Guest Blogger Rodnee: Coming Together for a Better Understanding

I feel as though my speaking engagement was a good way for me to bring attention to the issue of sexual exploitation. It gave me the opportunity to share a personal experience with a large number in people. In doing so this not only addresses the issue but it also helps those who attended the breakfast to make a personal connection and feeling towards the issue. This creates a larger group of supporters for the issue which ultimately can help eliminate or tackle the problem we are faced with.

Judging on the reactions of the audience I believe that a lot of people left with a different, if not new, take on the issue. I didn't expect to look up at the end and not be able to see a dry eye in the room. I felt very supported by the audience members. It also helped me become more aware of the influence my life and life experiences have on others. I feel that holding fundraisers as such is a great way to bring exposure and awareness to those who can actually make a difference. 

I would love to see a similar event with the same number of audience held for support of the Roxbury Youthworks agency and also GIFT which is out of RYI. This is because it is programs, such as GIFT, that actually make a difference and change in individual lives like my own. If we could grow as a network just image how many more success stories we would be able to hear of.

About United Way Women's Initiative Education Series: Saving Our Girls - Demystifying the Secret World of Sexual Exploitation
An estimated 240,000 - 325,000 youth in the US are at risk for sexual exploitation annually. The most common ages for girls recruited into prostitution are between 12 and 15 years old from foster homes, MBTA stations and high schools. United Way heard the story of Rodnee Davis and her brave escape from this lifestyle at our Women's Leadership Breakfast in September. Join us for a powerful roundtable discussion with local leaders and advocates who are working on the front lines to eliminate sexual exploitation. Boston City Councilor-At-Large Ayanna Pressley will moderate the discussion between panelists including Mia Alvarado (Executive Director of Roxbury Youthworks, Inc.), Audrey Porter (Assistant Director of My Life, My Choice) and Rebecca Kantar (CEO of Minga). This event is generously sponsored by Eastern Bank and Nutter, McClennan & Fish, LLP.
When: Wednesday, December 7 from 5:30-7:30pm
Where: Nutter, McClennen & Fish, 155 Seaport Boulevard, Boston, MA 02210
Contact: womens@supportunitedway.org or call Beverly 617-624-8059