This session discusses the plight of female sex trafficking victims. Light is shed as to the causes of sex trafficking, including the role of the foster care system, parenting and drugs. Enduring emotional scarring, relapsing and reverting to the sex industry are common and discussed during this podcast.

Fortunately, there are organizations such as CeCe’s Hope Center that are dedicated to saving victims of sexual exploitation. To help these young women get on their feet, CeCe’s Hope provides a residence and arranges for drug detox treatment, career counseling and allowances for transportation and wardrobes.

Other topics of discussion include expunging criminal records of sex trafficking victims, the incidence of victims arising from foster care and the ratio of boys as sex trafficking victims.

Guest Speaker Rene Lopez – Rene co-founded Cece’s Hope Center with Lea Benson in 2017.  The mission of CeCe’s Hope Center is to improve the lives and futures of human trafficking victims and sexual exploitation by bridging the gap in available services and support. René has an extensive career in Project Management, with more than 22 years of experience working in Telecommunications, Energy, and currently in Information Technology. Rene served on the Chandler City Council from 2015-2023 and as Vice Mayor twice. He served as a Naval Officer aboard submarines, honorably separating from the Navy in 2000 as a Lieutenant, with more than four years of service. Rene graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering, with a minor in Direct Energy Conversion.