Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniela Deas.
Daniela, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story started in childhood when I experienced child abuse, domestic violence, and commercial sexual exploitation (CSE). I was recruited into CSE or “the life” as a child and exploited until I was 17. During the time I was in my life, I was in various juvenile justice systems and divergent programs. I lived a portion of my life as a victim; then a survivor, and now thriving.
I want to use my experiences to mentor girls and young women who are labeled “at-risk”. I want them to know, that they are the authors of their stories and they are not at risk, but at promise for success.
Currently, I facilitate social-emotional learning groups for at-promise youth and provide education on human trafficking throughout South Florida (Miami-Dade and Broward County). I am also a CSE subject matter expert for the Office for Victims of Crimes Human Trafficking Collective and completing my Master’s in Social Work.
My goal is to provide expressive art therapy for at-promise youth in South Florida.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey hasn’t been smooth; there were many bumps and obstacles along the way that led me to where I am today. A larger part of my journey was healing from my past and processing the pain from during the time I was trafficked. It was very painful and sometimes I never thought I could heal from that pain. I needed to move from a place of survival to thriving.
Another challenge is believing in yourself. Launching a business does take a lot of time and energy, but most importantly believing in yourself. If you want to see any manifestations, despite the challenges and obstacles, you must believe in yourself first. So much so, that no matter how hard it gets you believe that your business or non-profit will succeed and thrive.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Survivors HOPE is a non-profit based in South Florida servicing at-promise youth in Broward and Miami-Dade County.
We are survivor-led and centered on providing mentoring services for survivors of commercial sexual exploitation, we link mentees to services in the community to assist them on their road to recovery. Our program services girls and young women from ages 12 to 23. Our programs are mentor-driven, one can never have too many mentors!
I am so proud of the growth of Survivors HOPE and the support I continue to receive from the community.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
One of my main supporters and advocates is my mother, Lauretta Deas, My mother has supported me and my vision. When times were challenging and I felt like giving up, she constantly reminded me of the power I wield and to believe in my power to succeed.
Another supporter is my long-time mentor Dr. Peter Taylor. Dr. Taylor serves as a board member of Survivors HOPE. He has assisted me with the non-profit from its early beginnings, before Survivors HOPE was incorporated. Dr. Taylor has invested his time- which we can all agree time is as valuable as money- and wise counsel.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.survivors-hope.org
- Instagram: @Survivorshopeinc
Image Credits
Pace Center for Girls Broward “International Day of the Girl Child” and Social Emotional Learning Group
