What if you were a victim of human trafficking but had no voice to tell your story? Kim and Marci—one artist, one writer, two voices for the Silent Ones. Let them introduce you to the Strawberry Girls. The Strawberry Girls are Moroccan women recruited each year to pick "red gold" in the strawberry fields of Spain. The shocking reality is that many of these vulnerable women are then lured into sex trafficking through lies, deception, and empty promises. Once they step foot in the brothel, they are trapped, and it will take a miracle for them to get out. But miracles do happen! One day, a safe house called and asked Marci to translate for a Moroccan woman who had just been rescued. This woman was a “Strawberry Girl.” In Marci’s continued work with these women, she began to identify a human trafficking line between Morocco and Spain. Unwilling to stay silent, Marci began writing their stories. Her friend and professional artist, Kim, began painting their stories. Through Kim's soulful artwork and Marci's poetic words from their Strawberry Girls Project, they invite you to step into the shoes of the Strawberry Girls and journey with them from slavery to freedom. Kim and Marci will guide participants through the experiences of the Strawberry Girls and inspire them to use their own unique talents and passions to join the anti-human trafficking movement in their own communities and around the world. What if you could make a difference right where you are?
Trigger Warning: This presentation contains information (written, spoken, or visual) that may be triggering or (re)traumatizing to attendees.
Marci Renée is a published author, coach, public speaker, anti-human trafficking advocate, and Arabic translator in government-run safe houses in Spain for survivors of human trafficking. Marci gives a voice to “The Silent Ones” by empowering women to tell their stories of survival, inspiring others to join the movement of freedom.
Kim Peters is a professional artist, teacher and public speaker who believes artwork can reveal injustices and change the world. She seeks to connect minds and hearts to inspire and compel action. Kim and Marci lead an NGO, “The Strawberry Girls,” exposing the human trafficking line between Morocco and Spain.