“Even in your darkest seasons, God never leaves you—He quietly prepares a way forward.”
Rebecca was trafficked from the age of 18 to 26. During that time, her trafficker manipulated her into believing that her exploitation was the result of her own drug use, leading her to enter a rehabilitation program. While living in a faith-based women’s home, Rebecca began to recognize God’s presence in her life. However, because the program was not designed to support survivors of human trafficking, she returned to her trafficker after becoming sober.
Her turning point came after a federal raid led to her trafficker—and others involved—being sent to prison for tax evasion.
“For the first time, I had a real opportunity to leave for good. I started over, grounded in the truth that God had never left me, and began a healing journey specifically focused on recovery from human trafficking.”
With support from One Purse, Rebecca received tuition assistance to attend UCLA Film School, where she completed a producer’s program. She later interned as a Development Producer for a major production company and have slated two projects that are now in development.
“These opportunities opened the door for me to explore how storytelling and entertainment can shape culture and bring awareness to human trafficking.”
Rebecca has long been part of the anti-trafficking movement, sharing her story through speaking and writing. More recently, returning to film and television has brought renewed joy, creativity, and purpose—especially during a season of burnout.
In 2014, Rebecca founded Elevate Academy. The program had served nearly 1,800+ students across 27 countries and more than 865 U.S. cities. Today, the academy continues to thrive as the largest online professional development program in the world for survivors of human trafficking—designed and led by survivors themselves. It remains a powerful space where survivors connect, grow, and gain the tools they need to ignite their futures. One Purse has been honored to partner with Elevate Academy to provide many women with scholarships to complete the program!
“This work has not only reignited my passion for storytelling, but has also positioned me to make a greater impact, provide for my family, and help audiences understand that trafficking is not a distant issue—it exists in our own neighborhoods.”