How can we reach the “back door”—the right brain of our audience—and compel them to action? How can story, art, and creative expression be used to combat human trafficking and amplify a message of freedom? Marci Renée—a writer, storyteller, and voice for the Silent Ones—works closely with the Strawberry Girls, Moroccan women recruited each year to pick “Red Gold” in Spain’s strawberry fields. Behind this opportunity lies a harsh reality: many are deceived by false promises and coerced into sex trafficking, where escape feels impossible. Yet, there is hope. After being asked to translate for a rescued Strawberry Girl, Marci began uncovering a trafficking pipeline between Morocco and Spain. Refusing to remain silent, she turned to storytelling. In this workshop, Marci will guide participants through these real stories using multiple forms of creative expression—including spoken word, poetry, visual art, music, and audio-visual elements—to engage both the mind and the heart. Participants will not only hear the stories, but experience them. Through this immersive approach, Marci demonstrates how storytelling builds an emotional bridge that moves people from awareness to action, while also exploring the neuroscience behind why it works and the importance of ethical storytelling. Participants will then be invited to respond creatively—through writing, reflection, or artistic expression—engaging their own voices and perspectives. This interactive process empowers individuals to connect deeply, process meaning, and begin sharing their own stories of freedom in ways that inspire change within their communities and beyond.
Trigger Warning: This presentation contains information (written, spoken, or visual) that may be triggering or (re)traumatizing to attendees.
Marci Renée is the founder of Creative Voices of Freedom (U.S.) and The Strawberry Girls (Spain), advocating for Moroccan women recruited to pick strawberries in Spain and then lured into trafficking. Marci is an author, speaker, and coach, who shares stories of "Silent Ones” and inspires others to action.