Leslie F. King-Friday at Lake Michigan College 

Join the Southwest Michigan Human Trafficking Task Force as we welcome nationally-known author, speaker and sex trafficking survivor Leslie King-Friday. She will share from her lived experience in West Michigan and what it looks like for us as a community to help prevent Human Trafficking in our area and support survivors.

Leslie King-Friday was trafficked at the age of 15 for over 20 years in Grand Rapids, Michigan. On July 4th, 2000 Leslie’s life was changed forever. Through sincerity of her heart and an answer from God, Leslie was given a new lease on life and set to starting her life’s work. In 2005, Leslie utilized her experience, expertise, and inspiring example of a renewed lifestyle to open Sacred Beginnings, a safe haven that offers hope, and healing to trafficking victims. Leslie consults with law enforcement agencies, human service professionals, clergy, and others requesting direction and understanding in working with prostituted individuals. She also speaks at various conferences and academic institutions on the issue of human trafficking. Her awards and recognitions include: 2005 Grand Rapids, Woman of the Year nominee, 2008 YWCA Advocate of the Year, 2011 Rising Hero Award, 2014 “50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan”, 2018 Michigan Liberator Award, 2019 Grand Rapids Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club Certificate of Achievement, 2021 African American Leadership Award, 2021 BBB Trust Award. She recently published a book titled “When Angels Fight” that she will also reference during the night.

Leslie will give us a deeper understanding of Human Trafficking and help us think about what it looks like for us as a community to help prevent trafficking from happening and to support survivors. After the evening event, we will have a panel of professionals who will answer questions related to how we are addressing trafficking specifically in our area. We are thankful to have Brook Thomas, Forensic Interviewer at the Children’s Advocacy Center; Allie Kibler-Campbell, Prevention Specialist at the Children’s Advocacy Center; Jane Wainwright, Asst. Prosecuting Attorney at the Prosecutors Office; Carolyn Groen, Victim’s Advocate at the Prosecutor’s Officer; Alyssa Pliml, SANE nurse at Spectrum Health Lakeland; Rachel Struble, therapist at The Cora Lamping Center and D/Lt. Greg Sanders with the Berrien County Police Department.