Susanna Southworth, PhD, JD of Restore the Child, PLLC shares how she leads with empowerment while advocating for survivors of sex trafficking and child sexual abuse material. Through litigation, she helps survivors pursue restitution and civil judgments as part of their healing journey and supports survivor centered organizations like CHILD USA and Rotary International. Susanna also reflects on the mindset that guides her work, “Find the joy in learning,” and the inspiration she draws from retired State Supreme Court Justice Faith Ireland, a legal scholar and mentor to other women.
Megan Fouty of Tin Can shares how she leads with authenticity and creates pathways for emerging women leaders through mentorship and connection. Overseeing legal and people functions at a Seattle technology start-up, Megan stays connected with mentees, speaks at law schools on building networks of support, and wrote The Art of Networking to help underrepresented leaders strengthen their network and brand. Explore the full spotlight to hear Megan’s leadership approach and advice for the next generation of leaders.
Dr. Jenna Butler, an applied research scientist at Microsoft, shares what it means to lead with joy, clear boundaries, and authenticity while raising a family and building a career. She reflects on modeling family first leadership for emerging women, why “No is a complete sentence,” and the lasting influence of her mother’s legacy. Read Jenna’s advice on navigating a rapidly changing world and staying grounded in what matters most.
Doris O’Neal, Director of Gender-Based Violence Specialized Services at YWCA Seattle, shares how she leads with courage, adaptability, and purpose while overseeing a team of 14 advocates. She opens up about mentorship, the Audre Lorde quote that keeps her from choosing silence, and the moment she had to pivot quickly when critical funding was reduced. Read the lessons she’s passing on, the women who inspire her, and the advice she offers to every woman stepping into leadership.
Every so often, a gift to REST does not come in once, it comes in twice, with the same donor, the same amount, and double the impact. That is the power of matching gifts, and it may be the easiest way to multiply support for survivors of sex trafficking without giving a dollar more. In this blog, you will learn how matching gifts work, see true to life stories from REST donors, and get a simple step by step to check your employer’s program and submit a match in minutes. Even if your workplace does not offer one, you can still help unlock a match through your network.
On a monthly basis, REST receives inquiries from people all over the country who are considering starting an anti-trafficking organization and are looking for a “how-to.” We are so grateful to be receiving these requests and know first-hand how important it is to learn from others who have gone before you.
I imagine most of you who attended REST’s Sex Trafficking & the Gospel event this past weekend are still considering the powerful teachings presented. I am, too. In fact, I’ve spent the weekend pondering the sharp, yet truthful words shared by Reverend Eugene Cho, “We love justice until there’s a cost.”
It would seem there is cause to despair. Hundreds of girls and young women are being bought and sold for sex every night in Seattle. They are forced to endure repeated acts of violent sexual exploitation for the profit of their traffickers and the pleasure of their buyers.
Most of the photographs representing survivors on this website are stock photography and feature models used for illustrative purposes only. With a few carefully evaluated exceptions, we do not publish or share photos of survivors at REST.
