three decades experience mentoring survivors of various types of trauma.  She draws from her extensive wisdom birthed throughout years of healing and transformation work as she sought to overcome the challenges of spending her childhood being sexually trafficked.  Kathryn revolutionized her life from inside out; from victim to victor, from surviving to thriving and now spends her time pursuing avenues to help others do the same.  Kathryn’s childhood abuse included sex, drug and ography trafficking at the hands of a highly organized and sophisticated crime ring – one with ties to various levels of law enforcement, politicians and government agencies.  As is the case with most trafficking, Kathryn’s perpetrators were deeply engrossed in the occult and ritualistic abuses.  Making it out alive was no small miracle, one she had little do with.  Chasing mental and emotional wholeness would require everything she had left.  What she has seen and experienced may not be common but is shared by far too many voices sitting in fear and silence.  She tells her story for those who cannot tell theirs.  Today Kathryn lives a heathy and full life with her husband, Damon, and three teenage children in Orlando.  She is a founding board member of Reflections of Love, a ministry dedicated to building relationships with dancers in local strip clubs – just one of her many passions to bring hope to the hurting.   00:57:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,redeemed,wholeness healing restorationKathryn R. Robbins is a freelance writer, speaker and personal development coach with more than three decades experience mentoring survivors of various types ofhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/05/02/part-2-warriorsurvivorthriver--david-wayneMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/05/02/part-2-warriorsurvivorthriver--david-wayne/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/05/02/part-2-warriorsurvivorthriver--david-wayneMon, 02 May 2016 01:00:00 GMTPart 2 Warrior/Survivor/Thriver - David WayneThis will be part 2 of this amazing mans story!!! David Wayne - David is a survivor, advocate and consultant working on a volunteer basis since 2010, focusing primarily on policy, and also serving victims and survivors directly through case management, referrals and peer counseling, often long distance to other areas of the US and Canada. Although a lifelong resident of Pennsylvania, his work within the state has been limited due to concerns on privacy and avoiding entanglements with former perpetrators. In addition to serving with advocacy as a member of the National Survivor Network and Girls Educational & Mentoring Services (GEMS), David also advocates for girls and women who have been incarcerated as a result of sexual exploitation and trafficking, through formerly incarcerated survivor Sara Kruzan’s organization, I am SJK. David recently graduated from Rebecca Bender Ministry's Virtual Mentoring Program, a unique experience powered by survivors for survivors, and joined the Board of Directors of Project Soteria, another survivor-led organization, which works to prevent and eradicate exploitation while providing advocacy for juvenile justice. He also recently joined Cancer InCytes Magazine as an Editorial Adviser for the Culture, Law and Policy Department. David’s open letter to Amnesty International USA was featured and published among other survivor letters in opposition to Amnesty’s proposed policy that decriminalizes commercial sex business operators and sex buyers. David’s work also includes assistance with research and investigations, and he is the lead organizer of an effort to develop a regional task force against human trafficking in Northeast Pennsylvania.  01:00:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,God,Redemption,hopeDavid Wayne - David is a survivor, advocate and consultant working on a volunteer basis since 2010, focusing primarily on policy, and also serving victims and shttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/04/25/warrior-survivor-so-much-more--constance-fodorMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/04/25/warrior-survivor-so-much-more--constance-fodor/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/04/25/warrior-survivor-so-much-more--constance-fodorMon, 25 Apr 2016 01:00:00 GMTWarrior Survivor & so much more - Constance FodorConnie says, "I was in and out of the system as a child, a runaway multiple times beginning at age 5,  lived in 13 foster homes and two shelters, abused and neglected by my mother and abandoned by my father at age 2. Arrested for shop lifting and trying drugs at age 11, breaking into homes to find food and  finding a place where I fit in was my life and the hopes of it getting any better seemed grim…until I met Jesus for the first time at age 12. It wasn’t until at the age of 15, when moving to Alabama, that I began my new journey of a new life with Christ.  Jesus blessed me with my first Christian family to move in with and it was then that I truly started on my path to healing, new beginnings full of hope and purpose.   At age 23 I was called to work and live at a long term shelter for battered woman and abused children.  After being at the shelter for 5 years, God moved upon my heart to adopt a 3yr old little boy as a single mother. I started on a new journey as a single mom for the next 17yrs.  This little boy I’m speaking of is now 20 today and has recently moved out on his own as an adult.  God has indeed blessed my life so.   I’ve been privileged and honored to have worked at the WellHouse as a house mentor to woman rescued from human trafficking, to speaking once a week to teenager girls in juvenile detention centers to even back at the same domestic violence shelter 15yrs later part-time assisting with their children.  My life started out wrecked, broken and I was a statistic, but God had a plan and knew me when I was in my mother’s womb.  Praise Jesus for salvation, new beginnings and a life full of hope and purpose."  01:00:00EmpowerU RadionoGrace,mercy,Redemption,God,LoveConnie says, I was in and out of the system as a child, a runaway multiple times beginning at age 5, lived in 13 foster homes and two shelters, abused and neglhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/04/11/warrior-survivor-and-so-much-more--david-wayneMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/04/11/warrior-survivor-and-so-much-more--david-wayne/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/04/11/warrior-survivor-and-so-much-more--david-wayneMon, 11 Apr 2016 01:00:00 GMTWarrior Survivor and so much more - David WayneDavid Wayne - David is a survivor, advocate and consultant working on a volunteer basis since 2010, focusing primarily on policy, and also serving victims and survivors directly through case management, referrals and peer counseling, often long distance to other areas of the US and Canada. Although a lifelong resident of Pennsylvania, his work within the state has been limited due to concerns on privacy and avoiding entanglements with former perpetrators.   In addition to serving with advocacy as a member of the National Survivor Network and Girls Educational & Mentoring Services (GEMS), David also advocates for girls and women who have been incarcerated as a result of sexual exploitation and trafficking, through formerly incarcerated survivor Sara Kruzan’s organization, I am SJK. David recently graduated from Rebecca Bender Ministry's Virtual Mentoring Program, a unique experience powered by survivors for survivors, and joined the Board of Directors of Project Soteria, another survivor-led organization, which works to prevent and eradicate exploitation while providing advocacy for juvenile justice. He also recently joined Cancer InCytes Magazine as an Editorial Adviser for the Culture, Law and Policy Department. David’s open letter to Amnesty International USA was featured and published among other survivor letters in opposition to Amnesty’s proposed policy that decriminalizes commercial sex business operators and sex buyers. David’s work also includes assistance with research and investigations, and he is the lead organizer of an effort to develop a regional task force against human trafficking in Northeast Pennsylvania.  01:10:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,God,Redemption,hopeDavid is a survivor, advocate and consultant working on a volunteer basis since 2010, focusing primarily on policy, and also serving victims and survivors direchttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/04/04/warrior-survivor-and-so-much-more--tammy-bitangaMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/04/04/warrior-survivor-and-so-much-more--tammy-bitanga/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/04/04/warrior-survivor-and-so-much-more--tammy-bitangaMon, 04 Apr 2016 01:00:00 GMTWarrior Survivor and so much more - Tammy BitangaTammy is a wife to Jonny, mother to Chad and her furry baby Frankie Boy, sister to Jo and many brothers, friend to many & leader at her home church Legacy Christian Church located on the Island of Oahu.  In addition to her full time job as a certified bookkeeper for a prominent Honolulu law office, Tammy is also the Community Outreach Manager for Ho’ola Na Pua and also oversees the Annual Gala and Golf Tournament.  This volunteer driven organization is developing the first licensed residential therapeutic home for underage victims of sex trafficking in State of Hawaii. She serves the organization by coordinating speaking engagements, awareness events, fund raising events, and uses her powerful testimony to convey the reality and scope of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children in the Hawaii islands. 00:59:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,Redemption,God,Love,hopeTammy serves the organization by coordinating speaking engagements, awareness events, fund raising events, and uses her powerful testimony to convey the realityhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/03/21/the-big-dreamer--greg-walkerMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/03/21/the-big-dreamer--greg-walker/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/03/21/the-big-dreamer--greg-walkerMon, 21 Mar 2016 01:00:00 GMTThe Big Dreamer - Greg WalkerGrowing up in a home where his mom was a prostitute and with many siblings, Greg made the decision to go against the odds and dream BIG!! We weill get a different perspective on human trafficking as we speak to Greg on how this lifestyle affected him and his siblings! Greg Walker is a successful Entrepreneur, Motivational Speaker, soon to be Author, and Life Coach.  As an expert on leadership & communication, he is known for his burst of excitement and allows his life to be an open book from which radiates dynamic and inspiring messages that many people across all barriers relate to.  Greg is known as "The Big Dreamer," he will inspire you to achieve your Dreams or Vision. Life is too short, take Action Now!!! 01:00:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,hope,Greatness,God,LoveGrowing up in a home with many siblings and his mom was a prostitute, Greg made the decision to go against the odds and dream BIG!http://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/03/14/warrior-survivor-and-so-much-more--katina-stithMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/03/14/warrior-survivor-and-so-much-more--katina-stith/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/03/14/warrior-survivor-and-so-much-more--katina-stithMon, 14 Mar 2016 01:00:00 GMTWarrior Survivor and so much more - Katina StithKatina is a native of Virginia, but grew up in Atlanta. Sha has 3 wonderful girls and a husband of 19 years. Katina has been speaking about sex slavery for more than a decade. Through  her own experiences and working in Shelters for women and children her passion has grown even deeper. Currently Katina is a spiritual advisor for children in the Juvenile Justice System, blogger to encourage others, motivational speaker and Director of Rescue House of South Texas.  She is also earning my certificate of ministry at The South Texas School of Christian Studies.      When Katina is not writing or doing one of the other things listed above she can be found spending time at the beach or at home enjoying a great cup of tea.  00:55:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,God,hope,redeemed,restoredKatina has been speaking about sex slavery for more than a decade. Through her own experiences and working in Shelters for women and children her passion has ghttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/03/07/phoenix-rising--artist-human-trafficking-warriorMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/03/07/phoenix-rising--artist-human-trafficking-warrior/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/03/07/phoenix-rising--artist-human-trafficking-warriorMon, 07 Mar 2016 02:00:00 GMTPhoenix Rising - Artist & Human Trafficking WarriorWendy grew up in an ultra religious and abusive home. She was trafficked by a family friend for 4 years. She also went through a traumatic molestation by a church staff member, several rapes, and miscarriages. Although Wendy got saved at a young age, at age 20 Wendy surrendered to the lordship of Jesus Christ and followed his called into full time ministry. While in full time ministry She traveled and worked in several inner cities including Las Vegas, Dallas, San Francisco, Atlanta, and Prague. After the end of an abusive marriage and suicide of her husband, Wendy put herself through culinary school. She earned an associates of Arts degree in baking and pastry And was published in a national magazine. Currently, Wendy's serves into local organizations to combat human trafficking. She also is working to start a modern-day Underground Railroad. In Wendy's spare time she can be found enjoying nature, playing with her fur babies, painting, or hanging out with friends. 01:00:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,hope,redeemed,God,LoveWendy grew up in an ultra religious and abusive home. She was trafficked by a family friend for 4 years. She also went through a traumatic molestation by a churhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/02/29/and-he-called-me-angel--shanna-parkerMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/02/29/and-he-called-me-angel--shanna-parker/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/02/29/and-he-called-me-angel--shanna-parkerMon, 29 Feb 2016 02:00:00 GMTAnd He Called Me Angel - Shanna ParkerShanna Parker is an advocate for, and mentor to, victims of Human Trafficking. Shanna founded AngelsGoToWork to educate the community about the risks of trafficking, perform trafficking outreach, and work with youth who have been trafficked or are high risk to be trafficked. She works in the community with many different organizations and educates professionals in the field. She was recently awarded the 2015 H.O.P.E. award by The Florence Crittenton Organization for her work with youth girls giving them a Head start, Opportunity, and Positive future through Education. Her book titled ~And he called me Angel~ tells the story of her life as a victim of trafficking from 13-17yrs. Shanna’s desire is to be a contributing part of the world that puts in the work to eradicate Human Trafficking. 00:59:00EmpowerU RadionoHuman trafficking,God,Hope,redemption,survivorShanna Parker is an advocate for, and mentor to, victims of Human Trafficking.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/02/22/slavery-exists--kathy-bryanMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/02/22/slavery-exists--kathy-bryan/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/02/22/slavery-exists--kathy-bryanMon, 22 Feb 2016 02:00:00 GMTSlavery Exists - Kathy BryanKathy Bryan was once a victim of child sex trafficking. Today, thanks to God’s amazing mercy and grace, she has overcome that evil. An active speaker, advocate, and modern day abolitionist, she regularly presents and trains both churches and civic organizations.  Her goal is to enlighten, educate, and encourage others with her inspiring personal story and the truth that modern day slavery, human trafficking is a very real existence in the United States, as well as the world.   Kathy testified before the Arkansas House and Senate in support of Human Trafficking Legislation, which was subsequently passed and became law.  She has also guest lectured at the University of Arkansas Little Rock, and the Arkansas State University.  Kathy currently holds the position of Lead Mentor for Rebecca Bender Ministries’ Virtual Mentoring Program, is a licensed Realtor, and has been an active leader in her local church providing supportive listening, lay counseling, and small group leadership for over 20 years.  She is passionate about ending slavery and bringing the truth that God and the church play a mighty, mighty role in that goal. It is her fervent belief that slavery can be abolished, but only if we come together to fight it. 00:59:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,hope,redeemed,God,LoveKathy Bryan was once a victim of child sex trafficking. Today, thanks to God’s amazing mercy and grace, she has overcome that evil.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/02/08/human-trafficking-warrior--aubree-allesMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/02/08/human-trafficking-warrior--aubree-alles/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/02/08/human-trafficking-warrior--aubree-allesMon, 08 Feb 2016 02:00:00 GMTHuman Trafficking Warrior - Aubree AllesAubree Alles is a Survivor of Human Sex trafficking right here is the United States. She is soon to graduate with her AA in Human Services and work toward her Bachelors of Science in Psychology . She is the Author of "My Life Without Me" which is scheduled to be available January 2016 and tells her story of faith and redemption. She is an Advocate fighting to help others get and remain free from exploitation.  Aubree is also a public speaker on HT and women's issues and Director of The Love Outreach Center In Orlando for exploited women   00:58:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,God,hope,Redemptiona public speaker on HT and women's issues and Director of The Love Outreach Center In Orlando for exploited womenhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/01/25/survivors-perspective--how-can-we-all-make-a-differenceMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/01/25/survivors-perspective--how-can-we-all-make-a-difference/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/01/25/survivors-perspective--how-can-we-all-make-a-differenceMon, 25 Jan 2016 01:00:00 GMTSurvivors Perspective - How can we all make a differenceIn an effort to come up with effective ways to help victims get out and stay out of human trafficking we will get the perspective from four amazing survivors that are in the trenches to help fight human trafficking and be the advocates for the victims that are still out there. We will also talk about mistakes that are made by organizations that have good intentions but that may be doing more harm than good. We will also talk about how the church can make a difference without condeming and making victims turning survivors feel they are not welcome. I am honored to have Angie Duncan, Christa Hernandez, Toni McKinley and Hope Manassah on this panel. 02:00:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,hope,Redemption,God,LoveWe will have a panel discussion with four human trafficking survivors that are willing to share what is needed to help victims get out of human trafficking andhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/01/18/roadmap-to-redemption--rebecca-benderMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/01/18/roadmap-to-redemption--rebecca-bender/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/01/18/roadmap-to-redemption--rebecca-benderMon, 18 Jan 2016 02:00:00 GMTRoadmap to Redemption - Rebecca BenderRebecca Bender is a Survivor Leader and Advocate in the efforts to eradicate modern day slavery. After escaping sex trafficking in 2007, she wrote her first book, Roadmap to Redemption; the first of its kind: a workbook written by a survivor for survivors. Rebecca is a well sought after conference presenter and keynote at some of the biggest anti-trafficking events in the country, including President Jimmy Carter’s World Summit. She trains a variety of service providers including FBI, law enforcement, medical professionals, and community service providers.  She is the recipient of the 2014 Female Overcomer Award, and the 2013 Unlikely Hero Award. She is also a member of the Survivor Leader Institute and National Survivor Network. She was chosen as one of the top 22 Survivor Leaders across the U.S. being featured in a PSA titled, “More Than a Survivor.” In January 2014, Rebecca founded her own non-profit organization, Rebecca Bender Ministries (RBM). RBM focuses on: Equipping Rural America™, a program that trains service providers within smaller communities and equips them on steps to taken once they identify a victim, our Virtual Mentoring Program™ which provides survivors with a deeper level of healing and professional development, to our Speakers Bureau where Rebecca and other survivor leaders are able to share their story with a variety of demographics in mind.  During her free time, you can find her with her husband and their four lively daughters. Rebecca is also currently enrolled in Bethel Seminary completing her Master’s Degree.   01:01:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,survivor,God,hope,RedemptionRebecca Bender is a Survivor Leader and Advocate in the efforts to eradicate modern day slavery. After escaping sex trafficking in 2007, she wrote her first boohttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/01/11/get-educated-about-human-traffickingMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/01/11/get-educated-about-human-trafficking/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2016/01/11/get-educated-about-human-traffickingMon, 11 Jan 2016 01:00:00 GMTGet Educated about Human TraffickingJanuary is National Human Trafficking Awareness month! Get educated about human trafficking is a collaboration of 5 speakers bringing all different aspects of human trafficking. Its real and its in your backyard, neighborhood, schools, malls, everywhere!   Our panel lineup is as follows: Pastor Matt Anzivino - approaching from the spiritual aspect and how is affecting the church. Angela Graf - will bring the perspective from how human trafficking affects victims medically. Tajuan McCarty - will bring the perspective from the survivors point of view. Yvonne Williams - will talk about cultural change and how we need that change to fight this horrendous crime. We will also have a guest from law enforcement to bring their aspect.         02:01:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,hope,Change,God,GraceHear all different perspectives when it comes to human trafficking and just how real it is!http://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/12/14/if-you-want-it-told-im-the-one-to-tell-it--sharen-rooksMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/12/14/if-you-want-it-told-im-the-one-to-tell-it--sharen-rooks/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/12/14/if-you-want-it-told-im-the-one-to-tell-it--sharen-rooksMon, 14 Dec 2015 02:00:00 GMTIf You Want it Told, Im The One To Tell It - Sharen Rooks  As her testimony of the fortitude she found through faith, Sharen Rooks authored What Happens When God Moves – a truly inspirational story about the life of a young woman and the many trials and tribulations she experiences over a decade. Her story is riveting and includes some really horrific circumstances that would break some of the strongest people down. Her story includes an incident of incest which results in pregnancy, the death of a child, brief incarceration, witnessing a shooting, almost becoming homeless, and losing her job. Through the grace of God, these adversities develop this young entrepreneur into a very successful businesswoman, motivational speaker, consultant, singer, actor and author. 01:00:00EmpowerU Radionohope,Grace,God,Love,encouragementSharen volunteers much of her time to education, outreach ministries, domestic violence efforts and women issues. She coordinates the annual Born 2 Win fundraihttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/12/07/glamour-girl-movement--megan-mottleyMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/12/07/glamour-girl-movement--megan-mottley/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/12/07/glamour-girl-movement--megan-mottleyMon, 07 Dec 2015 02:00:00 GMTGlamour Girl Movement - Megan MottleyMegan Mottley is a native Memphian. She is a graduate of the University of Memphis (BA English ’00; MALS ‘04). Megan launched her own magazine, DIVINE, in 2007 while teaching Language Arts at her former middle school. In 2009, Megan stepped out on faith to work on her magazine full-time and manage her very own professional writing/editing company, MTLY Communications, to assist clients with resumes, social media, and other communication services.    In 2011, Megan launched another project, The Glamour Girl Movement, a ministry designed to transform today's modern woman.  The Glamour Girl Movement is based on Megan’s first book, "Glamour Girl: How to Get the Ultimate Makeover". Megan has also released several self-help E-Books including Supernaturally Single, A Glamour Girl Series for Today's Single Woman and What's Stopping You: A Guide To Moving Forward In Life.    Megan has a beautiful 14 year old daughter, Kaitlin, who reminds her that every day is worth living and worth celebrating. Megan attends Life Church of Memphis where she has served on several teams including Praise & Worship, Greeters, Nursery, Angel Food, Damascus Road and Connect Group Leader. Megan is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated (Epsilon Kappa Chapter).    Megan has won numerous awards for her efforts including the 2014 Church Girls Rock Award, the 2013 Successful Single Mother of the Year Award,  the 2012 University of Memphis Outstanding Young Alumna Award, the 2011 Tri-State Defender’s Woman of Excellence Award & many more!   To learn more about Megan's brands including MTLY Communications, Inc., DIVINE Magazine, and The Glamour Girl Movement, visit http://www.meganmottley.com  01:00:00EmpowerU Radionohope,Courage,inspire,God,BeautyMegan Mottley is an award-winning Communications Specialist gifted in the areas of professional/technical writing, editing, magazine publishing, and social medihttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/11/23/powerful-overcomer--mike-pistorinoMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/11/23/powerful-overcomer--mike-pistorino/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/11/23/powerful-overcomer--mike-pistorinoMon, 23 Nov 2015 02:00:00 GMTPowerful Overcomer - Mike PistorinoMike Pistorino is a thriving survivor of childhood sexual abuse who is using his voice to empower survivors everywhere and stop sexual violence. Growing up in the Bronx, Mike was neglected by family as a young boy and taken in by a neighbor, who raped him repeatedly for years. Trapped by the abuse and the rage it created within him, Mike turned to drugs, which led him to homelessness, crime, jail, and eventually federal prison. As an adult, he completed rehab and was finally able to get help for the sexual abuse he had suffered as a child. Today, Mike is the vice president of a multi-million dollar distribution business in Cleveland, Ohio, an avid runner and marathoner, and a married father of three. He is an outspoken champion for survivors, an unapologetic activist for the prevention of child sexual abuse, and a prolific public speaker. With powerful, unparalleled honesty and enthusiasm, Mike shares his story with audiences nationally and internationally, inspiring all who hear him to be champions for change in their own lives and communities. 00:59:00EmpowerU Radionohope,Grace,mercy,forgiveness,GodMike Pistorino shares his inspiring story of overcoming childhood sexual abuse in order to motivate survivors and others to be champions for change in their livhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/11/16/domestic-violence-overcomer-ly-syin-lobsterMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/11/16/domestic-violence-overcomer-ly-syin-lobster/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/11/16/domestic-violence-overcomer-ly-syin-lobsterMon, 16 Nov 2015 02:00:00 GMTDomestic Violence Overcomer Ly Syin LobsterLy Syin Lobster is an overcomer. Her early influences in life were reading, Christianity, and abuse.  As teenage she became interested in writing as a way to express herself. She started writing for her church newsletter.                                   After dealing with more domestic violence and being homeless, In 2006 she completed  Connections to Success Leading lady Leadership Series.  Ms. Lobster completed additional leadership training at Human development Corporations ‘s Stepping Up to Leadership Program.  Four years later, she was selected as the  Dress for Success Professional Women’s Group delegate. She organized the community action project “ Yes We Can Women Overcoming Obstacles. She lead outreach activities such as feeding the homeless women and their families. Collecting personal hygiene items and organizing a conference for homeless women  In 2006 she completed  Connections to Success Leading lady Leadership Series.  Ms. Lobster completed additional leadership training at Human development Corporations ‘s Stepping Up to Leadership Program.                   Ms. Lobster has overcome many issues such as domestic violence, alcoholism and homelessness.  Through her personal experience and her professional skills as a freelance - journalist, blogger, communications guru has empowered her to become an advocate for women’s  causes.     01:00:00EmpowerU Radionodomestic violence,hope,Love,God,GraceLy Syin Lobster is an overcomer. Her early influences in life were reading, Christianity, and abuse. As teenage she became interested in writing as a way to exhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/11/09/human-trafficking--a-survivors-story--bMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/11/09/human-trafficking--a-survivors-story--b/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/11/09/human-trafficking--a-survivors-story--bMon, 09 Nov 2015 02:00:00 GMTHuman Trafficking - A Survivors Story - "B""B" survived trafficking in 2004 following a stranger abduction. She is now an advocate for awareness, and hopes to spread the truth about trafficking. In an effort to keep this survivor/warrior safe and anonymous we are choosing not to disclose her name or her story.  Be sure to tune in to hear her story of trauma and hope!!! Human trafficking is real and its in our backyards, neighborhoods, schools, etc. Its time for the community to get educated and informed. Dont miss this show and share with others.....   00:58:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,Strength,Love,abduction,survivor"B" survived trafficking in 2004 following a stranger abduction. She is now an advocate for awareness, and hopes to spread the truth about trafficking.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/11/02/effects-human-trafficking-has-on-mental-health--dr-degagliaMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/11/02/effects-human-trafficking-has-on-mental-health--dr-degaglia/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/11/02/effects-human-trafficking-has-on-mental-health--dr-degagliaMon, 02 Nov 2015 02:00:00 GMTEffects Human Trafficking has on Mental Health - Dr. DeGagliaSo many human trafficking victims suffer with mental health issues once they have become free from their traffickers. We will discuss trauma bond, PTSD and more to better understand the mental health effects of this horrendous crime! J. De Gaglia, Ph.D., N.C.C., L.M.H.C., C.A.P., E.M.T.-P. is a “jack of all trades. He has earned credentials in both allied health and mental health. His research presented both nationally and internationally, involved hundreds of first responders over a two-year period. Eventually published, the research was recognized by the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (I.C.I.S.F.). Professionally, Dr. De Gaglia has completed appointments with the Department of Juvenile Justice (Florida), the Department of Corrections (Florida), and a fourteen year stint with a Native American community residing within the Florida Everglades. Presently, Dr. De Gaglia works predominantly with substance abusers in the South Florida area. 01:01:00EmpowerU Radionomental health,human trafficking,Strength,hope,restorationSo many Human trafficking victims suffer severe mental health issues once they have become free from their traffickers. Its time to address this issue!!http://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/10/26/slaves-of-a-different-kind--yvonne-williamsMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/10/26/slaves-of-a-different-kind--yvonne-williams/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/10/26/slaves-of-a-different-kind--yvonne-williamsMon, 26 Oct 2015 01:00:00 GMTSlaves of a Different Kind - Yvonne Williams"Somewhere in between all the creeds and dogmas of faith lies a beautiful place of human compassion and the ability to relate to one another on the same level. Many have a genuine love for the people of the United States and long to see better days Because of that love we've watched the light in our Statue of Liberty fade, with the evidence that our own policies are destroying lives not only in America but across the world. We are becoming like those we have been battling for decades, and our lip service of human rights is belied by our actions of torture and hypocritical policies of “stand your ground” and unrestrictive gun laws. Cultural terrorism, violence, hatred, and the like permeate our states and metropolitan cities. Our light is going out.   We are at a crossroads in American history, a place of such deep division that dramatic change in every facet of our social structure is necessary if we are going to prevent the continued destruction of innocence, including those who have been deceived by the erroneous dogmas of our three greatest institutions: religion, economics, and politics.   Slaves of a Different Kind tells us that a new day brightens on the horizon, a day that demands responsibility for the freedom. It is a day when humankind must answer to the blessings of liberty of pay a higher price for taking them for granted. If we are able to embrace and repent from the damaging issues within ourselves and the elements of division and turmoil in which we have been complicit, good will come."     01:01:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,hope,God,educateSlaves of a Different Kind tells us that a new day brightens on the horizon, a day that demands responsibility for the freedom. It is a day when humankind musthttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/10/19/domestic-violence-survivor-alyse-purdyMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/10/19/domestic-violence-survivor-alyse-purdy/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/10/19/domestic-violence-survivor-alyse-purdyMon, 19 Oct 2015 01:00:00 GMTDomestic Violence Survivor Alyse PurdyAlyse shares her story of rebellion, hurt, brokeness, and a husband that abused her and made her feel she was nothing!! But once she gained her freedom she didnt let anything or anybody else stop her from all she has accomplished at such a young age! Alyse Purdy is originally from Aurora, Illinois where she lived until she was 21 years old. After completing her Associate degree in Art she decided it was time to venture on her own.  She traveled the long 15 hours from Aurora to Jacksonville Florida where she lived until she was 24 years old.  During that time she waited tables, banquet bartender, cocktail waitressed etc.  When she turned 22 she was offered a position as a Assistant Wedding and Event Coordinator, the young lady was then modeled to handle small weddings of her own.  In just a short year later she took the position of Sales/Catering Manager at only 23; being in charge of 7,000 feet of meeting space. Being that Alyse is now 30 she has two children that are the ages of 5 and 3.  She has graduated with her Bachelors in Health Care Administration and currently working on her Master’s.  She now resides in Southaven, Ms. at the Crowne Plaza as the Meeting Director. 01:00:00EmpowerU Radionodomestic violence,hope,Grace,God,LoveAlyse shares her story of rebellion, hurt, brokeness, and a husband that abused her and made her feel she was nothing!!http://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/10/12/breast-cancer-awareness--patrice-keeling-winemillerMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/10/12/breast-cancer-awareness--patrice-keeling-winemiller/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/10/12/breast-cancer-awareness--patrice-keeling-winemillerMon, 12 Oct 2015 01:00:00 GMTBreast Cancer Awareness - Patrice Keeling WineMillerPatrice says "In November 2009, after an 8 and a half years with the disease, my mother gained her wings and joined her oldest sister and her mom (both cancer victims) in heaven.  With one maternal aunt surviving cancer, I saw no choice but to find out all I could of this horrible disease and how to keep it from affecting me and my daughters. As my mother’s last gift to me at her final doctors visit, she donated to me her DNA, so that any testing needed could be done.  WHAT A WONDERFUL GIFT!   In January 2010, I started my first doctor visits.  I spoke with my mom’s Oncologist regarding how in depth the cancer was and what my chances were at the time of possibly getting cancer.  I spoke to specialist about testing for certain genes that my family might have .  I finally decided something more HAD to be done.  The doctor stated with my chances of getting cancer, that it would be best for me to have testing every six months or I could go ahead and have a double mastectomy and reconstruction.  That weighed heavily on me at first but with thoughts going back to all my mom and aunts had gone through, it became an easy decision….I was having surgery!  I spoke to mom’s Oncologist who recommended the perfect person to perform my Mastectomy and a great friend who had already been through the procedure introduced me to my plastic surgeon.  Together, we had the perfect team!   This was something I had to do not just for me but for my future – my kids.  I wanted to be around for them."   00:57:00EmpowerU RadionoBreast Cancer,hope,Love,GodIn November 2009, after an 8 and a half years with the disease, my mother gained her wings and joined her oldest sister and her mom (both cancer victims) in heahttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/10/05/rising-above-the-scars--johnnetta-mcswainMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/10/05/rising-above-the-scars--johnnetta-mcswain/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/10/05/rising-above-the-scars--johnnetta-mcswainMon, 05 Oct 2015 01:00:00 GMTRising Above The Scars - Johnnetta McSwainJohnnetta McSwain, *Ph.D., from the mean streets of Birmingham, Alabama to the halls of academia, and from GED to Ph.D., Johnnetta McSwain, EMMY Award Winning documentarian, “The Road Beyond Abuse”, expert in Child Sexual abuse (CSA), Child Abuse and Neglect, Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and Sexual Violence (SV), published author, “Rising Above the Scars”,  Life Development Coach, Program Development/ facilitator and International empowerment speaker extraordinaire tells it like it is with wit, charm & wisdom. Wearing her signature fabulous stilettos, she aids to empower and inspire individuals to move from hopelessness to hope by becoming of aware of their cycles that impede their life and take action to break them to reach their fullest potential in their life. Born to an alcoholic mother and an absent father, the odds were unceremoniously stacked against her .  By the innocent age of five, she was viciously raped and incessantly battered by her three uncles while in the custody of her grandparents. At age 17, she dropped out of high school and started a life of self-destruction, selling drugs, tricking, clubbing, & promiscuity. At age 19, she bore her first son With no baby daddy, nor a high school diploma, Johnnetta got her GED and a few temp jobs here and there. While continuing her lifestyle of clubbing 5 nights out of 7, shoplifting, & promiscuity, she bore her second son at age 26. 7 months later, she got caught stealing at the mall  left her 7 year old son and 7 month old son in the middle of the mall parking lot, while running from the police.  While sitting in jail overnight, she decided she needed to change her life to save her boys. With no money and little knowledge about the criminal system; she was convicted with a felony and a year probation 01:01:00EmpowerU Radionodomestic violence,hope,Grace,God,LoveJohnnetta McSwain, *Ph.D., from the mean streets of Birmingham, Alabama to the halls of academia, and from GED to Ph.D., Johnnetta McSwain, EMMY Award Winning dhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/09/28/share-life--kamekio-lewisMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/09/28/share-life--kamekio-lewis/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/09/28/share-life--kamekio-lewisMon, 28 Sep 2015 01:00:00 GMTShare Life - Kamekio LewisSurviving a 2 year abusive relationship fueled her passion to help other women in similar situations and motivated her to write her 1st book, "Looking for Love....In All the Wrong Places. The community support was overwhelming and she used the book as the basis to continue to bring awareness to domestic violence and wrote and produced her first Hit Stage in 2012 to a sold out crowd in Memphis, TN. Her mission is to continue to use print, publications, and plays to help bring awareness to the seriousness of domestic violence. Kamekio has a passion to share the love of God through ministry and fellowship with women and children. In 2009, she completed Ministry Training International has continuously worked in ministry throughout her military career in Alaska, Kansas, and now in Tennessee. As a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, she has worked in the rehabilitation field for 10 years, helping individuals with disabilities transition.  Her passion to help others succeed is demonstrated through her countless volunteer hours and outreach ministries. She is the Executive Director of A New Day Rehabilitation & Counseling Services, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to eliminate transitional barriers and coordinate services for women and children. In efforts to provide housing for these families in need, A New Day has collaborated with The Share Life Community Housing Initiative, to provide a comfortable, caring, and conducive environment where women and children receive hope and healing to help get their lives back on track. Our Share Life Community is a community of passionate professionals working together to provide supportive housing, resources, and support services. Our primary population are individuals transitioning from domestic violence.   01:00:00EmpowerU Radionodomestic violence,hope,redeemed,God,LoveSurviving a 2 year abusive relationship fueled her passion to help other women in similar situations and motivated her to write her 1st book, "Looking for Love.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/09/21/bred-by-porn--jessica-neelyMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/09/21/bred-by-porn--jessica-neely/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/09/21/bred-by-porn--jessica-neelyMon, 21 Sep 2015 01:00:00 GMTBred by Porn - Jessica NeelyJessica Neely is a former youth pastor who was randomly raped days before she was to speak at a youth conference about purity. This trauma lead to a spiral of escorting, and then eventually human trafficking others. After looking at 30 years in federal prison for trafficking, she ran into the arms of a living Savior. Two years after full time recovery, she is ready to tell the TRUTH about Hollywood and Trafficking girls. You do not want to miss this revealing look inside the sex industry. 00:59:00EmpowerU Radionohope,God,Love,forgiveness,human traffickingJessica Neely is a former youth pastor who was randomly raped days before she was to speak at a youth conference about purity. This trauma lead to a spiral of ehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/09/07/chosen-advocates--angela-grafMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/09/07/chosen-advocates--angela-graf/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/09/07/chosen-advocates--angela-grafMon, 07 Sep 2015 01:00:00 GMTChosen Advocates - Angela GrafAngela Graf is the President and Founder of CAA. and an RN & Healthcare professional. Angela completed her Nursing Residency Program at St. Mary Corwin Medical Center in 2010 and received the Florence Nightingale award in 2009.  During her time at St. Mary Corwin Angela served as a Critical Care Nurse in their Intensive Care Unit and the Trauma Intensive Care Unit. Angela works for Professional Case Management (PCM) in their Denver Corporate Office as their RN Clinical Operations Coordinator. Angela also manages all clinical operations in her assigned state territories and manages the national catastrophic division for PCM. Additionally, Angela has developed a proactive empowerment skill set which has become the foundation for her drive and heart to build a Medical Rehabilitative-Restorative Facility and community for sex trafficked survivors. She is currently headed towards obtaining her Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner / Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SANE/SAFE) certifications to effectively develop a multidisciplinary Sexual Assault Response Team (SART), to be first responders in the Denver, CO based medical facility servicing recovered sex trafficked victims.  As a nurse leader in the health care industry, Angela has developed, and established, a network of personal and professional contacts and relationships with key community leaders and businesses. This is instrumental in raising the profile of CAA’s Medical Rehabilitative-Restorative healing center within the Denver community. Angela’s compassion to restore the broken lives of HT victims holistically, with emphasis on women and children victims of forced human trafficking, body, mind, and spirit is unrelenting as she and her team will provide optimum holistic quality services focused on the healing process to each victim that will walk through the doors of CAA’s Healing Center.   01:00:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,hope,medical,healing,restorationAs a nurse leader in the health care industry, Angela has developed, and established, a network of personal and professional contacts and relationships with keyhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/08/31/lost-girl-saved-by-grace--chanel-dionneMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/08/31/lost-girl-saved-by-grace--chanel-dionne/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/08/31/lost-girl-saved-by-grace--chanel-dionneMon, 31 Aug 2015 01:00:00 GMTLost Girl Saved by Grace - Chanel DionneAs a speaker and a blogger Chanel Dionne unashamedly shares her journey through hardship and triumph. During her adolescence and as a young woman she faced many trials. In 2009 she found herself in a very dark place in her life and fell prey to the mind control of a pimp and was sex trafficked. After falling for his false promises of a better life and freedom she lost everything including her identity. For 2 1/2 years she lived and breathed the "fast life" of working in the sex industry. Then in 2011 she managed to finally walk away and never go back. After leaving the industry and moving back to her hometown Chanel would still find herself unable to resist and break free from the shameful past she carried. It was not until after a suicide attempt that a co-worker slipped her note and shared with her the good news about a man named Jesus Christ that she began to start to see the light. In 2012, she joined a local Baptist church and publicly gave her life to Christ by baptism and since that day her life has been one of total transformation. Today she serves as a true witness of Christ grace, love, and mercy. Her passion is speaking and writing about her life so light can be shed on a hurting generation. Chanel Dionne believes there is hope for ANYONE regardless of their background. She lives and serves as a personal witness to the belief that she stands on today. On June 23, 2015 Chanel will be publishing her very first book entitled, “Lost Girl Saved By Grace” where she will share her journey to redemption with you more in depth. She also plans to use her story to enlighten the world on how close to home sex trafficking can be and to challenge the culture to rise up and to take action!  00:58:00EmpowerU RadionoHuman Trafficking,hope,God,Gods Love,GraceAs a speaker and a blogger Chanel Dionne unashamedly shares her journey through hardship and triumph. During her adolescence and as a young woman she faced manyhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/08/24/raised-by-strangers--brooke-lynnMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/08/24/raised-by-strangers--brooke-lynn/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/08/24/raised-by-strangers--brooke-lynnMon, 24 Aug 2015 01:00:00 GMTRaised by Strangers - Brooke LynnBrooke Lynn is a writer and a speaker who passionately lives — reaching others with God’s word and love. She is a survivor of abuse, sharing her past pain and recovery to encourage others with hope. Brooke shares "I am a Writer, Speaker, Nurse, and a health and wellness enthusiast. I transparently reveal my life experiences, struggles and triumphs with abuse, poverty, marital demise, parenting, and eating disorders helping others find the courage and strength for healing. I educate and create awareness about eating disorders sharing my 26 year battle and recovery. I have served as a children’s praise and worship leader, worked with middle and high school students, and also served on church prayer teams with a heart for intercessory prayer. I passionately motivate you into a deeper level of faith while encouraging you to love and accept yourself. I reside in the Washington D.C. area, have been married for nineteen years and I am raising two teenage children." 00:59:00EmpowerU Radionoabuse,God,Love,encouragement,hopeBrooke Lynn is a writer and a speaker who passionately lives — reaching others with God’s word and love. She is a survivor of abuse, sharing her past pain and rhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/08/17/human-trafficking-ritual-abuse--the-story-of-rachelMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/08/17/human-trafficking-ritual-abuse--the-story-of-rachel/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/08/17/human-trafficking-ritual-abuse--the-story-of-rachelMon, 17 Aug 2015 01:00:00 GMTHuman Trafficking & Ritual Abuse - The Story of RachelRachel is a survivor.  After being kidnapped at the age of 4, Rachel returned home only to begin a journey through years of extreme violence.  She traveled around North America being bought and sold out of hotels, motels, truck stops, warehouses, homes, mansions, the back of moving trucks, and even church basements, Rachel earned her traffickers millions of dollars all before she was old enough to vote.  Her traffickers believed for enough cash nothing was off limits for their clients, so Rachel was thrown into a world of violent sadistic sex, alcohol, drugs, child ography and ritual abuse.      As a result of her experience, Rachel now encourages other survivors to overcome their trauma by reclaiming their lives.  Rachel believes survivors must work together in order to successfully rid our communities of abuse.  Throughout everything, Rachel recognizes the impact her relationship with Jesus had on her ability to survive and overcome all she experienced.  Today, Rachel thrives as an active member of her community where she mentors at-risk youth, coaches other survivors, and promotes social justice. Rachel is unable to birth children of her own so she dedicates herself daily to nurturing kids who are generally tossed aside by a failed system.              *Rachel is a pseudonym used to protect her identity from anyone still associated with her trafficking   00:59:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,ritual abuse,Gods grace,LoveStory of Rachelhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/08/10/human-trafficking--a-survivors-story--jennifer-wardMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/08/10/human-trafficking--a-survivors-story--jennifer-ward/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/08/10/human-trafficking--a-survivors-story--jennifer-wardMon, 10 Aug 2015 01:00:00 GMTHuman Trafficking - A Survivors Story - Jennifer WardRoughly 4 years ago Jennifer discovered there was a thing called human trafficking. Hearing about slavery weighed heavily on her heart and she began praying to God. God spoke to her heart saying, “Your steps are ordered, You will be at the right place, at the right time, with the right people, and I will carry you in the palm of my hand” This became her daily prayer.   After having received Human Trafficking 101, Speakers Bureau, and Street Outreach training she began volunteering through Salvation Army’s CORRC. In Oct 2014 she was hired as a Volunteer Coordinator. In Jan 2015 the Ohio task force rescued 18 Massage Parlor survivors. As Volunteer Coordinator she was able to care for these women.   Jennifer is still currently volunteering and has developed many friendships with survivors. After opening up one day she came to the realization that she had also been a victim of human trafficking.   Raised in a Christian home, but always feeling like she wasn't good enough. Raped at the age of eleven. Suffered multiple rapes in her teens and homelessness. She became a mother at seventeen.  She felt pressured to marry, at twenty, after having another baby. He abused her mentally, physically, even tried to kill her. After he left her with nothing she worked in bars, strip clubs, a phone sex operator and as an escort.   Going on thirteen years later learning to accept that what happened to her, as a child, was of no fault of her own. Moving past the labels, currently on a journey of self-discovery, she has found her voice and can't keep silent anymore.   01:00:00EmpowerU RadionoHuman trafficking,Gods love,Gods grace,SurvivorRoughly 4 years ago Jennifer discovered there was a thing called human trafficking. Hearing about slavery weighed heavily on her heart and she began praying tohttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/08/03/human-trafficking--a-survivors-story--summer-dickersonMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/08/03/human-trafficking--a-survivors-story--summer-dickerson/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/08/03/human-trafficking--a-survivors-story--summer-dickersonMon, 03 Aug 2015 01:00:00 GMTHuman Trafficking - A Survivors Story - Summer DickersonSummer Dickerson was a rebellious teenager. She hung out with gangbangers and sold drugs. At the age of 15 the FEDS showed her mother pictures of her selling drugs so she was went to Chicago to live with her father where she continued to be rebellious. Thinking she knew it all, she ran away and as she was standing on the corner using the pay phone, a black car pulled up a man got out and put a gun in her back and her nightmare began. She was put in a car and taken to an abandoned house where multiple men beat her, raped her, sodomize her, and cut her in places that you cannot imagine. After escaping she was very hurt and angry and her life went on a downward spiral. As a result of that assault she became a stripper and was then introduced to prostitution. Summer had a pimp who almost killed her. Summer has endured being, sold, beaten and sexually assaulted. While on her last call a man put a .357 put to her head and she began to pray. Summer prayed, “God if you get me out of this I will get out of this lifestyle.” As a result of that prayer she found a organization called Scarlett Hope, located in Lexington, which helps women get out of the sex industry. Through the help of this organization she found Christ and on May 3 2015 she was baptized. She is now able to speak out at various events such as the 1st annual Scarlet Hope Tea were they brought sex trafficking awareness to their community as well as several others. Her hope is that sharing her story will be able to help others as well as bring awareness to this horrendous crime. Through Christ she is now on the road of healing from all her hurts. 00:56:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,Redemption,God,GraceSummer Dickerson shares her compelling story of human trafficking and how she was able to survive and get on the road to recovery through Christ.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/07/22/bags-of-hope-bringing-hope-to-the-hopeless--jasmine-graceMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/07/22/bags-of-hope-bringing-hope-to-the-hopeless--jasmine-grace/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/07/22/bags-of-hope-bringing-hope-to-the-hopeless--jasmine-graceWed, 22 Jul 2015 01:00:00 GMTBags of Hope bringing Hope to the Hopeless - Jasmine GraceBeing out of “the life” for 8 years – Jasmine is now using her voice and story of hope to raise awareness for women who are currently enslaved in sex trafficking situations by speaking at schools, colleges, churches and conferences. She firmly believes education about this issue can help prevent and abolish it. She has spoken on panels at the U.S Commission on Civil Rights in New Hampshire and just recently at the United Nations in New York. While being trafficked she obtained an Associate Degree in Business Management from a community college. Two years after getting out of “the life” she became a real estate agent and rented apartments for five years. Once, Jasmine had regained some stability in her life, doors began to open for her to work within the field of anti-human trafficking. She has worked at prevention organizations as a mentor and group facilitator to at risk youth girls and has also been a passionate advocate for women at a residential safe home. In her work with these agencies and at speaking engagements, it became clear that people are deeply impacted by hearing her testimony of survival, faith and victory. This impact has been felt by other silent survivors, as well as justice-seekers and direct service providers. Those who were previously uneducated on the issue of human trafficking have risen up to support her active work as a Modern-Day Abolitionist.  Be sure to check out her blog at jasminegrace.org 00:57:00EmpowerU Radionohope,human trafficking,Gods grace,God,RedemptionBeing out of "the life" for 8 years - Jasmine is now using her voice and story of hope to raise awareness about Human Traffickinghttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/07/15/human-trafficking--crowns-of-hope--toni-mckinleyMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/07/15/human-trafficking--crowns-of-hope--toni-mckinley/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/07/15/human-trafficking--crowns-of-hope--toni-mckinleyWed, 15 Jul 2015 01:00:00 GMTHuman Trafficking - Crowns of Hope - Toni McKinleyToni is the Founder and President of Crowns of Hope who advocates and raises funds for girls who have been rescued from sex trafficking. Donations pay for qualified therapist who help restore girls from the damage that was left from being trafficked. Toni also counsels survivors herself at no cost. She is a national speaker who has taught at the United Nations, organizations in India, and radio broadcasts all over the United States to help educate care takers, the public, and law makers about sex trafficking. You can find more about Toni at http://crownsofhopetexas.org 00:59:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,hope,God,RedemptionToni is the Founder and President of Crowns of Hope who advocates and raises funds for girls who have been rescued from sex trafficking.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/07/01/nest--national-educators-to-stop-traffickingMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/07/01/nest--national-educators-to-stop-trafficking/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/07/01/nest--national-educators-to-stop-traffickingWed, 01 Jul 2015 01:00:00 GMTNEST - National Educators to Stop TraffickingAfter doing a full literature analysis on the demand side of human trafficking, Heather Tuininga, Executive Director of the Luke 12:48 Foundation, discovered several statistics about men who purchase sex, one of which wouldn’t leave her mind: 74-86% of the men who purchased sex bought by the time they were 25 years old. NEST was born after 24 hours of collaboration between eight anti-trafficking curriculum providers and three interested funders collaborated and discovered that there was already a great group of existing curriculums available (for educating both boys and girls) and the best thing to do was to get the word out to educators across the country, so that more youth could get this valuable information and human trafficking would decline. . The NEST vision is to be a comprehensive clearinghouse that serves to empower and equip educators by providing youth-focused prevention resources to those committed to eliminating sex trafficking in their communities. We believe that if we work together to teach every youth about the realities and dangers of human trafficking, we can end the devastating cycle of supply of demand for trafficked victims.   We aim to get human trafficking prevention education in every school and youth organization in the United States that empowers and equips youth with the knowledge and skills to stand up against sex trafficking and ultimately create a culture that supports a world free of gender-based violence. 00:58:00EmpowerU RadionoHuman trafficking,Education,youthAfter doing a full literature analysis on the demand side of human trafficking, Heather Tuininga, Executive Director of the Luke 12:48 Foundation, discovered sehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/06/24/brought-out-from-ashes-to-beauty--kelley-alsobrookMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/06/24/brought-out-from-ashes-to-beauty--kelley-alsobrook/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/06/24/brought-out-from-ashes-to-beauty--kelley-alsobrookWed, 24 Jun 2015 01:00:00 GMTBrought Out From Ashes to Beauty - Kelley AlsobrookOur very own Host will be interviewed by Yvonne Williams, Co-Founder & President of Network For Culteral Change, for their Perpetual Conference.  Kelley Alsobrook was born and raised in Miami, Florida and has resided in Memphis, TN with her husband for the past fourteen years. Growing up in an abusive home was something that is known well to Mrs. Alsobrook. Being sexually, physically, and mentally abused in her youth  she came to accept this kind of treatment from a man. This abuse continued into her adult hood as she became the victim of human trafficking and domestic violence. Being disconnected from her family and being a single mother she became a very easy target for a pimp that preyed on her vulnerability. She continued in this lifestyle for approx 4 years. The guilt, shame and self loathing of this lifestyle led her into drug use as her life spiraled downward. She felt there was no hope of ever escaping. Once she escaped this torturous lifestyle she was determined to help others get through these same experiences. She is now passionate about seeing those who have been beaten, broken, battered, and bruised become whole. This was the motivation for beginning Ashes2Beauty. 01:00:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,God,Love,Grace,redeemedOur very own Host will be interviewed by Yvonne Williams, Co-Founder & President of Network For Culteral Change, for their Perpetual Conference.  Kelley Alsobrhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/06/17/yes-males-can-and-are-victims-of-human-trafficking--greg-bucceroniMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/06/17/yes-males-can-and-are-victims-of-human-trafficking--greg-bucceroni/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/06/17/yes-males-can-and-are-victims-of-human-trafficking--greg-bucceroniWed, 17 Jun 2015 01:00:00 GMTYes Males Can And Are Victims of Human Trafficking - Greg BucceroniGreg Bucceroni grew up in a single parent low income household with 5 siblings in Philadelphia. When he was 11 years old he became involved in juvenile delinquency including petty crimes to making quick "street money". In an effort to save him from the tough streets his mom enrolled him into the South Philadelphia Boys Club where he was coerced and recruited by other troubled boys & adults into the life of child sex trafficking as a quick way in making money. At first he rejected the idea because he was not gay and had no sexual interest in adult men, however as other troubled boys boasted about the easy money they had earned as "Street Hustlers" he finally decided to engage in "Street Hustling" and "Kiddie ". This lifestyle caused him to become heavily involved in drug & alcohol abuse because he felt dirty and ashamed each time adult men solicited him. From 1976-1980 he was sex trafficked between Philadelphia, Atlantic City, New York City, Washington DC, State College and other areas. By 1980 with a variety of developed behavioral health concerns, at 16 years old he violently broke away from street hustling and became involved as a violent mob associate with the Gambino crime family. In 1986 during the violent rise of mob boss John Gotti he decided to break away from organized crime and slowly develop into a victim advocate for which he continues to do so today. 00:59:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,redeemed,God,Grace,mercyGreg Bucceroni grew up in a single parent low income household with 5 siblings in Philadelphia. When he was 11 years old he became involved in juvenile delinquehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/06/10/you-stole-my-childhood-but-not-my-soul--akiba-grace-zakaiMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/06/10/you-stole-my-childhood-but-not-my-soul--akiba-grace-zakai/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/06/10/you-stole-my-childhood-but-not-my-soul--akiba-grace-zakaiWed, 10 Jun 2015 01:00:00 GMTYou Stole My Childhood But Not My Soul - Akiba Grace ZakaiAkiba shares, "Nothing could shield me from what seemed to be the inevitable.  My mother had turned over her parental rights to my grandmother, and my father was not around.  Who was I to tell?  I felt like a throw away and abandoned.  I grew up with a cloud of guilt, shame, feeling dirty; I felt like a fraud and anything else negative that I could throw into the pot of life.  For many years I tried to numb my mind and body with drugs and alcohol.  I stayed in abusive relationships because I thought that the abuse was my way of life.   I was hospitalized for a week in the year 2000 and that for me turned everything around.  I was at rock bottom.  I was not crazy.  All I needed was for someone to make me see that I counted in this world.  I needed to be validated.  The Doctors made me see that even though the molester and my grandmother had been dead for many years, I still allowed them to rule me from their graves.  On the third day there, I looked into my bedroom mirror and saw that I was a child of GOD.  That day I realized that I was not what had been my past." 00:57:00EmpowerU Radionoabuse,Redemption,God,Love,GraceAkiba shares, "Nothing could shield me from what seemed to be the inevitable.  My mother had turned over her parental rights to my grandmother, and my father wahttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/06/03/human-trafficking--more-than-a-survivor--dlita-millerMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/06/03/human-trafficking--more-than-a-survivor--dlita-miller/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/06/03/human-trafficking--more-than-a-survivor--dlita-millerWed, 03 Jun 2015 01:00:00 GMTHuman Trafficking - More Than A Survivor - D'Lita MillerLiving a sheltered, middle class life as an only child in the city of Compton, D’Lita had no idea how things would drastically change when she became a child victim of sexual exploitation. For 15 years, the hardships of being a single mom kept her in the life but she finally walked away, and checked into community college became a legal assistant, and her journey to success began.  D’Lita’s daughter became a victim of human trafficking, and it was then that she drew a line in the sand and refused to be merely reactive, but proactive. Determined to make sure this never happened again, she founded the organization FAST (Families Against Sex Trafficking) where she fills every role from Executive Director to Admin to Case Manager and Public Speaker. Ms. Miller has worked with agencies such as Saving Innocence, Runaway Girl, The Mary Magdalene Project, California Against Slavery, and several others.   D’Lita has personally assisted in helping over a hundred women to exit the life and has trained thousands of community members, law enforcement officers and youth. D’Lita has recently partnered with Gems Uncovered dba Forgotten Children Inc. to provide a 12-Week Diversion Program for women involved in sexual exploitation. Ms. Miller is featured on the new A&E show “8 Minutes”, which is a show focused on sexual exploitation.  D’Lita’s goal is to use her expertise, experience, and courage to help women who feel trapped to realize that they too can have a bright future, if they just take the first step. 00:57:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,hope,God,Grace,mercyLiving a sheltered, middle class life as an only child in the city of Compton, D’Lita had no idea how things would drastically change when she became a child vihttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/05/20/human-trafficking--a-survivors-story--tajuan-mccartyMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/05/20/human-trafficking--a-survivors-story--tajuan-mccarty/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/05/20/human-trafficking--a-survivors-story--tajuan-mccartyWed, 20 May 2015 01:00:00 GMTHuman Trafficking - A Survivors Story - Tajuan McCartyTajuan McCarty is the Founder of The WellHouse, a nonprofit, faith-based and Christ-centered agency dedicated to rescuing women from sexual exploitation/human trafficking. She has experience in social work, community outreach, and as a consultant on women’s issues. Her professional experience includes leadership positions in which she has assisted women ex-offenders re-enter society; helped implement Alabama’s first program devoted to helping chronically homeless, severely mentally ill women and as a social worker for the Alabama Department of Human Resources. She holds Master degrees in Public Health and Public Administration, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.   Tajuan is uniquely qualified to be a forerunner in the fight against trafficking, as she understands victims situations too well. At 15, she was sexually exploited by her “boyfriend-turned-pimp”. She was trafficked to Birmingham so many times, it became her home. Her many experiences make her a passionate advocate for victims of sexual exploitation and human trafficking.   Tajuan was recognized as one of The Top 20 Women Who Make a Difference in Birmingham and accepted The FBI Director's Community Leadership Award on behalf of The WellHouse, due to her efforts to fight human trafficking. 01:00:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,God,Redemption,Grace,hopeTajuan McCarty is the Founder of The WellHouse, a nonprofit, faith-based and Christ-centered agency dedicated to rescuing women from sexual exploitation/human thttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/05/13/game-over--the-story-behind-a-sex-trafficking-victim--leah-rogersMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/05/13/game-over--the-story-behind-a-sex-trafficking-victim--leah-rogers/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/05/13/game-over--the-story-behind-a-sex-trafficking-victim--leah-rogersWed, 13 May 2015 01:00:00 GMTGame Over - The Story Behind A Sex Trafficking Victim - Leah RogersLeah grew up very poor with her brother & sister. Leah would watch her mother endure physical and substance abuse daily.   Leah's mother discovered she was being raped by the neighbor's husband and sent Leah to Arizona to meet her father for the first time.  She just didn't seem to fit into her father's new family he had already established with another woman.  She was awarded to the state after her father called the police for pulling a knife out on him after he grabbed her violently. Leah began stripping to maintain a livable lifestyle in Arizona for her three children. It was there that she'd met an amazing guy.   They started dating and it wasn't until he had her isolated during a trip to California that he identified he was a pimp.  A violent one!    She made a vow to God pleading for her life as a john was raping her at gunpoint, she cried out, "God if you can just get me out of this, I promise I won't go back into this lifestyle".  And boy he sure got her out of there. He sent her right to jail. It was then that she began walking into her destiny, by using her story to help other women from falling into the same trap she did.  Leah thought she'd never see freedom or have a normal life.  But God had other plans.   Leah has now written a book called, Game Over:  The Story Behind a Sex Trafficking Victim, being released May 13th, 2015.  01:00:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,Redemption,God,Love,FreedomLeah grew up very poor with her brother & sister. Leah would watch her mother endure physical and substance abuse daily.   Leah's mother discovered she was beihttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/05/06/human-trafficking--a-survivors-story--michaela-floydMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/05/06/human-trafficking--a-survivors-story--michaela-floyd/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/05/06/human-trafficking--a-survivors-story--michaela-floydWed, 06 May 2015 01:00:00 GMTHuman Trafficking - A Survivors Story - Michaela FloydMichaela Floyd grew up in a very dysfunctional household. Her father was a preacher that eventually was kicked out of the church due to his alcohol abuse and was abusive to her mother. Michaela suffered through emotional, verbal and physical abuse at the hands of her father. Her mother finally left her father in Michaela’s late teens. Dating was very difficult for Michaela because she felt that every man would be abusive but while in college she married an older man just to escape her chaotic life. Early in her marriage her husband was very controlling and for the most part she was compliant but when she wasn’t it resulted in extreme physical abuse. The abuse continued through the marriage and although Michaela never denied him sex, he began raping her in order to show his control over her. After her husband began abusing drugs, they divorced & she moved to Nashville.  After seeking employment with no luck, she finally took a job as an erotic masseuse after being assured that she would not have to do anything she didn’t want to do.  She soon found out the company was owned by a prominent mafia family. She was trafficked in 11 states and 26 cities within a 3-month period. After finally being able to get back to Nashville and becoming an independent sex worker in order to support her family. But over the course of 15 months was able to rebuild a life for her family, attend counseling and eventually get out of the life. Michaela has become active in speaking out and working with other survivors to reach out to women still trapped in trafficking and prostitution. Eventually, she would like to do this kind of work full-time, but for now God has opened many doors and she has been busy educating herself about this horrific evil. She feels very blessed to know so many survivors and to call them her sisters and friends.” 00:59:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,abuse,God,Grace,mercyMichaela Floyd grew up in a very dysfunctional household. Her father was a preacher that eventually was kicked out of the church due to his alcohol abuse and wahttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/04/29/a-life-redeemed--angie-duncanMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/04/29/a-life-redeemed--angie-duncan/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/04/29/a-life-redeemed--angie-duncanWed, 29 Apr 2015 01:00:00 GMTA Life Redeemed - Angie DuncanAngie Duncan founded Hosea's Heart in October of 2013 after attending a training with Strip Church / XXX Church. For years she had envisioned a "survivor led" outreach to women in the sex industry. She currently lives in Knoxville with her husband and three beautiful children and is completing her Bachelor's Degree with a double major in Non-Profit Business Management and Bible and Theology at Johnson University. She is zealously committed to God, her family, her work, church, and her community. She is passionate about making known the issues surrounding sex trafficking, sexual exploitation, and sexual abuse as well as sharing the hope she found in Jesus to overcome. 01:00:00EmpowerU RadionoRedemption,God,Love,hope,human traffickingAngie Duncan founded Hosea's Heart in October of 2013 after attending a training with Strip Church / XXX Church. For years she had envisioned a "survivor led" ohttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/04/22/human-trafficking--a-survivors-story--jennifer-kemptonMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/04/22/human-trafficking--a-survivors-story--jennifer-kempton/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/04/22/human-trafficking--a-survivors-story--jennifer-kemptonWed, 22 Apr 2015 01:00:00 GMTHuman Trafficking - A Survivors Story - Jennifer KemptonJennifer shares "I grew up feeling unloved and unworthy. I had deeply embedded negative thoughts and feelings that drove me to seek comfort in negative things. After loosing my virginity to a sexual assualt at 12, I began to seek comfort in drugs and older men. After a series of abusive relationships, I ended up with what I thought was someone who took care of me and truly loved me. That man quickly turned me onto iv drug use and started grooming me for a darkness I had never known existed. What started as being a dancer at local strip clubs quickly evolved into placing ads on Craigslist. Before I realized that my soul was being emptied, I found myself being raped regularly, kidnapped, held hostage, sold to gangs and branded. After 5-6 years of enslavement, including birthing my last child by myself on a strangers floor, I was able to escape. Only to be left with 4 semingly permant marks of demorilization and constant reminders of the violence I escaped. After 8 months of saving I was able to fund my first of the four cover ups of my brandings. That is when a very special person came into my life and sponsored me to have my remaining coverups done. The feeling of freedom and empowerment I felt reclaiming my body was amazing and life changing. That is when I founded Survivor's Ink. It quickly became a non-profit strictly for survivors of human trafficking who have been branded or scarred from their traffickers, abusers and time of enslavement. Not only have I been able to give this freeing gift to other survivors. I have found my strenth, myself and healing by us uniting and fighting back against human trafficking and grip of that darkness. I now have been able to try to use my story to raise money for the strongest, most amazing survivors ever! My sisters. 01:00:00EmpowerU RadionoGod,Love,Redemption,human traffickingJennifer shares "I grew up feeling unloved and unworthy. I had deeply embedded negative thoughts and feelings that drove me to seek comfort in negative things.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/04/15/making-a-difference--restore-oneMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/04/15/making-a-difference--restore-one/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/04/15/making-a-difference--restore-oneWed, 15 Apr 2015 01:00:00 GMTMaking A Difference - Restore OneRestore One was founded June 2012, by a husband and wife team, Chris and Anna Smith. Chris and Anna have a passion to see human trafficking survivors experience the healing freedom found in Jesus Christ and for community members to mobilize against the problem of human trafficking.? Restore One is a ministry that seeks to open shelters that offer faith-based residential recovery programs, free of cost to American boys who are survivors of domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST). Restore One will treat every survivor as a unique individual by using holistic approaches and proven clinical methods that nurture healing and restoration. Restore One also counteracts human trafficking and human exploitation by community awareness, education, outreach and partnerships. Restore One’s goal is to see DMST survivors live in complete freedom, and to generate communities that are intolerable to the problem of human trafficking and human exploitation. Anna is a strong advocate for sex trafficked and sexual exploited males. Anna has a resilient passion to see child sex trafficking victims experience true healing and restoration. While Chris is not focused on the ground breaking efforts of Restore One, he enjoys creating and working on his first book entitled 10 Things A Youth Pastor Wants to Tell A Parent. Chris also enjoys spending time with his wife Anna and their 2 dogs, Titus and Barnabas, and taking part in a number of outside activities.   01:00:00EmpowerU Radionohope,human trafficking,God,restoration,LoveRestore One was founded June 2012, by a husband and wife team, Chris and Anna Smith. Chris and Anna have a passion to see human trafficking survivors experiencehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/04/08/making-a-difference--on-eagles-wings-ministriesMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/04/08/making-a-difference--on-eagles-wings-ministries/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/04/08/making-a-difference--on-eagles-wings-ministriesWed, 08 Apr 2015 01:00:00 GMTMaking A Difference - On Eagles Wings MinistriesOn Eagles Wings Ministries seeks to prevent females from falling victim to sex trafficking, offer assistance to those still trapped, and restore those that have survived by offering hope, empowerment, and a brighter future. We focus on prevention, outreach, aftercare, and empowerment. Emily Fitchpatrick launched OEWM in 2007. As spokesperson for OEWM, Emily actively educates the public about domestic sex trafficking. She offers presentations and workshops to churches, community groups, youth groups and colleges. Emily has also helped educate the public through various radio, television, and print, including national recognition in Christianity Today magazine and a segment on CBN’s 700 Club.  In 2012, Emily was invited to speak before members of Congress in Washington D.C., at a caucus briefing on Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking. In 2013, Emily was invited to serve on the NC Governor’s Human Trafficking Commission. In 2014, Emily was invited to serve as a U.S. Speaker from the U.S. Department of State International Information Programs. She has also been the recipient of several awards including the Good Samaritan Award by the Trafficking in America Task Force and the 2012 FBI’s Director Community Leadership Award.  01:00:00EmpowerU Radionohope,human trafficking,God,LoveOn Eagles Wings Ministries seeks to prevent females from falling victim to sex trafficking, offer assistance to those still trapped, and restore those that havehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/04/01/making-a-difference--truckers-against-traffickingMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/04/01/making-a-difference--truckers-against-trafficking/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/04/01/making-a-difference--truckers-against-traffickingWed, 01 Apr 2015 01:00:00 GMTMaking a Difference - Truckers Against TraffickingKylla Lanier is the Deputy Director and co-founder of Truckers Against Trafficking, a 501(c)3 organization that exists to educate, equip, empower and mobilize members of the trucking and travel plaza industry to combat domestic sex trafficking. She is responsible for implementation of vision, communications management, training and volunteer coordination, partnership development and national promotion of organization. She manages and coordinates coalition builds between members of the trucking industry, law enforcement and local anti-trafficking groups; speaks on human trafficking and how the trucking industry is proactive in preventing and combatting it at conferences, in print, on radio, television, film, press conferences, universities, churches, trucking shows and trucking industry meetings and makes operational decisions for TAT. Mrs. Lanier also handles social media for TAT including managing the Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube accounts. TAT won the 2012 Norma Hotaling Award for Innovative Demand Reduction from Global Centurion, been recognized by the United Nations as one of the 100 Best Practices for Combatting Human Trafficking in 2013, been recognized on the Congressional floor for its grassroots efforts, received multiple special recognition awards from the trucking industry and received the Award of Service in 2014 from the Trafficking in America Taskforce. Mrs. Lanier has been involved in the fight against human trafficking since 2007 when she helped initiate the state coalition against trafficking in Oklahoma. In addition to her human trafficking work, she has authored a book called My Life Crazy about her missionary experiences working with gangs in El Salvador in the mid-1990s. She was also named Broken Arrow Public Schools District Teacher of the Year in 2011.     01:00:00EmpowerU Radionohope,human trafficking,truckers,GodKylla Lanier is the Deputy Director and co-founder of Truckers Against Trafficking, a 501(c)3 organization that exists to educate, equip, empower and mobilize mhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/03/25/human-trafficking--a-survivors-story--laurin-crossonMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/03/25/human-trafficking--a-survivors-story--laurin-crosson/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/03/25/human-trafficking--a-survivors-story--laurin-crossonWed, 25 Mar 2015 01:00:00 GMTHuman Trafficking - A Survivors Story - Laurin CrossonLaurin  Crosson, Founder & Director of Rockstarr Ministries says “My story is graphic, and yet sharing it has become healing for me and those who are in a hopeless place. Individuals find a balm of hope and spark of courage for their own lives. Others feel called to join me in my quest to serve those who need to be reconnected with their personhood and belief that their lives can be so much more. I am not ashamed to share the details of the lowest points in my life and the struggles I faced, nor the methods I employed to survive. They have brought me to a place of understanding the desperate place that others find themselves in. Survival was the name of the game. I am not ashamed because I found a silver thread of belief that my life could and would be different and held onto it until I found the evidence to back up that hope. Individuals who are living and working in the life have trusted me and borrowed that thread of hope until they found their own courage and I have assisted stars, strippers, and prostitutes. Over the last several years, awareness of sex trafficking has continued to increase and its insidious prevalence has been documented to be widespread throughout the world. The women, children, and men taken into this trade are often lured or tricked into servitude through lies, deceit, manipulation, abuse, and very typically against their will. Such actions leave victims devoid of self-esteem or self-worth, yearning for a sense of purpose and justice in their circumstances. It is here that the ministry of Jesus Christ, unlike anything else, can bridge the gap between what is and what may be. Through the compassion and lessons taught by Jesus, every victim can find hope, courage, and the strength to recognize their destiny as a child of God.  01:00:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,hope,Love,God,GraceLaurin  Crosson, Founder & Director of Rockstarr Ministries says “My story is graphic, and yet sharing it has become healing for me and those who are in a hopelhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/03/18/turning-pain-into-power--latrossica-wilsonMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/03/18/turning-pain-into-power--latrossica-wilson/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/03/18/turning-pain-into-power--latrossica-wilsonWed, 18 Mar 2015 01:00:00 GMTTurning Pain Into Power - LaTrossica WilsonLaTrossica D. Wilson, a Memphian is the wife of Shon D. Wilson and mother of daughter, Lyrikal, and son, Alijah Wilson, is a former special education assistant of Memphis City schools. She is the founder and owner of a World of Miracles homeschooling and tutoring programs for children. She is a member of First Baptist Church Lauderdale in Memphis, Tennessee, under the leadership of Pastor Noel Hutchinson Jr. where she served as a member of the sanctuary choir, youth advisor, and codirector of the First Baptist Church Lauderdale Women’s Ministry. She survived two incest rapes throughout her childhood. Her first rapist was her uncle, who did time for the crime but is now deceased, and her father, who is very much alive but never did time and even paid her biological mother money not to prosecute. Although she forgives her father she will never forget the abuse. She’s very passionate about educating children. She believes that success lies within all children. She loves to inspire, help, and encourage others to also turn their pain into power. “If they hear and serve Him, They shall end their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures” (Job 36:11).   01:01:00EmpowerU RadionoGod,abuse,Pain,Grace,mercyLaTrossica D. Wilson, a Memphian is the wife of Shon D. Wilson and mother of daughter, Lyrikal, and son, Alijah Wilson, is a former special education assistanthttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/03/11/a-life-of-redemption--devonda-francisMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/03/11/a-life-of-redemption--devonda-francis/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/03/11/a-life-of-redemption--devonda-francisWed, 11 Mar 2015 01:00:00 GMTA Life of Redemption - Devonda FrancisDevonda Francis is a native of Katy, Texas but has lived in Houston all of her adult life. Devonda is a single mother of three, a Servant of God and a Diverse Business Woman. Since 2010, Devonda has been CEO and Founder of Blessed by Success Outreach Ministries. She started her ministry after experiencing a few life obstacles of her own. She decided to take a stand by leaving an abusive relationship, move into a homeless shelter with her children and better herself for the Glory of God. Even before the life events she experienced she's always done community service. Her background and focus on community collaboration has led her to a number of volunteer opportunities and leadership roles throughout the Houston Community.  She is dedicated to the cause of bridging the gap one person at a time by helping others help themselves. She truly believes in bringing Hope to the hopeless as she ministers to Houston's homeless monthly, feeds the low income and sleeps outside with them to show them their not alone. She is also very compassionate with the people that her organization assist, the homeless and anyone in need. She is truly inspired by inspiring other people. She loves to see inspiration and breakthroughs of others. God, her 3 beautiful children are an incredible inspiration to her  but she is extremely inspired by the magnificent lady that raised her to be the woman she is today, Devetta J Branch. Her first goal was the launch of her business, Blessed by Success Outreach Ministries. Even though she  founded her ministry in October 2010 and has been working throughout the community and behind the scenes. She recently stepped out on Faith and quit her job to do what she does best, help others help themselves.  Devonda believe God's word, "whatsoever you do to the least I my people, you have also done to me" (Matthew 25:40). Because of her love for God she strives to help his children. 00:57:00EmpowerU Radionoabuse,homelessness,God,hope,GraceDevonda Francis is a native of Katy, Texas but has lived in Houston all of her adult life. Devonda is a single mother of three, a Servant of God and a Diverse Bhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/02/25/human-trafficking--a-survivors-story--christine-mcdonaldMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/02/25/human-trafficking--a-survivors-story--christine-mcdonald/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/02/25/human-trafficking--a-survivors-story--christine-mcdonaldWed, 25 Feb 2015 02:00:00 GMTHuman Trafficking - A Survivors Story - Christine McDonaldChristine McDonald is an internationally recognized author and speaker on the social injustices facing underserved populations today.  As a survivor of human trafficking, homelessness, and addiction, Christine- now blind as a result of a disease that forced her to choose between her unborn child and her eyesight- is on a mission to bring justice and awareness to the forefront of social change through education and unconditional love. Christine began life in a small town in Oklahoma, in a very dark and painful household. She felt safest using her own survival skills to live on the streets and ran away for the last time when she was just 15.  This began her 17 year journey of homelessness, which comprised of being sex trafficked, drug addiction, prostitution, 103 arrests and 7 prison stints.  Finally ready for a better life and barely able to read or write, Christine began a new journey of exiting the life of the streets, only to be challenged again. Completely blind and eternally vigilant, today Christine uses her life experience and education to work as an advocate for trafficking victims, the homeless, recovering addicts, ex-offenders and disabled populations.  Currently living in St Louis, Missouri, Christine is a proud mom of her 7 year old son and practices a loving open adoption with her daughter’s adoptive parents in nearby Kirkwood.  Christine is the author of Cry Purple: One Woman’s Journey through Homelessness, Crack Addiction and Prison to Blindness, Motherhood and Happiness and is the founder of www.ChristinesVision.org.  She has also been featured locally and nationally on various media outlets, including NBC, CBS, FOX and NPR and sits on multiple local, state-wide and international level boards and committees.       00:59:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,drugs,God,Love,RedemptionChristine McDonald is an internationally recognized author and speaker on the social injustices facing underserved populations today.  As a survivor of human trhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/02/18/human-trafficking--a-survivors-story--christa-hernandezMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/02/18/human-trafficking--a-survivors-story--christa-hernandez/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/02/18/human-trafficking--a-survivors-story--christa-hernandezWed, 18 Feb 2015 02:00:00 GMTHuman Trafficking - A Survivors Story - Christa HernandezChrista Hernandez, Founder of LYWYAA says "My childhood consisted of severe physical and mental abuse as well as sexual abuse. My father was a very abusive, controlling man. He was into communicating with the other side through channeling spirits in front of us and conducting séances in our home. My mother was absent through most of my childhood due to her fear of him. Throughout my whole childhood I was being groomed for an industry that would have me in bondage for 19 years. At 18 I entered into the sex industry for the first time and I didn’t find freedom until 37. I went from stripping to escorting to domination. I saw all the ugly parts of the industry.  I always thought I chose prostitution but that wasn't the case! My freedom came from Jesus! Even after becoming saved I was still in the industry for 2 years. I had so much shame and was terrified to tell anyone from the Church my secret. It was in those two years that The Lord started lighting a fire in me to go back and reach women still in the industry. I got out and founded Loving You Where You Are At . We reach women working in the sex industry by going into their world and loving them right where they are.  We don’t go in preaching a message we just go being the message. We take a little bit of hope to them every month and offer our support. No little girl dreams of growing up and being sexually exploited. Something went wrong along the way."     01:00:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,abuse,God,Love,GraceChrista Hernandez, Founder of LYWYAA says "My childhood consisted of severe physical and mental abuse as well as sexual abuse. My father was a very abusive, conhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/02/04/human-trafficking--a-survivors-story--selina-deveau-part2Motivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/02/04/human-trafficking--a-survivors-story--selina-deveau-part2/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/02/04/human-trafficking--a-survivors-story--selina-deveau-part2Wed, 04 Feb 2015 02:00:00 GMTHuman Trafficking - A Survivors Story - Selina Deveau Part2If you missed Part1 I encourage you to go back and  listen! Such a powerful story of survival! Selina is a mother of two bright & beautiful children ages six & sixteen. She calls them her miracles since she was told she would never be able to have children. She married her soul mate and best friend and they live on a small farm in the country surrounded by an apple orchid, beautiful mountains and land all around them. Selina is an artist and musician as well as an activist and advocate. She is an author of two books: “Sold at Six” and “Made in USA” which will be coming out in 2015. Writing them has been a hard process and a healing one also. She would have never called herself an author 3 months ago. Selina is on the advisory board for trafficking in America task force and the founder of M.A.T musicians against trafficking which is a collaboration of local and nonlocal musicians coming together to raise awareness and stop human trafficking. They have an amazing project in the works right now. She is also the founder of Frames for Freedom, which is a project she is doing with other survivors that are artists and photographers. The framed artwork /photography done by survivor's from all over the world that where trafficked and all the beautiful art/photo's are sold. A certain percent of the sales will go to survivor services and resources including rescue efforts the rest stays with the artist/photographer. Selina is also the founder of Jewelry for Justice: The Jewelry is handmade by survivors to empower them and teach them how to make an income from something they create themselves.  She is also working on survivor stories: a collection of poems songs and stories done by survivors of trafficking from all over the world put into a book called Survivor Stories   01:00:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,hope,Love,abuse,GodIf you missed Part1 I encourage you to go back and  listen! Such a powerful story of survival! Selina is a mother of two bright & beautiful children ages six &http://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/01/28/human-trafficking--a-survivors-story--wendy-barnesMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/01/28/human-trafficking--a-survivors-story--wendy-barnes/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/01/28/human-trafficking--a-survivors-story--wendy-barnesWed, 28 Jan 2015 02:00:00 GMTHuman Trafficking - A Survivors Story - Wendy BarnesThis is just some of what Wendy shares - "The sexual abuse I endured by my step-father as a child, shaped my beliefs to make me a perfect target for Greg when I was 15 yrs old. He drew me into his web by giving me a false taste of what it felt like to have worth, hope and to be loved. It felt nice to be special to someone - anyone. When the abuse started by Greg, I accepted it, still I knew in my heart that I was not worthy of any love or kindness. It wasn't long before he demanded that I prove my love for him. I listened to his instructions and in terror I followed his directions. With the intent to prove my love for him and with hope that I could earn his love in return, I turned my first trick. When I was finished, I violently threw up what felt like my soul. I no longer felt human, I now was a prostitute. I wanted to die. I wasn't the first girl he did this to and I wasn't the last. The prostitution ring that he built and ran sometimes contained as many as 15 girls at one time. The physical, emotional and psychological abuse we endured was horrific." Due to knowing Greg had been trafficking underage girls and not being able to do anything about it Wendy was sentenced to 2 years in prison and lost custody of her 3 children. She is grateful for that time in prison because she could then start the healing process and be free from the torture she had endored!!! Wendy has been free from that life for 16 yrs and free from prison for 12 years now. She holds a full time job and has a close relationship with all three of her children. She has learned that healing is a journey, in fact it may be a life long journey. She has learned that happiness is a choice that she gets to choose every day.    01:00:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,Redemption,God,Grace,mercyThis is just some of what Wendy shares - "The sexual abuse I endured by my step-father as a child, shaped my beliefs to make me a perfect target for Greg when Ihttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/01/21/human-trafficking--a-survivors-story--lauren-israelle-wiremanMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/01/21/human-trafficking--a-survivors-story--lauren-israelle-wireman/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/01/21/human-trafficking--a-survivors-story--lauren-israelle-wiremanWed, 21 Jan 2015 02:00:00 GMTHuman Trafficking - A Survivors Story - Lauren & Israelle WiremanLauren Wireman, 33, a resident of Cape Coral, FL is a unique woman of God.  She is a sought after nail artist and a worship leader at her church where she and husband Jamie pastor.  She was delivered 10 years ago from a drug addiction, prostitution, and homelessness.  She enjoys ministering to others and spending time with her daughter, Israelle. Israelle Wireman was recently adopted by the Wiremans.  She has a powerful testimony which she hopes to share one day as a missionary.  She dreams of going overseas and helping the less fortunate.  In the meantime, she loves all things classy, cooking, and basketball.  She has big dreams and is patiently waiting for direction from God. 00:56:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,Redemption,God,Grace,LoveLauren Wireman, 33, a resident of Cape Coral, FL is a unique woman of God.  She is a sought after nail artist and a worship leader at her church where she and hhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/01/14/human-trafficking--a-survivors-story--selina-deveauMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/01/14/human-trafficking--a-survivors-story--selina-deveau/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/01/14/human-trafficking--a-survivors-story--selina-deveauWed, 14 Jan 2015 02:00:00 GMTHuman Trafficking - A survivors story - Selina DeveauSelina now lives a simple and blessed life and is grateful for every day, and now has a life she certainly never thought she would have. Selina is a mother of two bright and beautiful children ages six and sixteen. She calls them her miracles since she was told she would never be able to have children. She married her soul mate and best friend and they live on a small farm in the country surrounded by an apple orchid, beautiful mountains and land all around them. Selina is an artist and musician as well as an activist and advocate. She is an author of two books: “Sold at Six” and “Made in USA” which will be coming out in 2015. Writing them has been a hard process and a healing one also. She would have never called herself an author 3 months ago. Selina is on the advisory board for trafficking in America task force and the founder of M.A.T musicians against trafficking which is a collaboration of local and nonlocal musicians coming together to raise awareness and stop human trafficking. They have an amazing project in the works right now. She is also the founder of Frames for Freedom, which is a project she is doing with other survivors that are artists and photographers. The framed artwork /photography done by survivor's from all over the world that where trafficked and all the beautiful art/photo's are sold. A certain percent of the sales will go to survivor services and resources including rescue efforts the rest stays with the artist/photographer. Selina is also the founder of Jewelry for Justice: The Jewelry is handmade by survivors to empower them and teach them how to make an income from something they create themselves.  She is also working on survivor stories: a collection of poems songs and stories done by survivors of trafficking from all over the world put into a book called Survivor Stories 01:01:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,Redemption,God,LoveSelina now lives a simple and blessed life and is grateful for every day, and now has a life she certainly never thought she would have. Selina is a mother ofhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/01/07/human-trafficking--its-real-in-your-backyardMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/01/07/human-trafficking--its-real-in-your-backyard/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2015/01/07/human-trafficking--its-real-in-your-backyardWed, 07 Jan 2015 01:00:00 GMTHuman Trafficking - Its Real & in YOUR BackyardJanuary is Human Trafficking Awareness month and we are kicking it off with four advocates that bring awareness and a variety of information from different aspects. Our special guests are Bishop Founder of Bishop Outreach and he shares from a rescuers aspect. Bishop and his team are on the battlefield and see the victims as they are being rescued and the effects that Human Trafficking has on them. Hope Manasseh shares her experience as a Human Trafficking survivor and the horrors she has been through for many years starting from an early age. Yvonne Williams, Founder of Trafficking In America Task Force shares about the research she has done for many years. She educates people all over the country about Human Trafficking. Lindsy Anton has done extensive research on the "Johns", the men that do the purchasing .  All of us feel that it is extremely important to educate everyone on Human Trafficking. It is the second largest reported crime in the United States. We can no longer bury our heads in the sand about this issue.....get empowered and get educated on how to keep your children safe!  02:00:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,hope,Love,GodJanuary is Human Trafficking Awareness month and we are kicking it off with four advocates that bring awareness and a variety of information from different aspehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/12/17/voice-for-the-voiceless--brenda-baileyMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/12/17/voice-for-the-voiceless--brenda-bailey/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/12/17/voice-for-the-voiceless--brenda-baileyWed, 17 Dec 2014 02:00:00 GMTVoice for the Voiceless - Brenda BaileyBrenda Bailey is a woman of God, Evangelist Team Leader, wife (married 35 years) a mother, daughter, sister, a glam ma, an aunt, Creative Arts Ministry Step Team Coach,a great cook, she takes acting classes, an entrepreneur, and a volunteer at a homeless, shelter, where she mentors to young women/adults. Although she has a lot on her plate she still found the time to Go Get Her Stuff!   My faith walk is part of my journey to my destiny. The sky is the limit it doesn't matter your age or circumstances. I know personally that life throw curve balls, but you got to keep the faith. No matter what DON’T QUIT! The devil is a liar. Gurl you can still Go Get Your Stuff. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13   God gives us blessings in portions so we can build our faith up. Your testimony is a test of circumstances that you go through to testify to others, so that God can be revealed and show that he is real. We have to be patient and wait on God’s instructions. You can’t do it by yourself, I tried but until I surrendered all and put God first, I always failed.   I know now that what I went through was not for me, but for someone else. As I mentor to young and adult women all over the world. I have found that nothing is too hard for God.See the devil thought he had me, but God. Everybody didn't make it through their storm. But God, saved me to deliver this message to you. Gurl Go Get Your Stuff. 00:59:00EmpowerU Radionodomestic violenceBrenda Bailey is a woman of God, Evangelist Team Leader, wife (married 35 years) a mother, daughter, sister, a glam ma, an aunt, Creative Arts Ministry Step Teahttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/12/10/voice-for-the-voiceless--teretta-hallMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/12/10/voice-for-the-voiceless--teretta-hall/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/12/10/voice-for-the-voiceless--teretta-hallWed, 10 Dec 2014 02:00:00 GMTVoice for the Voiceless - Te'Retta HallMinister Te’Retta l. Hall, a licensed ordained minister, is a servant of the Lord who has been preaching the Word of God since 2006. Though she knew long before this time that the Lord had called her to this work, she humbly yielded herself in expectation. The Lord has entrusted Minister Hall with a special anointing, preaching and teaching the unadulterated Word of God with conviction and passion. He has given her a ministry of restoration and deliverance with an anointing to minister to the bruised and broken-hearted. Her passion comes from her own struggles of being bruised, and broken-hearted. Minister Hall holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Wesleyan University in Business Management and a Bachelor of Theology degree from Andersonville Theological Seminary. She is currently pursuing a Master of Conflict Resolution from Bethel University. She now serves under the leadership of Pastor Terrell Monger at One Accord Ministries on the ministerial staff and as a leader of the Singles Ministry. She is also active in the community as Fundraising Coordinator for Divine Divas of Memphis, a Run Coordinator for the Memphis Chapter of Black Girls Run!, and chairperson for Peace On Earth, an initiative to bring awareness towards ending domestic violence and abuse. Minister Hall resides in Memphis, TN and has two sons.  00:58:00EmpowerU Radionohope,domestic violence,Love,GodMinister Te’Retta l. Hall, a licensed ordained minister, is a servant of the Lord who has been preaching the Word of God since 2006. Though she knew long beforehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/12/03/voice-for-the-voiceless--kim-lainMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/12/03/voice-for-the-voiceless--kim-lain/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/12/03/voice-for-the-voiceless--kim-lainWed, 03 Dec 2014 02:00:00 GMTVoice for the Voiceless - Kim LainWriter, Kim G Lain, is going public with her experience as a survivor of horrific domestic violence, which left her with broken ribs, and a close-to-death experience at the hands of her ex-marine fiance. Her message to others is that this act of mental and physical violence knows no boundaries with regard to race, socioeconomic status, or religion. Truly, a "nondiscriminatory" plague in our nation today, Lain shares her story about mental and physical pain, enduring torture, and the ultimate triumph of "getting out." As a former journalist, Lain has chronicled her experiences, and as a "Voice for Victims" she is working on her first book, and screenplay. Lain also shares her experience of relying on her faith to guide her, lift her, and ultimately save her, not only from the devastating effects of the physical violence, but from the demoralizing mental torture she endured. As speaker and advocate for victims of domestic violence, Lain emphasizes the importance, and responsibility of "getting out." Truly an inspirational story that captivates and educates, while offering insight and hope to countless suffering women - letting them know that they are not alone, and that they too, can survive!  00:59:00EmpowerU Radionodomestic violence,hope,Love,Strength,peaceWriter, Kim G Lain, is going public with her experience as a survivor of horrific domestic violence, which left her with broken ribs, and a close-to-death experhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/11/26/voice-for-the-voiceless--marilyn-rucker-thompsonMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/11/26/voice-for-the-voiceless--marilyn-rucker-thompson/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/11/26/voice-for-the-voiceless--marilyn-rucker-thompsonWed, 26 Nov 2014 02:00:00 GMTVoice for the Voiceless - Marilyn Rucker ThompsonMarilyn Rucker Thompson “AKA"  Sista Siery , co-host on Sunday Morning’s with Brother Love and Sista Siery,  was born and raised in Memphis, TN  in a two parent household whose marriage lasted 45 years. Marilyn has a son Kelvin Neely Jr. Her passion is ministry for women and Community Outreach. She works directly with the Miracle Center placing the homeless, and helping them find their way back into society. Marilyn is a survivor of both physical and mental abuse. She is now victorious and living life to the fullest, loving God first and herself second and from there, everything else falls in place. Marilyn holds a Degree in Health Sciences, she has also been a licensed Cosmetologist as well as a licensed Insurance Broker. Marilyn is currently a Certified Bronchoscopy/Laparoscopic Specialist, and Certified GE Healthcare Software Trainer and is presently employed as Director of Marketing/Community Liaison for A Skilled Nursing Facility.   01:00:00EmpowerU Radionodomestic violence,hope,Love,GodMarilyn Rucker Thompson “AKA"  Sista Siery , co-host on Sunday Morning’s with Brother Love and Sista Siery,  was born and raised in Memphis, TN  in a two parenthttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/11/19/mama-didnt-half-step--heather-stephensMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/11/19/mama-didnt-half-step--heather-stephens/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/11/19/mama-didnt-half-step--heather-stephensWed, 19 Nov 2014 02:00:00 GMTMama Didnt Half Step - Heather StephensHeather DeBerry Stephens is a wife, mother, author, administrator, and fisher of men. She is the wife of Dale Stephens. In their 15-year marriage, they have been blessed with 2 sons and 2 daughters, ages 13, 11, 8, and 3. Heather is a 1995 graduate of Lane College and she is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is currently an employee of Shelby County School as the General Office Secretary for Shelby Oaks Elementary.  In Heather's childhood, she was displaced from her birth mother at the tender age of 1. The separation from her biological mother grew in Heather a burning desire to someday become the mother that she always wished she had. After publishing the book, "Mama Didn't Half-step," Heather founded the "Don't Half-step Movement," to encourage mothers to embrace their God-given gift of motherhood. Her passion to encourage mothers has become a personal life assignment through seminars, workshops, and by her own everyday example. Her witty catch-phrase, "Just don't half-step," is a message that she hopes will penetrate in the hearts of mothers all over the world.  01:00:00EmpowerU RadionoLove,abandonment,GodHeather DeBerry Stephens is a wife, mother, author, administrator, and fisher of men. She is the wife of Dale Stephens. In their 15-year marriage, they have beehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/11/12/voice-for-the-voiceless--stephanie-loveMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/11/12/voice-for-the-voiceless--stephanie-love/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/11/12/voice-for-the-voiceless--stephanie-loveWed, 12 Nov 2014 02:00:00 GMTVoice for the Voiceless - Stephanie LoveStephanie Love is a mother of four with ages ranging from 6 to 18 years old. Although Stephanie has experienced traumatic situations in her life, she has chosen to allow those situations to make her the strong woman that she is today. She gave birth to her first child at the age of 16 and dropped out of school at 17 in order to become gainfully employed so she could provide for her son. Stephanie didn’t give up on her education. She earned her GED and pursued her Cosmetology license.  Stephanie was raised in Millington, TN and has now resided in the Frayser community for the past 9 years. Ms. Love has been an active part in her community by serving on the Shelby County head Start Policy Council as Vice Chair, served as Vice Chair of Frayser Neighborhood Council and she is currently the Shelby County School Board Commissioner for District 3. Stephanie is a woman who believes in her community, parents and children. Her main objective is to show parents that no matter what they have been through, with the help from God all things will work out for your good.  Stephanie says “I am just like the average parent in the community with the same issues. I want to help parents find the power they were born with and use it in a productive way to demand better for ourselves, our family and especially the education of our children.” 01:00:00EmpowerU RadionoLove,hope,God,domestic violenceStephanie Love is a mother of four with ages ranging from 6 to 18 years old. Although Stephanie has experienced traumatic situations in her life, she has chosenhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/11/05/voice-for-the-voiceless--jacquelyn-fordMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/11/05/voice-for-the-voiceless--jacquelyn-ford/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/11/05/voice-for-the-voiceless--jacquelyn-fordWed, 05 Nov 2014 02:00:00 GMTVoice for the Voiceless - Jacquelyn FordJacquelyn Ford is a mother of three grown children and one grandson. She is the Author of a book called How to Escape from Adultery & Fornication as well as the Founder of S.W.I.M. Outreach which stands for Single Women in Ministry, Inc. S.W.I.M .is a 501(c)3 Organization & stands on the principle “I can Feed you a fish for a day, but can teach you how to swim for a lifetime.” Jacquelyn’s life has been a roller coaster after being raised as an abused child mentally and as the black sheep. After being called the misfit child and living in a dysfunctional home not to mention a few others, she was introduced to prostitution at an early age. She always felt she was a misfit but knew in her heart that God had a plan for her. She would hide in a closet and write letters to God in code as if she knew he understood her since she knew that had made her. Jacquelyn’s mission and goal is to continue to minister to women who think they were a misfits or they ended up on the backside of the desert. The race is not given to the swift nor the strong one but to the one that endured to the end. She is an advocate for the students where she is now employed as a Substitute Teacher/Mentor. In addition she is involved with Community Alliance for the Homeless, Neighborhood Christian Center, United Way, Shelby County Correction Center, etc. Jacquelyn completed her education with a dual major in Education & Psychology from S.W. Community College  went on to Lemoyne Owen College to pursue more training in Education. She also attended Anointed Bible College & received an Associate Degree in Theology. She has been endorsed by one of the Major for her outstanding services with the youth at Juvenile Court. She is also involved in her church choir and serve on the ministerial staff.     00:59:00EmpowerU Radionohope,Strength,God,LoveJacquelyn Ford is a mother of three grown children and one grandson. She is the Author of a book called How to Escape from Adultery & Fornication as well as thehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/10/29/a-beautiful-you--jam-scottMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/10/29/a-beautiful-you--jam-scott/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/10/29/a-beautiful-you--jam-scottWed, 29 Oct 2014 01:00:00 GMTA Beautiful You - Jamé ScottJamé H. Scott is a native of San Francisco, California, where she grew up in the foster care system. She was taken from her biological mother who had experienced many drug related adversities. She was exposed to everything related to drugs imaginable, to include, but not limited to prostitution and molestation. She’s lived in rat and roach infested hotels, abandoned buildings and doorways. She was homeless at times and often wondered where her next meal was coming from, or if there’d even be one. She was taught to steal, lie and beg. When Jamé went into foster care she was happy to know she no longer had to worry about being homeless, panhandling, or being inappropriately touched….by her own mother. Her foster mother, Donna Smith, completely turned her life around, she had given Jamé hope. Mrs. Smith assured Jamé the past was not her fault, but to never forget where she came from so that she would respect and appreciate where she was going She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work from LeMoyne-Owen College in 2004, an MBA in Management from Strayer University in 2008 and she’s currently pursuing her Masters in Social Work from the University of Memphis. She has a diverse background in the Social Work field and has a wealth of knowledge and experience. She is currently the Foster Care Department Manager at Goodwill Homes Community Services, Inc. in Memphis. 00:58:00EmpowerU Radionohope,Love,God,abuseJamé H. Scott is a native of San Francisco, California, where she grew up in the foster care system. She was taken from her biological mother who had experiencehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/10/15/a-beautiful-you--danielle-reidMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/10/15/a-beautiful-you--danielle-reid/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/10/15/a-beautiful-you--danielle-reidWed, 15 Oct 2014 01:00:00 GMTA Beautiful You - Danielle ReidDanielle Reid is more than a student, business owner, friend, and mother; she is a domestic violence survivor and activist. After dealing with a cycle of physical, emotional, and mentally abusive relationships for more than 10 years, Danielle has learned to overcome any obstacle that comes her way. Her main goal is for everyone to know that anyone can become a victim of domestic violence, even men, and that one of the main causes of women who become involved in abusive situations is the result of low self-esteem as teens. With her organization, Limitless Beauties, she instills in young ladies the skills needed for them to rise out of current situations and live productive and successful lives. She also speaks out against women who make false accusations of abuse and how it hurts the system. Danielle is also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity, NAACP, and many other organizations. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, where she achieved a 4.0 GPA, while working and being the mother of two boys. Danielle is in the process of finishing her first book “Beauty Overshadowed” which will be released in early 2015. 00:57:00EmpowerU Radionodomestic violence,hope,Self Esteem,God,LoveDanielle Reid is more than a student, business owner, friend, and mother; she is a domestic violence survivor and activist. After dealing with a cycle of physichttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/10/08/a-beautiful-you--laura-johnsonMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/10/08/a-beautiful-you--laura-johnson/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/10/08/a-beautiful-you--laura-johnsonWed, 08 Oct 2014 01:00:00 GMTA Beautiful You - Laura Johnson Laura Johnson is a first time author with her new novel titled “Where Would I Be”.  She resides in Memphis, TN, where she attends college pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Social & Criminal Justice with a minor in forensics. Laura was first bitten by the writing bug three years ago.  While writing a journal she began to realize that her story could possibly help others who were going through the same thing.      In 2006, Laura was the victim of an abusive relationship that lasted for two and half years.  The relationship was volatile from the beginning.  While in this relationship, Laura contemplated suicide almost on a daily basis.  If asked, she would immediately tell you that what kept from going through with suicide were her mother and younger brother.  “I couldn’t leave them with that much pain, no matter what I was going through.”      In 2009, Laura began to write.  She thought that, as her mother had told many times before, that she was not the only woman who had or will ever go through something like this.  After filling up four notebooks, she decided that she might have a book on her hands.  Laura went on to make the necessary changes along with adding other things to her writing and thats how her book came to be. Laura wants her story to be one that encourages and helps others that have gone through or are going through abuse. 00:57:00EmpowerU Radionodomestic violence,Love,hope,GodLaura Johnson is a first time author with her new novel titled “Where Would I Be”.  She resides in Memphis, TN, where she attends college pursuing her Bachelorhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/09/20/a-beautiful-you--summer-owensMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/09/20/a-beautiful-you--summer-owens/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/09/20/a-beautiful-you--summer-owensSat, 20 Sep 2014 14:00:00 GMTA Beautiful You - Summer OwensKnown for her upbeat, “no excuses” personality, Summer Owens is fast-becoming a leading  expert on overcoming obstacles. Summer became a mother at fifteen as the result of a forced  sexual encounter, but she didn’t let that stop her from achieving her dreams. Selected Most  Likely to Succeed, she graduated with honors and was number eight in her high school class  earning a leadership scholarship to the University of Memphis. She then moved to Memphis with  her son and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree graduation graduating magna  cum laude and earning the title of Miss University of Memphis. After starting her career with the  National Basketball Association’s Memphis Grizzlies, Summer graduated with honors from  Belhaven College where she earned her MBA.  Summer is the founder and executive director of The S.O. What! Foundation and the founder and  president of S.O. What! LLC which encourage and teach people to live no excuses lives by  embracing the Serenity Prayer—accepting what they can’t change but changing everything they  can to live their best lives. She is the author of Life After Birth: A Memoir of Survival and  Success as a Teenage Mother, a book where she shares the very intimate details of her life to  discourage teen pregnancy yet encourage teen mothers and everyone who faces life’s challenges.  She has delivered hundreds of motivational speeches and trainings in schools, churches and other  organizations across the county inspiring and educating girls, women, and audiences of all types  to eliminate excuses and live life to their greatest potential.    00:57:00EmpowerU Radionoovercomer,hope,Love,GodKnown for her upbeat, “no excuses” personality, Summer Owens is fast-becoming a leading  expert on overcoming obstacles. Summer became a mother at fifteen as thttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/09/13/a-beautiful-you--tamara-thompsonMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/09/13/a-beautiful-you--tamara-thompson/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/09/13/a-beautiful-you--tamara-thompsonSat, 13 Sep 2014 14:00:00 GMTA Beautiful You - Tamara ThompsonA little about Tamara -  "I'm 37 years old. I was a victim of Domestic Violence when I was 16 years old. At the time my then boyfriend was in his early 20s, so i hid it from my mom because I wasnt supposed to be dating anyone that old. Because of being a victim of DV it really lowered my self-esteem. Before that relationship, I was this outgoing young lady. Afterwards I became very quiet and unsure of myself. During my 20s I made bad choices in men. I was so insecure, I felt that I didn't deserve to even be married. Although I'm still not married, I've learned within recent years my worth and I'm so proud fo myself for what i"m doing. Its like that precocious person, resilient person that I was before that relationship is back. I Have a Talk Show now, Real talk with Tamara and its main focus is to bring subjects like abuse to the forefront and My plan is to make sure this so goes national." 00:59:00EmpowerU Radionohope,Love,domestic violence,God,GraceA little about Tamara -  "I'm 37 years old. I was a victim of Domestic Violence when I was 16 years old. At the time my then boyfriend was in his early 20s, sohttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/09/09/freedom-from-bondage--donny-paulingMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/09/09/freedom-from-bondage--donny-pauling/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/09/09/freedom-from-bondage--donny-paulingTue, 09 Sep 2014 01:00:00 GMTFreedom from Bondage - Donny PaulingEx producer, Donny Pauling shares an incredible story of how he got out of the industry but also what happens on the other side of the camera that we don’t see. “Yes, I was a producer for 9 years, contracting with Playboy and a group of other well known companies. Yes, I have become a Christian. And yes, I now speak publicly about what goes on behind the scenes here on this blog as well as at numerous Churches and Universities (including Yale University – WOOT!) across this great country of ours. But the reason I speak about what goes on “behind the scenes” of is NOT because I have become a Christian. I do so because someone needs to do so. is often portrayed as great fun, happy go lucky, and victimless. The fantasy shown on screen seems fantastic. The realities of , however, are not even close. I am a firm believer in freedom of speech and expression and it is my personal belief that education, not legislation, is what changes hearts. Therefore it is my goal to educate so that those who hear can make a more informed decision. Donny brings the truth about the ography industry and how it affects the performers and models that are used in the video productions. 01:00:00EmpowerU Radionohope,Freedom,God,Love,GraceEx producer, Donny Pauling shares an incredible story of how he got out of the industry but also what happens on the other side of the camera that we don’t see.http://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/08/30/freedom-from-bondage--bill-murrayMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/08/30/freedom-from-bondage--bill-murray/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/08/30/freedom-from-bondage--bill-murraySat, 30 Aug 2014 14:00:00 GMTFreedom From Bondage - Bill MurrayBill Murray is the Founder of NAASCA (National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse). NOTE from Bill -- I'm hoping that after my more than 25 years of sobriety and recovery from all the issues initiated by my severe abuse as a child our new www.NAASCA.org non profit can resonate with hope for those who have found it difficult to share their abuse stories.  I especially encourage sharing in appropriate groups.  This is the beginning of recovery.  Secondly I'm hoping our new effort can help bring attention to a growing problem the scope of which few understand.  Its simply unacceptable that hundreds of thousands of young Americans fall victim to pedophiles, molesters, kidnappers, child ographers and traffickers each year.  "I want to take the worst thing that happened to me and turn it into the best thing I have to offer to the community," he said. Murray, who grew up in New York, was sexually abused when he was 11 years old during summer camp; the abuse continued for three summers.   The organization will be aimed at helping child abuse victims cope with their trauma by providing resources and a safe space to talk about their experiences, said Murray, who was a victim of child abuse. "I've gone through the recovery, and I'm healthy enough to be a spokesperson," the recovering drug and alcohol addict said. "I want to devote my life now to help other people who had the same experiences and have not talked about it, especially men." Murray said he plans to use the Community Matters podcast to encourage victims, who can remain anonymous, to share their stories. He'll also focus on the issues of sex crimes, sex trafficking and child ography.   01:01:00EmpowerU RadionoBill Murray is the Founder of NAASCA (National Association of Adult Survivors of Child Abuse). NOTE from Bill -- I'm hoping that after my more than 25 years ofhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/08/16/demand-primer-101-part-2--lindsy-antonMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/08/16/demand-primer-101-part-2--lindsy-anton/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/08/16/demand-primer-101-part-2--lindsy-antonSat, 16 Aug 2014 14:00:00 GMTDemand Primer 101 Part 2 - Lindsy AntonLindsy Anton graduated from Belmont University in Nashville, TN with a dual degree in political science and psychology. She is currently working to attain her Masters in Counseling at Vanderbilt University. She spent four years traveling between Nashville and Houston, conducting research on sex trafficking and working with anti-slavery organizations. Her research focuses primarily on offenders, including traffickers and “johns”. Lindsy is currently conducting interviews with johns from all corners of the nation and exploring their motivations and gathering narratives. This research has expanded into a graduate dissertation project that will eventually be peer reviewed and published. She has worked with both the Nashville and Houston Juvenile detention centers, where she worked with youth diagnosed with aggressive behavior disorders as she studied the links between environment, teen delinquency, gang involvement, and juvenile entry into the sex trade. Her current research interests include psychotherapy solutions for men who are self-diagnosed “sex addicts” and other contributors to the demand side of human trafficking. She is excited to see “demand” becoming a major focal point of organizations working to eradicate human slavery and hopes to contribute relevant and effective research and programming ideas to assist groups wishing to work on this element of the economic equation of human trafficking. 01:00:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,God,Love,Grace,mercyLindsy Anton graduated from Belmont University in Nashville, TN with a dual degree in political science and psychology. She is currently working to attain her Mhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/08/09/freedom-from-bondage--hope-manassehMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/08/09/freedom-from-bondage--hope-manasseh/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/08/09/freedom-from-bondage--hope-manassehSat, 09 Aug 2014 14:00:00 GMTFreedom from Bondage - Hope ManassehHope is a survivor of human trafficking and ritual abuse.  She dislikes both labels, but recognize their effectiveness in sharing her story and communicating the love of Christ. After breaking free at age thirty, she has spent the past nine-teen years healing. Christ found and saved her fifteen years ago! Hope has chosen to follow Christ because His unfailing love proved that her captors' lies were false, her hope has been restored, and HE has redeemed her scars. He has demonstrated over and over His love, mercy, and sovereignty, which compells her to go deeper into the relationship and pursue Him with passion. The result is a deeply personal and intimate relationship with God, a unique perspective on life, and a passion to share the power of Christ to redeem and His desire to restore. Hope is a passionate, engaging, and creative teacher, mentor, speaker, and author. She has served as Children’s Ministry leader, Youth Pastor, and Sunday School Director. She continues to wear many hats, but her favorite roles are Nana, teacher, and mentor. Her testimony naturally challenges people to expand their faith and believe for the impossible, while demonstrating God’s limitless ability to handle our obstacles and messes regardless of how big. 00:59:00EmpowerU Radionohope,God,restoration,Freedom,LoveHope is a survivor of human trafficking and ritual abuse.  She dislikes both labels, but recognize their effectiveness in sharing her story and communicating thhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/08/02/demand-101-primer--lindsy-antonMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/08/02/demand-101-primer--lindsy-anton/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/08/02/demand-101-primer--lindsy-antonSat, 02 Aug 2014 14:00:00 GMTDemand 101 Primer - Lindsy AntonLindsy Anton graduated from Belmont University in Nashville, TN with a dual degree in political science and psychology. She is currently working to attain her Masters in Counseling at Vanderbilt University. She spent four years traveling between Nashville and Houston, conducting research on sex trafficking and working with anti-slavery organizations. Her research focuses primarily on offenders, including traffickers and “johns”. Lindsy is currently conducting interviews with johns from all corners of the nation and exploring their motivations and gathering narratives. This research has expanded into a graduate dissertation project that will eventually be peer reviewed and published. She has worked with both the Nashville and Houston Juvenile detention centers, where she worked with youth diagnosed with aggressive behavior disorders as she studied the links between environment, teen delinquency, gang involvement, and juvenile entry into the sex trade. Her current research interests include psychotherapy solutions for men who are self-diagnosed “sex addicts” and other contributors to the demand side of human trafficking. She is excited to see “demand” becoming a major focal point of organizations working to eradicate human slavery and hopes to contribute relevant and effective research and programming ideas to assist groups wishing to work on this element of the economic equation of human trafficking. 01:00:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,God,Love,educateLindsy Anton graduated from Belmont University in Nashville, TN with a dual degree in political science and psychology. She is currently working to attain her Mhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/07/26/freedom-from-bondage--jerome-elomMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/07/26/freedom-from-bondage--jerome-elom/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/07/26/freedom-from-bondage--jerome-elomSat, 26 Jul 2014 14:00:00 GMTFreedom from Bondage - Jerome ElomJerome Elam is a Staff Writer and Columnist for Communities Digital News and a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and a survivor of child abuse, child sex trafficking and child ography. He is also the child of an alcoholic and child survivor of domestic violence as well as a child of divorce. He shares his experiences in the hope that those suffering in silence will find the courage to speak out and share their voice. Jerome has been blessed to have God reveal his purpose for him in saving innocent children from predators.  00:57:00EmpowerU Radionochild abuse,human trafficking,Love,Freedom,GodJerome Elam is a Staff Writer and Columnist for Communities Digital News and a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and a survivor of child abuse, child sehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/07/12/freedom-from-bondage--kelley-alsobrook-1Motivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/07/12/freedom-from-bondage--kelley-alsobrook-1/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/07/12/freedom-from-bondage--kelley-alsobrook-1Sat, 12 Jul 2014 14:00:00 GMT"Freedom from Bondage" - Kelley AlsobrookKelley Alsobrook was born and raised in Miami, Florida and has resided in Memphis, TN with her husband for the past fourteen years. Growing up in an abusive home was something that is known well to Mrs. Alsobrook. Being sexually, physically, and mentally abused in her youth  she came to accept this kind of treatment from a man. This abuse continued into her adult hood as she became the victim of human trafficking and domestic violence. Being disconnected from her family and being a single mother she became a very easy target for a pimp that preyed on her vulnerability. She continued in this lifestyle for approx 4 years. The guilt, shame and self loathing of this lifestyle led her into drug use as her life spiraled downward. She felt there was no hope of ever escaping. Once she escaped this torturous lifestyle she was determined to help others get through these same experiences. She is now passionate about seeing those who have been beaten, broken, battered, and bruised become whole. This was the motivation for beginning Ashes2Beauty. 01:00:00EmpowerU Radionohope,God,human trafficking,Love,FreedomKelley Alsobrook was born and raised in Miami, Florida and has resided in Memphis, TN with her husband for the past fourteen years. Growing up in an abusive homhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/07/05/freedom-from-bondage--amber-lopezMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/07/05/freedom-from-bondage--amber-lopez/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/07/05/freedom-from-bondage--amber-lopezSat, 05 Jul 2014 14:00:00 GMTFreedom from Bondage - Amber LopezAmber Lopez is a survivor of child abuse, human trafficking, sexual assault, and domestic violence and has struggled with numerous mental illnesses such as PTS and severe depression. Ambers last "normal" childhood memory was dancing with a dance production company called "Starshine Stage Players". Shortly before her 12th birthday, her dreams of becoming a professional ballet dancer abruptly ended and her life was tragically changed forever. She was abducted, drugged and traded to a man who was epitome of evil. She was held in captivity as a sex slave for 30 days and in that time she was raped & abused repeatedly, beat with the butt of a gun and forced to watch one of the four other children, who was also captive, be sexually abused as well. As a result of a lifetime of addictions, four years ago she was told that she only had 2 years to live from a diagnosis of severe chronic pancreatitis and liver damage but by the grace of God 3 months later there were no signs of damage. Currently Amber is writing her first book and is an active member of “Made for Them” and “Breaking the Chains” which are local anti-human trafficking organizations/ministries. She is also a mother of 5 boys and plans to continue her education majoring in Journalism. 00:58:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,hope,Love,God,abuseAmber Lopez is a survivor of child abuse, human trafficking, sexual assault, and domestic violence and has struggled with numerous mental illnesses such as PTShttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/06/28/a-fathers-love--charlie-caswellMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/06/28/a-fathers-love--charlie-caswell/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/06/28/a-fathers-love--charlie-caswellSat, 28 Jun 2014 14:00:00 GMTA Fathers Love - Charlie CaswellElder Charlie Caswell Jr. is a husband, father, outreach pastor, community activist, entrepreneur, author, and great man of vision. Elder Caswell was born and raised in the Memphis. Elder Caswell is truly a man after God’s own heart. He have dedicated all of his adulthood to being a community activist in the city of Memphis and Atlanta, GA. Elder Caswell serves his community as the Executive Director of Rangeline Neighborhood Community Development Corporation a non-profit with a focus of “Putting the Neighbor Back in the Hood”. He also serves as Pastor over Outreach Ministry for Union Grove Baptist Church in Frayser. Elder Caswell is the author of his first book “How to Become More Visible, Vocal, and Valuable to your Community”. A book based on the work he has done as a community leader. Elder Caswell owes a lot of his successes to a good upbringing and the mentorship of many great men in his life such as Director Toney Armstrong, Pastor Ricky Floyd and Pastor Walter Smith. Elder Caswell is the proud father of 6 beautiful children and the husband of Mrs. Teresa Landrum Caswell. 00:58:00EmpowerU RadionoGod,Father,Love,hope,motivateElder Charlie Caswell Jr. is a husband, father, outreach pastor, community activist, entrepreneur, author, and great man of vision. Elder Caswell was born and rhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/06/21/trafficking-in-america-task-force--restoring-humanity-from-modern-day-slaveryMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/06/21/trafficking-in-america-task-force--restoring-humanity-from-modern-day-slavery/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/06/21/trafficking-in-america-task-force--restoring-humanity-from-modern-day-slaverySat, 21 Jun 2014 14:00:00 GMTTrafficking In America Task Force - Restoring Humanity from Modern Day SlaveryYvonne Williams' vision of Creating a Culture Free of Modern Day Slavery continues to be on the forefront and calls us to center on healing of the very fabric of our society. With the education surrounding areas fueling human trafficking, we must begin to reverse the effects of the onslaught into our lives over the past few decades and see where we can make adjustments that can indeed begin to reduce incidents of modern slavery. As we work to educate about what human trafficking is, we must simultaneously bring healing to our minds and souls. That is the only way we will defeat human trafficking, modern day slavery. Some of the topics we will talk about in the show are 1) Demand 2)Culteral Issues and Change and 3) The upcoming conference in July 00:59:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,sex trafficking,hope,God,ChangeYvonne Williams' vision of Creating a Culture Free of Modern Day Slavery continues to be on the forefront and calls us to center on healing of the very fabric ohttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/06/14/a-fathers-love--troy-powellMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/06/14/a-fathers-love--troy-powell/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/06/14/a-fathers-love--troy-powellSat, 14 Jun 2014 14:00:00 GMTA Fathers Love - Troy PowellTroy Powell is a husband, father and Youth Pastor at Raleigh Assembly of God. He is also a native Memphian having graduated from Craigmont High School and has a real understanding of the troubles teens experience today. He hears daily many of the struggles our youth experience such as divorce, single family home, peer pressure, bullying, low self-esteem, abuse and many more. He teaches the lost youth of our society about Gods love and how much the "Father" loves them and can change their lives. He meets them right where they are and brings the word in a practical way. He helps to bring hope to the hopeless and has even been like a father to the fatherless. 01:00:00EmpowerU RadionoGods Love,faith,hope,Fathers LoveTroy Powell is a husband, father and Youth Pastor at Raleigh Assembly of God. He is also a native Memphian having graduated from Craigmont High School and has ahttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/05/31/a-life-redeemed--john-paceMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/05/31/a-life-redeemed--john-pace/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/05/31/a-life-redeemed--john-paceSat, 31 May 2014 14:00:00 GMTA Life Redeemed - John PaceJohn C. Pace Jr. is an author, anti-human trafficking speaker and former male madam which helps him form sound anti-human trafficking solutions.  John founded World Class Events Management—a sports and entertainment marketing company that he led for twenty five years. World Class Events Management became an industry leader, producing events at NBA and NFL stadiums.  John has served as a consultant to corporations like Anheuser Busch, Coca Cola USA, Coors Brewing Company, Brown & Williamson and RJR Nabisco. Today John combines his corporate training with his experience in the sex industry to lead the Commercial Sex Supply and Demand Reduction Initiative. 01:00:00EmpowerU Radionoredeemed,hope,human trafficking,God,faithJohn C. Pace Jr. is an author, anti-human trafficking speaker and former male madam which helps him form sound anti-human trafficking solutions.  John founded Whttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/05/24/a-life-redeemed--janelle-williamsMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/05/24/a-life-redeemed--janelle-williams/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/05/24/a-life-redeemed--janelle-williamsSat, 24 May 2014 14:00:00 GMTA Life Redeemed - Janelle WilliamsFrom an early age Janelle knew she was destined for mighty things, and the powers of darkness wasted no time in setting out to snuff out her light.  But God has turned every mess into a masterpiece.  She has been redeemed from addiction, sexual assault, personal tragedy, abusive relationships, paralyzing anxiety, and a litany of poor choices that should have landed her in a ditch or at the bottom of a long list of unhappy statistics, but for God.  Coming from a loving, relatively healthy family, Janelle knows what it is like to experience life on both sides of the tracks.  She has had much, and she has had nothing.  She knows what it is like to struggle, to not know where the next meal is coming from, to learn how to trust God as He transformed a wasteland into a promised land.  Janelle now leads the Kentucky branch of the Trafficking In America Task Force, living her God-given calling to wage war on the injustice of human trafficking, while pursuing a BSW, mentoring other women, and enjoying a redeemed marriage to the father of her two precious little girls.  Tune in as Janelle candidly shares her mistakes, her struggle with sexual strongholds, her journey of emotional and physical healing, and the awesome, redeeming power of the grace of God that gives freedom to the captives, sight to the blind, oil of joy for mourning, beauty for ashes, and who makes ALL things new.     01:00:00EmpowerU Radionohope,abuse,sexual assault,God,LoveFrom an early age Janelle knew she was destined for mighty things, and the powers of darkness wasted no time in setting out to snuff out her light.  But God hashttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/05/17/a-life-redeemed--toi-harrisMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/05/17/a-life-redeemed--toi-harris/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/05/17/a-life-redeemed--toi-harrisSat, 17 May 2014 14:00:00 GMTA Life Redeemed - Toi HarrisAfter running for years from her calling, not being ready, being scared, disobedient and being in the "hog pen"(sin). She finally surrendered to God and accepted her calling into ministry in 2004.  Toi is called outside of the four walls of the church to minister and evangelize the gospel of Jesus Christ to the saved and unsaved and to nations and generations. To soul win and expand the Kingdom of God. Her testimony exemplifies and helps others to "unmask", to be healed, delivered, set free from past hurts, and to walk fully in the calling and destiny that God has preordained in this life. She has a prophetic and apostolic anointing on her life as well as a seer/watchman. God shows things through images, pictures, and scenes and interpret into a message.   She loves to help build women and young girl’s self-esteem by promoting healing on the inside with the Word of God and beautify the outside. God uses Toi as a spiritual Mid-Wife to help women birth out destines and callings that He has predestined for them.  From Ashes to Be~U~Tiful Ministry was birthed out of her pain and brokenness. God led her to Isaiah 61 to become her foundational scripture with emphasis on verse 3: To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes...The purpose of this ministry is to exhort, encourage, empower, heal, deliver and set free broken women to rise from the ashes of their past and be the real "U" God has called them to be. Her passion is to help restore women who have lost their hope, passion, and purpose by giving her testimony. She also loves to help women walk through their transition of being bound to set free 01:00:00EmpowerU Radionohope,Love,broken,God,redeemedAfter running for years from her calling, not being ready, being scared, disobedient and being in the "hog pen"(sin). She finally surrendered to God and acceptehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/05/10/a-life-redeemed--yolanda-quiet-storm-gatesMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/05/10/a-life-redeemed--yolanda-quiet-storm-gates/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/05/10/a-life-redeemed--yolanda-quiet-storm-gatesSat, 10 May 2014 14:00:00 GMTA Life Redeemed - Yolanda "Quiet Storm" GatesYolanda Gates Brilliant, Vibrant, Trendsetter and Advocate for Single  Moms, resides in Memphis TN. Yolanda is the proud mother of a  Cheyenne, Darius and Naomi . She is Graduate of Victory University as an English/Journalism major. She enjoys reading, writing, mentoring, music and spending quality time with her children, family and friends.  Yolanda serves as the Creative Director of the Epiphany Firm, a  PR/Marketing/Event Planning business that trains and employs single moms  in Memphis to be a media source to area outlets. Yolanda also serves as a  board member for Successful Single Moms Memphis. Yolanda is described  as the “quiet storm”, deep in thought and ready to serve those deemed  underserved and less fortunate.  Yolanda has been recognized for her efforts on many levels and is an advocate for addressing issues that plague our teen population.Being solution driven, Yolanda designed and implemented G.E.M.S. (God’sEvidence Manifested in Sisterhood) Program to be a listening ear for young  ladies experiencing turbulent times, using her personal story as a picture of hope.    Yolanda has had a voice in print as she has served as the Editor of the  Whitehaven Appeal (2005-07), Intern for Ebony Magazine and recently  hosted her own blog “Relatively Speaking”, launching her into  entrepreneurship under the auspices of “Relatively Speaking” Freelance  Journalist.    Yolanda Gates lives by the motto: “Be the change you want to see in the  world. Be a Part of the solution, not the problem. 00:59:00EmpowerU Radionohope,God,motivation,domestic violenceYolanda Gates Brilliant, Vibrant, Trendsetter and Advocate for Single  Moms, resides in Memphis TN. Yolanda is the proud mother of a  Cheyenne, Darius and Naohttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/05/03/hergroove--a-rising-voice-of-motivation-and-inspirationMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/05/03/hergroove--a-rising-voice-of-motivation-and-inspiration/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/05/03/hergroove--a-rising-voice-of-motivation-and-inspirationSat, 03 May 2014 14:00:00 GMTHERGROOVE - A Rising Voice of Motivation and InspirationMaricia Sherman is a motivating powerhouse! Currently, she partners alongside her husband as Pastors of Faith Ministries International presently located in Olive Branch, MS. Faith Ministries is a dynamic ministry with developing disciples as the primary heartbeat of the ministry.   Pastor Maricia seeks to motivate women of all ages to pursue their visions, dreams, and goals by helping them understand the value of their own self- worth and by providing them with tools to move from a place of immobility to mobility.   An energetic and enthusiastic speaker, Maricia captures audiences with her dynamic style of speaking and thought provoking words. She believes everyone has a significant voice and that it should first be used to motivate and define their personal world around them.   She holds a Masters degree in Christian Psychology and Counseling and is currently pursuing her doctorate level. She believes that establishing well developed, precise, clear- cut goals will foster unparallel productivity and provide valuable solutions to complex problems. She is a careered Registered Nurse and can be found serving in the medical profession by keeping the community abreast of medical awareness. She owns her own company, HERGROOVE, that is dedicated to enhancing women in every area and hosts a series of LIVE motivating events every year.   She recently just released her new book, DROP THE ROCK, and currently host a radio show program called HERGROOVE RADIO, where her motto is, “We Celebrate Every Woman, Every Groove. The show is growing in popularity and can be heard Every Friday morning at 8AM CST.   She is an engaging motivational leader, author, wife and mother, and sister to the many women who have experienced the pain of low self-esteem, discouragement and hopelessness……a rising voice of motivation and inspiration.   00:59:00EmpowerU Radionoinspiration,motivation,God,LoveMaricia Sherman is a motivating powerhouse! Currently, she partners alongside her husband as Pastors of Faith Ministries International presently located in Olivhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/04/26/a-life-redeemed--kamekio-lewisMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/04/26/a-life-redeemed--kamekio-lewis/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/04/26/a-life-redeemed--kamekio-lewisSat, 26 Apr 2014 14:00:00 GMTA Life Redeemed - Kamekio LewisWhat a Woman: Serving others with Passion, Perseverance and Poise!!! Surviving a 2 year abusive relationship, fueled her passion to help other women in similar situations and motivated her to write her 1st book, "Looking for Love....In All the Wrong Places. The community support was overwhelming and she used the book as the basis for a Stage Play she wrote and produced in 2012 to a sold out crowd in Memphis, TN.  She found love in the right place and has been married to the love of her life, Dennis for 13 years. They have 3 handsome boys, Kaveyon, Kemareyon, & Dakaree!  Kamekio has a passion to share the love of God through ministry and fellowship with women and children. She has continuously worked in the helping field throughout her military career in Alaska, Kansas, and now in Tennessee. She has worked for the State of Tennessee for 9 years. She started as a vocational rehabilitation counselor, She completed her Masters in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling and was soon promoted to supervisor. She has since received another promotion and currently serves as the Program Coordinator for the Division. Her passion to help others succeed is demonstrated through her ongoing services. A facilitator, author, and public speaker, Kamekio provides transitional counseling and consulting to help educate & equip individuals with the skills, confidence, and resources needed to have a successful future!  Other awards/achievements include: Alpha Kappa Alpha (2011) Vanessa R Long Humanitarian Award  2012 HTH Game Changer Humanitarian & Advocacy Award 2012 Finalist for Memphis Best in Black Awards Member of “The National Coalition of 100 Black Women” Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha (Phi Lambda Omega Chapter) 8 Years US Army  Currently Pursuing her Doctoral Education    00:57:00EmpowerU Radionohope,Love,domestic violence,God,motivationWhat a Woman: Serving others with Passion, Perseverance and Poise!!! Surviving a 2 year abusive relationship, fueled her passion to help other women in similarhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/04/12/a-life-redeemed--amanda-swainMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/04/12/a-life-redeemed--amanda-swain/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/04/12/a-life-redeemed--amanda-swainSat, 12 Apr 2014 14:00:00 GMTA Life Redeemed - Amanda SwainAmanda Swain was born in Oxford, MS while her father the late Dr. Swain attended the University of Mississippi. From the very beginning Amanda was predestined to be a “Rebel”.  Bad choices did affect her journey but will not affect her destination.  Amanda should be just another statistic of a life gone badly due to trouble.  Having suffered all types of abuse and abandonment most of her life by those who “loved her”; Amanda decided that pain would not stop her. She strongly believes, that ALL things happen for a reason and that there is a bigger picture.  She’s using her mess for ministry. Amanda now resides in Memphis, where she works as a Loss Prevention Specialist and a Photographer.  Graduating with a Criminal Justice degree in Maryland, Amanda opted to become a specialist over a police officer due to a serious upset coming out of college. Life took a hard turn for her when she lost her father suddenly. This forced awakening took place during a very difficult time for herself and her baby sister. Again she was reminded that all things work out for a reason. Her love for photography was instilled early on by her dad. She believes that everything is photo worthy. “Sometimes you just have to view the world with a different lens”, she says. She hopes one day to make her photography passion her full time career and retirement plan. Amanda is the mother of three and raises her children with the same mentality she follows…Fall to the nothing but the Lord. Her biggest accomplishment is being an un-mothered mother. Because she was raised by her father alone, she knows the value of being a godly mother to her babies.   01:00:00EmpowerU Radionoredeemed,Love,Grace,mercy,GodAmanda Swain was born in Oxford, MS while her father the late Dr. Swain attended the University of Mississippi. From the very beginning Amanda was predestined thttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/04/05/stand-up-and-speak-out-against-bullyingMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/04/05/stand-up-and-speak-out-against-bullying/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/04/05/stand-up-and-speak-out-against-bullyingSat, 05 Apr 2014 14:00:00 GMTSTAND UP and SPEAK OUT against bullyingLeshundra Robinson co-founded UCAN of Memphis in 2005 & became president in 2006.  She also manages the mentee referrals from parents, physicians, medical clinics and Memphis City Schools while serving as a mentor herself. UCAN currently mentors 20 young ladies ages 12-18 primarily in North Memphis. Leshundra grew up in North Memphis under the guidance of her grandmother, and later moved to the Whitehaven area where she graduated in the Top 10 percent of her class at Hillcrest High School.  A mother of three, Leshundra has spent 21 years guiding young lives, which has motivated her to reach out to others who are in the vulnerable teen years.   Her own children embrace her energy and ambitious determination. Leshundra wants teens to live a “purposeful life” and to understand that one’s environment does not make a person. Rather, a person can positively influence his or her own environment while reaching beyond neighborhood boundaries.  Leshundra’s brother committed suicide in 2011 due to what he felt his environment did not accept him.  He felt lonely and hurt which became a long term depression until he was 27 years young.  Since his death, Leshundra has started an anti-bully play that helps other teens understand everyone is different and unique, STAND UP and SPEAK OUT against bullying. Leshundra is Six Sigma Greenbelt certified and a graduate of Mid-South Peace and Justice Center’s Grassroots Organizers for Power.  She is a member of the Alliance for Nonprofit Excellence and Memphis Urban League Young Professionals.  She was recently nominated for a NEXUS award for Mentoring Organization/Nonprofit in the same category as Leadership Memphis and Memphis Grizzles.   00:57:00EmpowerU Radionoantibullying,motivation,God,Love,hopeLeshundra Robinson co-founded UCAN of Memphis in 2005 & became president in 2006.  She also manages the mentee referrals from parents, physicians, medical clinihttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/03/29/a-belle-that-caresend-bullying-part-5Motivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/03/29/a-belle-that-caresend-bullying-part-5/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/03/29/a-belle-that-caresend-bullying-part-5Sat, 29 Mar 2014 14:00:00 GMTA Belle That Cares...End Bullying Part 5My name is Kalissa Bearden I am  a 14yr old 8th grader at West Jr. High School in Oakland, Tn. I co-founded Divas for a Cure a group of young women on a mission to make our world a better place. Our goal is to encourage positive changes in our members and our community. We do service projects, raise money for charities, and encourage young people to find sucess in who they are. We are currently working on projects for Fayette County Friends of Animal Control, Fayette County Animal Control, Fayette Cares (aiding domestic violence and families in need), and an Anit-bullying, Be Yourself Campaign. We founded the Divas in April of 2009 and have well over 30 members now between the ages of 5-15. (we even added a boy group Bros for a Cause) We have raised thousands of dollars for our causes as well as donates hundreds of volunteer hours. When I am not working with my Divas group, I enjoy cheerleading, school, and haning out with friends. I am co-captian of my cheerleading squad, president of my schools student council, Treasurer of the Beta Club, and Activities Coordinator for 4H. I am also a proud representative for Belle of the Ball Outreach organization. I look forward to highschool next year, and hope to one day become an orthodintist. 00:47:00EmpowerU RadionoLove,hope,bullying,God,motivationMy name is Kalissa Bearden I am  a 14yr old 8th grader at West Jr. High School in Oakland, Tn. I co-founded Divas for a Cure a group of young women on a missionhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/03/22/a-belle-that-caresend-bullying-part4Motivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/03/22/a-belle-that-caresend-bullying-part4/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/03/22/a-belle-that-caresend-bullying-part4Sat, 22 Mar 2014 14:00:00 GMTA Belle That Cares.....End Bullying Part4In March we will be talking about bullying and the effects it has on our teens.  Katlyn Cheyenne Bryant 10th Grade 16 years old Currently I am working with Fayette Cares on a year-long project.  Every year Fayette Cares conducts a toy drive at Christmas to help less fortunate families in our community.  I have sat down with the directors and staff at Fayette Cares to come up with a year-long project. I am hoping this way people will have all year to donate and not just one time a year and more donations can be made.  Maybe we can reach out to more families in need this Christmas.  Here is my current project(s): February - Paint me a Picture Month (crayons, coloring books, markers, paint, chalkboards, molding clay, construction paper, etc.) - March - Snuggle up Month (new teddy bears or stuffed toys) - April - Don’t get Board Month (new board games, cards, etc.) - May - Ready to Read Month (new books for all ages) - June - Piece it Together Month (new puzzles) - July - All Dolled up Month (new dolls: Barbie’s, baby dolls, rag dolls, GI Joe’s, wrestlers, etc.) - August - Cruising Month (new cars and trucks: can be die cast, plastic (big or small), trains, etc.) - September - Just for Babies Month (new baby and toddler toys) - October - Diggin Dinosaurs Month (new dinosaur toys) - November - Let’s Play Dress Up Month (new dress up clothes; princesses, fireman, fairies, policemen, etc.)  - December – Donate any new toys I am continuing my Helping Hands of TN platform that focuses on youth volunteerism in our community.  This will be our 4th year and I hope it is the best yet. This will also be my 2nd year directing my own Crowns that Care pageant (all proceeds to benefit Fayette Cares).   01:00:00EmpowerU RadionoLove,bullying,hope,GodIn March we will be talking about bullying and the effects it has on our teens.  Katlyn Cheyenne Bryant 10th Grade 16 years old Currently I am working withhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/03/15/a-belle-that-caresend-bullying-part3Motivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/03/15/a-belle-that-caresend-bullying-part3/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/03/15/a-belle-that-caresend-bullying-part3Sat, 15 Mar 2014 14:00:00 GMTA Belle That Cares....End Bullying Part3In March we will be talking about bullying and the effects it has on our teens. Lauren Lewis, resident of Memphis, TN, is a 6th grade student at Immaculate Conception Cathedral School. Lauren is heavily involved in the athletics program at her school having played Soccer, Basketball, and Softball this upcoming spring. She is also a member of S.A.D.D, PB&J club, and the sewing club. Lauren’s extracurricular activities include pageantry, gymnastics, aerial silks, sewing, and rollerblading. Lauren is an avid volunteer and was recently one of two sixth grade students at Immaculate Conception recognized for outstanding service and volunteerism. Lauren earned the opportunity to go to FedEx Family House to bake cookies and make Valentine's for the patients of Le Bonheur and the family members of those who are sick 00:59:00EmpowerU RadionoLove,bullying,hope,God,teensIn March we will be talking about bullying and the effects it has on our teens. Lauren Lewis, resident of Memphis, TN, is a 6th grade student at Immaculate Conchttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/03/08/a-belle-that-caresend-bullying-part2Motivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/03/08/a-belle-that-caresend-bullying-part2/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/03/08/a-belle-that-caresend-bullying-part2Sat, 08 Mar 2014 15:00:00 GMTA Belle That Cares.....End Bullying Part2In March we will be talking about bullying and the effects it has on our teens. Iyona Boyce is in 7th grade....  Leadership Roles:  Founded “Little Divas in Training” a mentoring program that promotes youth volunteerism and bullying awareness in 2009; Emerging Young Leader- Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. Beta Epsilon Chapter; Belle of The Ball Prom Dress Consignment LLC Representative. I hold Anti-Bullying Awareness Workshops throughout the year where I travel to local schools, churches, and libraries speaking about my struggles with bullying and educating youth on how they can help take a stand against bullying in their communities. I was recently named the Unite Against Bullies Tennessee Ambassador by Logan West, Miss Teen USA 2012.    Accomplishments/Activities: 2013 National Civil Rights Museum Keeper of the Dream Award Winner; 2013 Volunteer Mid-South Spirit of Giving Youth Volunteer of The Year; 2011-2013 Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Awards; 2011 Tennessee Ambassador of Goodwill citation from Governor Bill Haslem; 2011 Memphis Cares Mentorship Award Recipient for Little Divas in Training; 2012 CMS Orchestra- TN Music Association Violin Solo Ensemble 1st Place Superior Award; 13 National Competitive Cheer Championship title wins; Memphis Parent Magazine “Can Do Kids” October 2012 Feature Kid of the Month; Divine Magazine 35 People Who Inspire 2013 Honoree; 2013 Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc. Emerging Young Leaders Oratorical Contest winner; Feature model in the Tennessee Back to School Anti-Bullying Fashion Show hosted by fashion designer Jonathan Kayne of the TV show “Project Runway All-Stars”; Hosted A Belle Cares Black Out Bullying Pageant; Miss Tennessee Junior High America 2013; 3rd runner-up Miss Junior High School America 2013. I’m the current 2014 Miss Memphis Teen Princess. 01:00:00EmpowerU RadionoLove,bullying,hopeIn March we will be talking about bullying and the effects it has on our teens. Iyona Boyce is in 7th grade....  Leadership Roles:  Founded “Little Divas in Trhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/03/01/a-belle-that-caresend-bullying-part-1Motivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/03/01/a-belle-that-caresend-bullying-part-1/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/03/01/a-belle-that-caresend-bullying-part-1Sat, 01 Mar 2014 15:00:00 GMTA Belle That Cares....End Bullying Part 1Always willing to volunteer and assist where needed, Rashida Patterson prides herself in multi-tasking, coordinating, and staying organized. Soon realizing her passion for giving back and volunteering, while working in Corporate America.    She started an Outreach Program "A Belle That Cares Dress Outreach"  A Belle That Cares Dress Outreach program is designed for girls in grade K-12th as well as adults. Oftentimes, young ladies feel discouraged to participate in memorable events such as homecoming, pageants, prom, or having a wedding due to cost. Young ladies are allowed to model at their annual Making Prom Affordable for Mom & Me Expo. Or assist in hosting our annual Belle’s Against Bullying Pageant.   Rashida holds a BS in Public Administration from Mississippi Valley State University and a Masters of Health Services Administration from Strayer University.    Rashida believes that:"Your success in any occupation depends on your enjoyment. Loving your work makes the difference. If you enjoy what you do, you'll be successful. If you don't enjoy what you do, you won't be successful"     00:59:00EmpowerU Radionobullying,motivation,God,Love,Self EsteemAlways willing to volunteer and assist where needed, Rashida Patterson prides herself in multi-tasking, coordinating, and staying organized. Soon realizing herhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/02/22/jordans-lighthouse--loving-women-back-to-lifeMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/02/22/jordans-lighthouse--loving-women-back-to-life/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/02/22/jordans-lighthouse--loving-women-back-to-lifeSat, 22 Feb 2014 15:00:00 GMTJordans Lighthouse - Loving Women back to Life! Lisa Tennyson is site coordinator for Jordan’s Lighthouse Ministries.  She retired from the Memphis Police Department in 1992, owned Mid-South Feed and Seed from 1992-2011, and with her husband Jerry owns Misty Hollow Farms.  Lisa  reaches out to those in 2 different prisons and those in the community through Jordan’s Lighthouse Ministries; teaching Domestic Violence, Surviving Sexual Abuse and Discipleship classes. Lainie Hale is the Founder/CEO for Jordans Lighthouse Ministries, a non-profit organization which provides programs  & services to prisoners and women in crisis. Lainie has an array of training and certifications for prison ministry and she manages a team that teaches Domestic Violence, Sexual Abuse Awareness and Discipleship classes.  These classes are being taught in two Memphis prisons and too hurting women in their local community, through their headquarters location.  Lisa & Lainie are the best of friends and make an incredible team in their ministry and have an amazing story of healing & hope!! 01:00:00EmpowerU Radionohope,domestic violence,God,LoveLisa Tennyson is site coordinator for Jordan’s Lighthouse Ministries.  She retired from the Memphis Police Department in 1992, owned Mid-South Feed and Seed frhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/02/15/the-ultimate-love-songMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/02/15/the-ultimate-love-song/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/02/15/the-ultimate-love-songSat, 15 Feb 2014 19:00:00 GMTThe Ultimate Love Song!!!!Ben Kirk, a native of Troy, TN, is a husband, father, songwriter, vocalist and worship pastor. Growing up as a pastor's son and the grandson of a pastor, God's calling on his life was nothing that he could get away from. At the age of twelve, Ben accepted the call of God to ministry. On December 14, 1996, he married the love of his life, Tabi and they have served together in ministry eve since. He encourages everyone to strive to live a life-style of worship and maintain their joy. In 2009 he released his first ever worship album entitled, “I Surrender”. Ben's music has reached around the world and has touched and inspired all that listen. Currently he and his wife along with their three children live in Drummonds, TN and serve as Worship Pastors at Raleigh Assembly and the Springs Church in Memphis, TN. 00:58:00EmpowerU RadionoMusic,love,God,Worship,FamilyBen Kirk, a native of Troy, TN, is a husband, father, songwriter, vocalist and worship pastor. Growing up as a pastor's son and the grandson of a pastor, God'shttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/02/08/whatttt-i-have-to-love-everybodyMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/02/08/whatttt-i-have-to-love-everybody/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/02/08/whatttt-i-have-to-love-everybodySat, 08 Feb 2014 15:30:00 GMTWhatttt??? I have to Love EVERYBODY?????Pastor Matt and Shannon serve as lead pastors of Raleigh Assembly & The Springs, in Memphis Tennessee.   His passion is truly to help the lost and the "least of these".  His teaching reflects loving the "unlovable" and the church isn't just about the "saved" but its also about reaching the lost. In this weeks episode he will talk about loving yourself, your family and reaching out to those that are hurting and need the love of Christ!!! After 27+ years of full-time ministry, Matt has learned to utilize drama, multimedia, humor, music and real life experiences in his messages to deliver a relevant, up-to-date exposition of God’s Word. It is his desire to employ the gifts, abilities and experiences that God has granted to equip the body of Christ with the tools necessary to live out their Christianity at home, and in their community. Matt sincerely believes that the greatest days of the church, are just ahead. Matt and Shannon have been married for over 23 years and have three children. 01:00:00EmpowerU RadionoPastor Matt and Shannon serve as lead pastors of Raleigh Assembly & The Springs, in Memphis Tennessee.   His passion is truly to help the lost and the "least ofhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/02/01/loving-gods-youthMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/02/01/loving-gods-youth/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/02/01/loving-gods-youthSat, 01 Feb 2014 15:00:00 GMTLoving Gods Youth!!!! Troy Powell was born and raised in Memphis, TN. He grew up in a good home, but not a Godly home. When he was 11 his parents got a divorce and he moved in with his father. It was at that point that he tried his rebellion, everything from stealing, partying, trouble with the law, etc. Troy was invited to Raleigh Assembly of God by a good friend and was introduced to Christ. After a few years of running, and God chasing, Troy stopped running and fully committed his life to Christ. Troy is now the Student/Associate pastor at Raleigh Assembly of God. Mr. Powell  has earned his Degree in Ministry and Biblical Studies from Tennessee School of Ministry. He has also become extremely involved in his community through speaking and teaching at local churches, schools, & events. Mr. Powell has served as the Children's pastor, Young Adult pastor, Youth pastor, and now is also serving in an associate role to the lead pastor. Mr. Powell has been happily married to a lovely woman for the past 7 years. He has one daughter named Vayda Belle. 01:00:00EmpowerU Radionoyouth,love,Self Esteem,God,ministryTroy Powell was born and raised in Memphis, TN. He grew up in a good home, but not a Godly home. When he was 11 his parents got a divorce and he moved in withhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/01/25/bishop-on-both-sides-of-the-fenceMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/01/25/bishop-on-both-sides-of-the-fence/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/01/25/bishop-on-both-sides-of-the-fenceSat, 25 Jan 2014 15:00:00 GMTBishop on "Both Sides of the Fence"With years of experience from working undercover with the Department of Justice, Bishop dedicates all his efforts to help educate and expose the connection between Gangs and Human Trafficking in the United States.   Human Trafficking has become an epidemic in the United States and traffickers are targeting our children and family members in our neighborhoods, schools, malls, and public events.    Bishop has been called to help educate, prevent and intervene with these issues through speaking engagements, workshops, and camps. He uses his personal experiences to show how this multibillion dollar a year industry works from the inside out.  With his expertise he is able to educate how to see the warning signs, protect your loved ones, and how WE can work together to make a difference in your communities.     He and his partners provide a gang curriculum for parents, high risk youth, teachers, and church groups. The curriculum teaches life skills, and gang, violence, drug prevention. He also provides information pertaining to human trafficking such as; statistics, warning signs, prevention, intervention, and can inform you of local groups in your area that can be joined to help take a stand against both crisis.    Bishop is also very assiduous in the rescue efforts of victims in human trafficking. He works very closely with teams that are able to retrieve victims of trafficking in the United States and overseas.      " 00:58:00EmpowerU Radionogangs,human trafficking,hope,GodWith years of experience from working undercover with the Department of Justice, Bishop dedicates all his efforts to help educate and expose the connection betwhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/01/18/a-life-redeemed-at-the-ok-kids-corralMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/01/18/a-life-redeemed-at-the-ok-kids-corral/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/01/18/a-life-redeemed-at-the-ok-kids-corralSat, 18 Jan 2014 19:00:00 GMTA Life Redeemed at the OK Kids CorralDelores was born & raised in the ghetto of Milwaukee, WI. At the age of 6 she was raped by a couple of the neighborhood boys, one of which she had a crush on. He then convinced her that that’s how you show love. Her sexual abuse continued she was 16 not only by the neighborhood boys but her brother and father as well. On her 16th birthday her father “sold” her to his best friend. She was then sent to an all-girls school and when it was time to leave she had the choice to either go home or foster care so she chose foster care. Her foster family taught her what real love was and that sex did not equal love. Sadly, once she left she ended up in relationships with alcoholics and abusers. She ended up getting married and had 2 daughters but the marriage ended badly and she went through a horrible custody battle while she was pregnant with her son. After going totally broke and now with a baby to care for she fell into her old ways and started working in exotic clubs. During this time her father introduced her to what soon became her pimp. Delores found herself close to death on many occasions, once by knife and another time by a gun in her face but God spared her life from being taken. Her change came when she found out her son was being sexually abused by her pimp’s nephew. Her real change came when she realized she needed help for her and her son and at that time there wasn’t help for the issues they were dealing with. That is how OK Kids Corral was started. She met with challenges in getting it started and was ready to give up but she felt God’s prompting and didn’t give up. Delores has an Associate in Arts degree for Accounting and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. 00:58:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,redeemed,Gods Love,hope,StrengthDelores was born & raised in the ghetto of Milwaukee, WI. At the age of 6 she was raped by a couple of the neighborhood boys, one of which she had a crush on. Hhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/01/11/trafficking-in-america-task-forceMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/01/11/trafficking-in-america-task-force/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/01/11/trafficking-in-america-task-forceSat, 11 Jan 2014 15:00:00 GMTTrafficking In America Task ForceYVONNE WILLIAMS – Founder and Executive Director of Trafficking In America Task Force Yvonne is a professional artist and writer. In 2004 Yvonne wrote a screenplay, A Dance For Bethany that addresses the issue of human trafficking in America. The feature film is also a 4-time award winning movie about a 12-year-old runaway rescued out of a life of sex slavery and into her dream of becoming a dancer. This is the story that changed her life. Since learning in2004 of the sex trafficking problem that plagues not only America but the entire globe, Yvonne and Marion have worked to educate people and make them aware of the tragedy.  Yvonne serves as President of TIATF, Inc. a 501c3 non-profit charitable organization formed to educate and mobilize people across the country to work towards eradicating human trafficking in America through education and creating cultural change. Some of TIATF’s projects, programs, and activities include: The annual National Trafficking In America Conference slated as “the conference to go to for education on human trafficking,” by Laura Lederer, JD; 2011 Human Trafficking Awareness Week proclamation submitted and signed by TN Gov. Bill Haslam in TN;  Initiated the Human Trafficking Awareness Month unanimously approved by the TN General Assembly and signed by TN Governor Bill Haslam in 2012;  created the National Program, I Promise To Do My Part campaign a collaborative effort with A Bridge of Hope in Memphis, TN;  organized a State Wide Press Conference in TN to address the issue of human trafficking, and has assisted numerous other states in launching awareness proclamations, awareness programs and Press Conferences; produce the TIA Now weekly television program seen on Comcast Network 19 - 3 times a week; conducts training for educators and law enforcement. Williams and husband/Co-founder of TIATF reside in Lecanto, FL  00:59:00EmpowerU RadionoHuman Trafficking,hope,prostitutionYVONNE WILLIAMS – Founder and Executive Director of Trafficking In America Task Force Yvonne is a professional artist and writer. In 2004 Yvonne wrote a screenhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/01/04/building-a-bridge-of-hopeMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/01/04/building-a-bridge-of-hope/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2014/01/04/building-a-bridge-of-hopeSat, 04 Jan 2014 15:00:00 GMTBuilding a "Bridge of Hope"During her youth, Kimberly Benson was raised in a severely dysfunctional and addicted home, sexually assaulted, molested, raped four times, was in several domestic violence relationships and even sold into slavery by someone she thought was her friend.  She has been held at gun point, was left for dead, experienced many pitfalls, neglected, made terrible life-changing decisions, but still she rises.  Kimberly then decided she had to do something for people just like her; those feeling like a “nothing, worthless, and a nobody”.  Realizing that "nothing changes if nothing changes", Kimberly decided to prove everyone wrong and get educated earning her Bachelor's and working on her Master's Degree in Counseling.  Together with her husband Daryl and son Drew, they have made it their life’s mission to help all people, guiding them from their pasts into their destinies.  They serve as Ministers as well as victim advocates and help others in so many ways, including through their own ministry called A Bridge of Hope, which aims to empower people to empower themselves; Restoring Lives-Rebuilding Hope!    01:00:00EmpowerU Radionohuman trafficking,abuse,hope,healing,GodDuring her youth, Kimberly Benson was raised in a severely dysfunctional and addicted home, sexually assaulted, molested, raped four times, was in several domeshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2013/12/28/whats-love-got-to-do-with-itMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2013/12/28/whats-love-got-to-do-with-it/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2013/12/28/whats-love-got-to-do-with-itSat, 28 Dec 2013 15:00:00 GMT"Whats Love Got To Do With It"Gwendolyn Turner (Gwen) is a native of Memphis, TN. Always working in a servant’s capacity, she is the former Navigator/Administrative Assistant for the The Emotional Fitness Center of Tennessee. Prior to that, she was an Administrative Assistant for the YWCA of Memphis. Gwen’s passion to help in the field of domestic violence is one that came from her own life experiences. Living through verbal, emotional, mental, sexual and physical abuse for over twenty years, she now celebrates over ten years as a domestic violence survivor. Gwen is currently employed with the Family Safety Center of Memphis and Shelby County. She is also an active member of VOICES of Memphis and Shelby County, a speaker’s bureau for survivors and partner agencies. Gwen lives by her statement that her life’s misery has become her life’s mission and ministry. She is a 27 year proud member of The Golden Gate Cathedral Church and Founder of recording choir Billy Rivers and The Angelic Voices of Faith. 00:59:00EmpowerU RadionoGwendolyn Turner (Gwen) is a native of Memphis, TN. Always working in a servant’s capacity, she is the former Navigator/Administrative Assistant for the The Emohttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2013/12/21/part-2-you-are-worth-more-1Motivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2013/12/21/part-2-you-are-worth-more-1/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2013/12/21/part-2-you-are-worth-more-1Sat, 21 Dec 2013 15:00:00 GMTPart 2 "You Are Worth More" ......Joyce Parkinson is a domestic violence advocate and survivor.  A facilitator, public speaker and presenter, Joyce is nationally credentialed as a certified domestic violence advocate. She uses her time and talents to routinely host events designed to educate, inspire and inform communities about the importance of establishing self worth & tangible self sufficiency.  She has received a number of awards, proclamations & acknowledgments for her efforts as an entrepreneur and advocate.  She works with a number of individuals, businesses and organizations locally, while maintaining national relationships, including Mr. Anthony Porter, international lecturer, author and co-founder of the nationally recognized organization, A Call To Men, whose work involves the behaviors of men and domestic violence. She is an active member of VOICES of Memphis and Shelby County, a speaker’s bureau for survivors and abuse agency partners.  Kevin Phipps is a Domestic Violence advocate and a survivor!! He's married, a supervisor with Shelby County's Pretrial Services, member of the Unique Steppers of Memphis and a board member of WIANL. He is also an active member of VOICES of Memphis and Shelby County and has an incredible story to tell!!! 01:00:00EmpowerU RadionoDomestic Violence,hope,survivor,GodJoyce Parkinson is a domestic violence advocate and survivor.  A facilitator, public speaker and presenter, Joyce is nationally credentialed as a certified domehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2013/12/14/gods-amazing-healing-powerMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2013/12/14/gods-amazing-healing-power/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2013/12/14/gods-amazing-healing-powerSat, 14 Dec 2013 15:00:00 GMTGods amazing Healing Power!!Roslyn Brewer, a 23 year old foster care counselor that works for Youth Villages helps many children & families that are struggling to feel emotionally stable and have experienced difficult experiences.  Though these families & children have experienced so many different types of life stressors & issues, Roslyn has experienced her own. Roslyn experienced many setbacks & hardships in her life from an emotionally abusive relationship in high school that caused her to have other bad relationships with men throughout college.  Roslyn also experienced a massive stroke because of a blood clot in her brain and two seizures that caused her to be taken out of college for a semester.  The stroke did not have a significant affect on her body but doctors stated that she should not be mobile like she was.  During that time, Roslyn was able to begin building her relationship with God and finding out who he was for herself.  With the help of her mother and influential people that have come into her life, Roslyn has been able to know the true meaning of grace and God’s healing power.  She  is now applying to the Peace Corps to do service work overseas to help children in other countries.  01:00:00EmpowerU RadionoHEALING,abuseRoslyn Brewer, a 23 year old foster care counselor that works for Youth Villages helps many children & families that are struggling to feel emotionally stable ahttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2013/12/07/dressed-up-messno-moreMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2013/12/07/dressed-up-messno-more/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2013/12/07/dressed-up-messno-moreSat, 07 Dec 2013 15:00:00 GMT"Dressed Up Mess"....NO MOREJamé H. Scott is a native of San Francisco, California, where she grew up in the foster care system. She was taken from her biological mother who had experienced many drug related adversities. She was exposed to everything related to drugs imaginable, to include, but not limited to prostitution and molestation. She’s lived in rat and roach infested hotels, abandoned buildings and doorways. She was homeless at times and often wondered where her next meal was coming from, or if there’d even be one. She was taught to steal, lie and beg. When Jamé went into foster care she was happy to know she no longer had to worry about being homeless, panhandling, or being inappropriately touched….by her own mother. Her foster mother, Donna Smith, completely turned her life around, she had given Jamé hope. Mrs. Smith assured Jamé the past was not her fault, but to never forget where she came from so that she would respect and appreciate where she was going She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work from LeMoyne-Owen College in 2004, an MBA in Management from Strayer University in 2008 and she’s currently pursuing her Masters in Social Work from the University of Memphis. She has a diverse background in the Social Work field and has a wealth of knowledge and experience. She is currently the Foster Care Department Manager at Goodwill Homes Community Services, Inc. in Memphis. 00:58:00EmpowerU Radionohomeless,molestation,survivor,hope,GodJamé H. Scott is a native of San Francisco, California, where she grew up in the foster care system. She was taken from her biological mother who had experiencehttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2013/11/30/miracles-can-do-happenMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2013/11/30/miracles-can-do-happen/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2013/11/30/miracles-can-do-happenSat, 30 Nov 2013 15:00:00 GMT"Miracles" Can & Do Happen!Miracle Hall was the “miracle baby” of Johnie and Ruby Jefferson.  Despite the doctor reports and encountering numerous complications, Miracle was born a healthy baby girl on February 5th, 1981.  She is the fifth child of six siblings.  Miracle developed to be a beautiful and smart young lady. She graduated from her local high school in 1999 and enrolled in college. She was ready to begin life. Unaware, she would meet “Mr. Wrong”, be forced to quit college, and then go in hiding from her abuser. Miracle quit “her” future plans and started to follow “God’s” path for her life. She is not bitter about having to stop her original goals and dreams.  Instead, she embraces it. She uses her experience as a tool to forewarn others about domestic abuse.   Miracle is indeed a “Miracle”. She have been kidnapped, beaten, shot at, left for dead, and so much more. However, she survived it all by God’s Grace and Mercy. She is indeed an Overcomer.   She is now an author, motivational speaker, Founder of Miracle’s House of Restoration Domestic Violence Foundation, mother, & wife.  She considers helping others survive domestic violence her true passion, and will forever be an advocate for the abused. You DO NOT want to miss this show!!! 01:00:00EmpowerU Radionoovercomer,Domestic Violence,violence against women,hope,LoveMiracle Hall was the “miracle baby” of Johnie and Ruby Jefferson.  Despite the doctor reports and encountering numerous complications, Miracle was born a healthhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2013/11/23/you-are-worth-moreMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2013/11/23/you-are-worth-more/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2013/11/23/you-are-worth-moreSat, 23 Nov 2013 15:00:00 GMTYou ARE Worth More!!!!!Have you often wondered why you were created? Have you felt so hurt that you cant seem to pick yourself back up again? Do you feel hopeless? You dont have to!!! In this weeks episode our guest speaker is Joyce Parkinson, CEO/Founder of Walking Into A New Life, an organization that helps domestic violence victims gain their lives back and we will talk even more about how to pull yourself up out of depression and low self-worth. A new year is right around the corner and its about time for you to know that YOU are worth more!!!! 01:01:00EmpowerU RadionoHave you often wondered why you were created? Have you felt so hurt that you cant seem to pick yourself back up again? Do you feel hopeless? You dont have to!!!http://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2013/11/16/self-esteem--do-you-have-it-how-do-you-get-itMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2013/11/16/self-esteem--do-you-have-it-how-do-you-get-it/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2013/11/16/self-esteem--do-you-have-it-how-do-you-get-itSat, 16 Nov 2013 02:00:00 GMTSelf Esteem - Do you have it?? How do you get it???Self esteem.....how many of us really have it? How can we get it? Having a healthy balance of self-esteem is crucial in our society today..... We will talk about the issue low self-esteem and the effects it has on our young ladies and women....and how can you build it up..... This is going to be an eye-opening show that YOU dont want to miss!!!!! 01:00:00EmpowerU RadionoSelf esteem.....how many of us really have it? How can we get it? Having a healthy balance of self-esteem is crucial in our society today..... We will talk abohttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2013/11/09/ashes2beautyMotivationhttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2013/11/09/ashes2beauty/#commentshttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/empoweruradio/2013/11/09/ashes2beautySat, 09 Nov 2013 15:00:00 GMTAshes2Beauty Ashes2Beauty educates, empowers and enlightens women and young ladies!!! Too many women are silently hurting when they dont have to!!  This is our launch into our Radio show...come join us and learn more about what we do!!! I look forward to hearing from YOU..... 00:30:00EmpowerU Radionodomestic violence,human trafficking,love,god,motivateAshes2Beauty educates, empowers and enlightens women and young ladies!!! Too many women are silently hurting when they dont have to!!  This is our launch into