On May 22, 2020 KTRK, ABC 13 reported that there’s been a drastic increase in human trafficking. The COVID-19 pandemic has shockingly led to more than “230,000 victims in Texas. This article made me realize I have not been paying attention to what my son has been doing on the YouTube. I have always watched the News stories about sex trafficking offenders, and exposing their faces, but I had no idea how often this happens. I really had little understanding of how victims are targeted and how we can help them.
There has been a drastic increase in Human Trafficking
On January 31, 2020 my friend Samantha was co- chairing an event with Essi Kwabi for E.S.S.I’s 2nd Annual Human Trafficking Awareness Fundraising Gala. This is where I met Jacquelyn Aluotto. She was being honored that night along with a few others. I remember watching her hold back tears and choke on her words as she spoke so passionately about the victims. This was someone trying to make a difference and TAKING ACTION. I also had the pleasure of meeting Farah Zulaikha, Alicia Kozakiewicz, who are both briefly mentioned in our interview. (Both of the women will get their chance to speak about their involvement in upcoming weeks).
I personally wanted to start the dialogue off with Jacquelyn. She is the founder of the organization Real Beauty Real Women. Her organization has been promoting “awareness of social issues faced by women, men and children, facing poverty, domestic violence, and sex trafficking”. Her devotion to these causes is unwavering. She has a gift for merging the entertainment, beauty, and technology world with shelters and non- profits across America that are breaking the cycle of violence, poverty, homelessness, and abuse. I am very honored to have had the chance to interview Jacquelyn. I am extremely excited for all of you to watch our interview below. If you get a chance please watch her award-winning documentary, “Not in My Backyard”. I look forward to your comments and feedback.
Website: www.rbrw.org
Instagram: @realbeautyrealwomen
Read More
November 1, 2022
Grief
Grief is the most intense emotion a human can feel. The trauma before and after is something that feels unbearable. Grief kills your soul, kills your will to be who you once thought you would become. I don’t see the “light at the end of the tunnel”, there is no such thing for me right now.
June 10, 2021
What is Change?
Change is exactly what the word means. Change is when you leave behind anything that is a regular part of your life.
December 8, 2020
Sadaf
There once was a girl who often dreamed she was destined for more than what her city had to offer. Shy, quiet, lost in her thoughts, unaware of what life had in store for her. Celebrating "Being Sadaf"!
October 1, 2020
Health Comes First
October is Breast Cancer Month. Never Delay a routine checkup! At the end of July, I went in for my annual Mammogram screening.
July 10, 2020
Growing Up Brown in the USA
When I was a child my father would tell me, he wanted to eventually move back to Pakistan. I used to be terrified and worried when this would happen because I was born in America, it’s home.
June 19, 2020
A Live With Maheen
People know her as a gorgeous face turned fashion designer, married into a high profiled family. She is also known as Pakistan’s fashion icon, and a trend setter. But, she is so much more than that.
June 2, 2020
A Zoom Interview with Chau Nguyen: Domestic Abuse During Covid-19
Houston Area Women's Center (HAWC). Help is available during COVID-19. Visit hawc.org or call (713) 528-2121 to get 24/7/365 help.
May 5, 2020
A Time of Reflection
Life disrupted by this horrible virus? While others may be loving this time, I absolutely am having difficulty dealing with it. A personal test of resiliency and patience.
April 2, 2020
An Interview with Miss Houston, Blaine Ochoa
Blaine's determination, personality, and love of our city has proven she absolutely deserves that Crown of Miss Houston.
March 31, 2020
Are You Happy?
As I enter my birthday week it’s typical of me to sit back and analyze my life. Last week the realization that I still am not where I wish I would have been at age 42 hit me hard.
March 16, 2020
Social Distancing: A Good Time to Cut Away Toxic People
Time to detox yourself from toxic people. Who knew that we would be in a time and place where a virus would literally change the way we live our lives?
February 25, 2020
An Interview with Aisha Farooqui
I am honored to interview my special friend and official spokesperson of Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Pakistan, Aisha Farooqui. A born leader with a heart of gold and the mind to change the world.
December 6, 2019
Depression: Is it a choice?
As we approach the Holidays, we are exposed to different feelings. Some experience euphoria, excitement, sorrow, loss, and nostalgia are a big trigger for those feelings.
November 6, 2019
My Life as a Working Mom
I love reading blogs about mothers who talk about the incredibly tough job of staying home and raising their kids...
November 1, 2019
Mental Health Matters
Let's talk mental health. I’ve come to wonder why are we so afraid of other people’s negative comments? Do their comments define who we are as individuals or shape our future?