Dining for Women, a dinner giving circle with 5,000 members across 167 chapters, has chosen to support The Somaly Mam Foundation throughout September.  Their generous support will provide funds for SMF’s Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships to survivors of sex trafficking.

As a giving circle, which brings the individual donations of many people together to create a large, targeted donation, Dining for Women embraces the power of collective giving to create major impact, while maintaining the intimacy of small groups.  Dining for Women members in each chapter “dine in” together once a month, each bringing a dish to share, and send their “dining out” dollars to international programs that empower women.

By focusing on a single organization per month, Dining for Women is able to educate its members about the various causes that their donations support – from micro-loans in Ghana, to sex trafficking in Southeast Asia – more deeply than many other groups that are less targeted in their funding.  Through their involvement in the giving circle, members are empowered as agents of change as they collectively take action and become better informed on matters of poverty, oppression, and exploitation that women around the world face.  In addition, members know that their funds are directly benefiting  women’s lives, as the donations raised by Dining for Women support on-the-ground programs. On average, these dinners raise more than $20,000 each month.

Donations from September’s Dining for Women dinners will directly fund SMF’s Scholarship Fund to help provide survivors of sex trafficking with primary, secondary, and higher education opportunities, as well as technical and vocational education, and short-course study.  Education is one of the most important components of survivor reintegration, as it translates into long-term, sustainable employment.

SMF’s focus on survivor empowerment through education and leadership programs like Voices for Change is  a perfect match for Dining for Women’s mission –  to help women around the world achieve self-sufficiency and independence.

Learn more at diningforwomen.org

SMF’s President and Co-Founder, Somaly Mam, and Executive Director, Bill Livermore, are presenting at the national 2010 Crimes Against Children Conference in Dallas, which runs August 9-12.

The Crimes Against Children Conference brings together professionals from law enforcement, medicine, nonprofits, law, social work, child protective services, and other professionals who work directly with child victims of crime.  In the twenty years since the conference was first held, attendance has risen from 50 to more than 3,300 professionals.

The SMF presentation, “Human Trafficking and the Rule of Law: Real World Challenges and Solutions,” focuses on successful approaches that SMF and its partners have taken to rescue, heal, and empower survivors of human trafficking, as well as the importance of awareness and education in the struggle to end modern day slavery.

The presentation focuses on the comprehensive survivor-driven services that are central to the success the foundation and its partners like AFESIP have had in helping survivors of sexual trafficking go on to lead healthy and productive lives.  This model, created and implemented by survivor Somaly Mam, provides girls in the AFESIP shelters regular access and support from survivors in SMF’s Voices for Change program – survivors  are often the only people that victims trust; and provides the girls with a home in the shelter, health care, psychological care, job training, and a clearly-marked, guided path to self-sufficiency.  Once a young woman leaves the shelter to begin employment, she receives visits from SMF and AFESIP staff no less than once a month for three years, ensuring that she has everything she needs to create a bright future for herself.

Despite its effectiveness, this model is not widely used in the US.  One exception is the Girls Educational and Mentoring Service, or GEMS, which is based in New York, and offers comprehensive services with extensive survivor involvement.

Public awareness and education are vital if comprehensive programs like GEMS are to expand in the US.  Efforts like the New York Mayor’s Office “Let’s Call an End to Human Trafficking” campaign, and training programs for law enforcement can help spread the knowledge that human trafficking does happen in the US, and that victims need access to tailored and comprehensive social services to recover from the horrors that they have experienced.

Similarly, partnerships among government, business, and nonprofits are critically needed to address modern day slavery.  Without coordinated efforts, traffickers will continue to fly under the radar, seizing victims from the streets, from schools, and from their families.  SMF’s partnership with the United Nations Inter-Agency on Human Trafficking to train law enforcement and government officials in Southeast Asia demonstrates how organizations can work more effectively when they join forces and combine their talents and resources.

In the US, some organizations and government agencies are working in this direction; however, much more still needs to be done to coordinate efforts at the national and local level. We look forward to seeing more partnerships and action taking root at this year’s Crimes Against Children Conference.

Voices for Change Graduation From left to right: Srey Pech, Srey Pov, Somana, Sina, Srey An, Theara, Veurn

July, 2010 – With a backdrop of good will, learning, and Rocky Mountain sunshine, the survivors of sex trafficking and rape who participate in the Somaly Mam Foundation Voices for Change program, inspire Regis University faculty and fellow Colorado residents with their personal strength, leadership, and commitment to helping others.

Survivors Srey Pov, Veurn, Somana, An, Sina, Pech, and Theara were honored on stage by Regis faculty and supporters as they graduated from a month-long English immersion, leadership, and computer-skills training program on July 23rd. For these extraordinary young women who are half a world away form home, this represents a milestone achievement.

The road of empowerment that brought them to Colorado is a story of personal strength, heroism, and global activism that is inspiring a global movement for change that aims to unshackle humanity from the horrors and suffering of modern day slavery.

It all starts with the inspiration for the Voices for Change program, sexual slavery survivor Somaly Mam. In the same way that these young women in Colorado have transcended their suffering, Somaly transformed the horrors and trauma that she experienced in the brothels of Cambodia into a lifelong crusade to protect and rescue others from the same fate. Silence for Somaly was not an option she could live with. Through speaking out and working to help other survivors, Somaly Mam discovered a sense of empowerment and liberation she had never had. It is her voice that has captured the attention of millions of people around the world as she tirelessly continues her struggle to shed light on the practices of modern day slavery. It is her voice that helped found the largest network of shelters in Southeast Asia. It is her voice that has helped rescue, shelter, and heal these seven young women and over 6,000 more women and children across Southeast Asia. It was Somaly’s voice that inspired two young America men – Nicholas Lumpp and Jared Greenberg – to seek her out and found the Somaly Mam Foundation with her.

“I remember listening to Somaly speak at the 2006 Glamour Women of the Year Awards and being brought to tears by her story, strength, and ability to inspire people to take action. That was the moment that I decided to dedicate myself to helping the foundation get off the ground. To see these seven young women take the stage here at Regis University, is moving beyond words,” said Bill Livermore, now the Somaly Mam Foundation’s Executive Director.

As part of the foundation’s commitment to survivor empowerment, and the recognition of the transformative power that survivors bring to the cause, the Voices for Change program was launched.

Modeled after Somaly’s life example, the Voices for Change (VFC) program is designed to give survivors an opportunity to help themselves by helping others. Survivors who have undergone rescue, recovery, education, and reintegration are nominated by their peers to join the program. These empowered young leaders are then provided the tools and training to realize their potential as change agents of the global movement to end slavery.

Program participants join legal training seminars and courageously share their stories with law enforcement, judges, and other government officials. Survivors’ personal accounts of the horrors of life as slaves in the sex trade serve as dramatic wake-up calls to officials who have pledged themselves to the cause of justice. The VFC program also equips its team members with the skills and information to train officials on the special needs that survivors have, as well as the guidelines and procedures for ensuring that survivors are transferred to the right services for safe and successful recovery.

Voice for Change team members play a critical role in helping survivors transition to freedom through regular service at partner shelters run by AFESIP, the network of shelters established by Somaly Mam across Cambodia and Southeast Asia. Their first-hand experience along the difficult and emotional journey from the horrors of sexual slavery to their liberation and recovery, establishes a level of trust and understanding between VFC team members and the young traumatized survivors that are rescued regularly from brothels across the region.

Raising awareness is one of the most effective actions to take in the struggle to eradicate slaver. As advocates and leaders, VFC program participants reach out to their communities through speaking engagements, radio, and other forms of media. They travel the world to draw attention to the often hidden crimes of human trafficking and sexual slavery. Their voices, like Somaly’s, represent a new generation of leaders who stand for justice and free will.

Seven young women brought their voices for change to Colorado as part of their ongoing commitment to shed light on the crimes and brutality of slavery, and to help those caught in its shadow.

“I never thought I would have opportunity to see a new land and meet new people with a good heart and love. They gave motivation and shared important skills. The United States helped me learn a lot,” said Theara as she reflected on her experience in Colorado.

Thanks to Regis University, and the generous support and help from faculty, volunteers, and the Lumpp family, these young leaders continue their journey of empowerment and hope with new friends and skills to strengthen their resolve.

Survivos Srey, Veoeum, Somana, An, Sina, Pech, and Theara are truly worthy of their roles as Somaly Mam Foundation ambassadors for change. Please join us in honoring their heroism, sense of stewardship, and their recent accomplishments.

Regis University – Rescued, Speaking Out, Changing Lives – A Story of Empowerment and Love

The current and 10^th report represents a significant milestone by including a full evaluation of the U.S.

“The Report, for the first time, includes a ranking of the United States based on the same standards to which we hold other countries. The United States takes its first-ever ranking not as a reprieve but as a responsibility to strengthen global efforts against modern slavery, including those within America. This human rights abuse is universal, and no one should claim immunity from its reach or from the responsibility to confront it.”

– Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

Human trafficking is a crisis that is tearing apart the lives of children and adults around the world. There is still much more to do and we hope to see the U.S. government significantly step up its anti-trafficking efforts and support for victim services across North America and the world.

U.S. State Department Report Page

We interview Michael Angelo to get his insight on the making and launch of his groundbreaking exhibit.

Michael Angelo at the opening for The Lipstick Portraits

Photographer and beauty expert Michael Angelo, whose Wonderland Beauty Parlor in New York is an icon in the industry, is a long-time advocate for victims and survivors of human trafficking.

To raise both awareness and funds for the cause, Angelo has created a series of striking and provocative portraits that stand in solidarity with those enslaved by the sex trade, known as The Lipstick Portraits.  He was inspired to create these portraits after reading Mariane Pearl’s description, in Glamour, of Cambodian sexual slavery, in which red lipstick can be understood as a mark of a girl’s enslavement.  Angelo later traveled to Cambodia, where he met Somaly Mam and visited the shelters that she established for girls rescued from the brothels.

Recruiting some of the most outspoken and extraordinary people that he knew, including Susan Sarandon, burlesque star Dita Von Teese, actor Alan Cumming, Cambodian Parliamentarian Mu Sochua, and Somaly Mam herself, Angelo created these portraits to call attention to the scourge of sexual slavery. In the series, the red lipstick is symbolically transformed from a tool of cruelty and slavery to one of solidarity and empowerment.

The Lipstick Portraits exhibition opened to the public on May 8 at 401 Projects in New York.  Pictures of the event can be found here.  Throughout the month of May, the exhibition drove public awareness around the issues and received outstanding reviews and coverage from the media, including Vogue Italia, Change.org’s End Human Trafficking blog, Marie Claire, The Daily Beast, and NPR.

In addition to raising awareness, Angelo is also generously raising funds for the Somaly Mam Foundation.  100% of the proceeds from the sale of The Lipstick Portraits prints, exhibition catalogues, and t-shirts will benefit the Somaly Mam Foundation.

We spoke with Michael Angelo about The Lipstick Portraits, the meaning of beauty, and his mission to help end human trafficking.

We’ve seen the extensive media coverage that the debut of The Lipstick Portraits received.  How does it feel to have your work and its bold messages embraced by the media and the public?

It feels fantastic and validating. It was a really risky idea. For as many yeses as I received regarding participation and support, I received 10 nos. Of course, that makes one second-guess oneself, and it’s really incredible to see it complete and, ultimately, well-received.

As The Lipstick Portraits demonstrates, you are an accomplished photographer in addition to being a leader in the beauty industry.  What role do you see each playing in furthering your efforts to end human trafficking and sexual slavery?

Both have been incredible tools of communication for me. When I’m working behind the chair as a hairstylist, I have the incredible opportunity to have someone’s ear for as long as two and a half hours. It is a great opportunity to plant seeds and share ideas. When I learned that there were vocational training programs in the field of beauty, I saw a much more literal way for me to use those skills to help. With regard to photography, as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words, and so, for me, using photography was a way to boldly, clearly, and succinctly express all of the ideas that were rolling around in my head. When I looked at the amount of press around The Lipstick Portraits, I realized that I’d started an engaging dialogue about the subject of trafficking, forced prostitution, and slavery in a way that I hope is accessible and engaging.

You’ve said before that these portraits were inspired by an article written by Mariane Pearl in which she describes witnessing very young, made-up girls outside of brothels in Cambodia – the bright red lipstick representing their slavery and stolen childhood.  How have your experiences in Cambodia, and with the cause of human trafficking in general, affected your perspectives of beauty?

Funny, beauty…It is such a tricky subject…unlike fashion, which is, by definition, a totally superficial thing. Beauty is different. We are sold ideas and ideals about beauty that are really much closer to fashion. Beauty is so complex. It’s this combination of aesthetics and intelligence and spirit that I personally think equals beauty in its most legitimate sense. It is so often that I have someone come into Wonderland thinking that we sell beauty. But that’s simply not possible. When I work with Somaly and the girls in the shelters, salons and vocational schools I see so much beauty all around. Beauty in the work, healing and growth of these young women. Beauty in seeing the girls cut and color hair. Applying makeup to one another, and learning makeup applications which enhance their features and skin, as opposed to using makeup to make themselves. I suppose to summarize I’d say that through my work with Somaly, I have seen and learned that the “fashion” side of beauty can really be put to great use, and ultimately bring about a beauty that is more than skin deep!

Do you have a story that you can share with us about recruiting your subjects?

I think the most interesting thing about recruiting was that it was a real exercise in humility. I had to learn to accept “no” from people, even if I didn’t like their reason for not wanting to participate. One person told me she wouldn’t participate because she didn’t like the way she looked in red lipstick. It took everything in my power not to shriek at her, “Neither does an eight year-old girl in a cage in a brothel. That’s really not the point.” On the other hand, it was incredibly inspiring to see how many people were willing to lend their image and their reputation to such an important cause. There’s really nothing more beautiful than seeing people band together to help fight this crime against humanity.

You have devoted significant personal time and resources to fighting the scourge of child prostitution and human trafficking, taking both your “heart and hands,” as Somaly Mam often says, to create change. Did you ever hesitate and question the impact that you could have? What advice do you have for other artists and supporters who are thinking about using their talents to support the cause?

About a million and one times throughout the process. It was exhausting. It was frustrating. I had to learn things every day that were not in my field of work. I had to learn how to wrangle a celebrity. I had to learn how to put together a press release. I had to beg, borrow and steal to get this done on a shoestring budget. I had to deal with friends and family and co-workers who were frustrated with my absence. But you know what? I am now able to do more than ever before. I have received notes from people around the world telling me that I inspired them to try something new to help with a cause dear to them. I have been to Cambodia and learned more about world history than I ever would have if I were standing behind a chair doing hair all day. I have established an incredible network of friends and family. I found true love. I got engaged in a rice paddy. So the advice I would give to anyone who is willing to use their tools of self-expression to make a difference in the world is “Don’t give up the fight. It’s not going to be easy, but the most important things in life aren’t.”

Revolution is never easy, yet it’s worth the energy.  Woodland for Women Worldwide, our grassroots organization that is fighting to end the oppression of women, was created by a perfect storm of ideas, energy, and inspiration.  Initially our idea was to develop a course that was more suited for our students who will inevitably face the challenges of solving global economic, political, social, and environmental problems.  So after much discussion we designed Contemporary World Issues (CWI), a model United Nations course that not only examines global conflicts but asks students to recommend solutions.  After reading Somaly Mam’s Road of Lost Innocence, we knew that human trafficking -the blight on humanity- needed to be our first unit.  In response to what students learned in class, they would ask, “How can people do such things?  Especially to children?” and “Why is human trafficking allowed to happen?” The prophetic question that was asked most repeatedly was “What can we do about it?”  In CWI we exposed our students to an academic examination of the perils of our time, but our students were not content with simply learning about human trafficking, they needed to take action.  So we formed Woodland for Women Worldwide.

The energy to form Woodland for Women Worldwide came from a coalition of these committed students, along with teachers, staff and community members.  At our first meeting we adopted the adage from Zainab Salbi, “One woman can change anything, many women can change everything” as our mantra.  Our collaborative energy was illuminated at the Run for a Revolution on May 22nd, our culminating fundraising event.  We assembled as if we were a completed mosaic in which each piece was a member that brought something different: a student charged with new vigor to take on the world’s injustices; a teacher facilitating creative ideas, or managing race-day logistics; or a community member bringing invaluable outside resources that would otherwise not be provided.  AnnaLynne McCord, actress and activist, became the final piece of our mosaic and made an indelible mark on our students when she joined us at the Run for a Revolution.  In a single line of her heartfelt speech, AnnaLynne expressed this year’s journey for Woodland for Women Worldwide, when she said, “The potential of greatness cannot be reached when attempted alone.”

As educators, it’s no surprise that our inspiration to form Woodland for Women Worldwide came from books.  While watching the Oprah Winfrey Show one afternoon last fall we learned about one such book that would change the course of our lives.  It was our “Aha” moment!  Featured guests, Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, authors of Half the Sky, appealed to us with their thesis that the way to solve the enduring global problems of poverty, disease, terrorism, illiteracy, and violence is to invest in girls and women.  We immediately ordered two copies of Half the Sky and within days we were emotionally enveloped in the adversity and inspiration that defines the lives of the women, such as Somaly Mam, that were featured in their book.   We knew at that point that Woodland for Women Worldwide would devote its efforts to the Somaly Mam Foundation and the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED), as well as establishing a scholarship fund at our school to empower girls to become leaders of change and graduates to volunteer in developing countries.

We were alight with excitement when we had the opportunity to meet Somaly Mam and Nicholas Kristof at the Bay Path College’s Women’s Leadership Conference.  We felt what most young kids must feel when they get to meet a superhero.  Somaly Mam, to us, has supernatural powers.  Surely it takes strength and courage beyond what is humanly possible to return to Cambodia to face the same people that tortured, raped, and abused her in order to save others.  This is exactly what Somaly Mam does.  After escaping slavery herself, she risks her life and freedom to save others.  So when we met Somaly Mam we wrapped our arms around her, as if to affirm for us that she was in fact real, that she was not a myth-like superhero and that her courage was true.

Dante said, “The hottest places in hell are reserved for those who in a period of moral crisis maintain their neutrality.”  Today’s moral crisis is the many abuses and violations that women face around the globe.  Nicholas Kristof called this moral crisis, the oppression of women, the civil rights crisis of the 21^st century.  Woodland for Women Worldwide pledges to never shelter ourselves under a blanket of neutrality and blissful ignorance.  Rather, our mission is to bring awareness and action by following in the fearless footsteps of our heroine, Somaly Mam.  The name of our first annual fundraising event, the Run for a Revolution, was chosen deliberately.  The time to change the subjugation of women in the world is now; it is time for a revolution!

As the World Cup nears – and with it, an expected increase in s*x trafficking – South Africa is taking long-overdue steps toward passing the country’s first law that would make human trafficking a stand-alone crime, punishable by life in prison.  The law also creates provisions to care for victims of trafficking and guards them against deportation, according to the Associated Press.

The law will be too late for thousands of young women and children who have already suffered as s*x slaves, many of them HIV positive.  Time Magazine reports that an estimated 38,000 children are trapped in South Africa’s s*x trade by more than 500 criminal trafficking syndicates that work with South African recruiters and corrupt officials.  Already, traffickers have seen an increase in demand from the influx of workers into South Africa as part of World Cup preparations.

South Africa’s failure to adequately address human trafficking for purposes of both the s*x trade and forced labor has come under closer scrutiny as the international sporting event approaches.  S*x tourism has increased over the past decades, and South Africa has grown to become a source, transit, and destination country for traffickers.  It is currently on the US State Department’s Trafficking in Persons Tier 2 Watch List because it has not met the minimum standards required to eliminate trafficking.

The country is, however, taking steps to bring this crime out into the open, where it belongs.  Carol Allais of the University of South Africa recently completed a study on trafficking in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, and Lesotho that was commissioned by South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority.  The first comprehensive investigation of human trafficking in South Africa, the report concluded that trafficking is a huge problem and affects thousands of people.  However, Allais and her team of researchers also reported that their ability to investigate was severely limited by the regional governments – many do not collect any sort of data on human trafficking, and some refused to allow the team access to officials who deal with trafficking.

Additional efforts are being made by both private and public entities to prevent the proliferation of s*x trafficking.  Churches in Africa have organized to educate their parishioners about the crime, and to be on the lookout for suspicious situations.  Schools are teaching their children how to protect themselves from traffickers.  The South African Government has collaborated with UNICEF to create Child Protection Week, and to establish several “child-friendly spaces,” where families with children can watch the games on big screen TVs for free, and children can play under the supervision of trained volunteers.

In addition, The International Organization on Migration (IOM) recently launched a campaign against trafficking called “The Campaign to Drop Sales.”  Now, conspicuous yellow posters with a hotline number to report trafficking, and proclaiming the horrifying fact that 4 million people disappear every year, forced into labor and prostitution, can be found all over South African cities.

If efforts such as these can make an impact on the crowds expected for the World Cup in South Africa, traffickers might not see the increase in demand that they currently predict.  With thousands of eyes alert to suspicious activity, many more women and children might be rescued from the chains of modern day slavery.

Sokkhy and VFC team going to English class (Sokkhy far right)

Sokkhy, a new Voices for Change Team member, tells us about joining the team and her outreach work at the shelters helping new survivors become self-confident and empowered young women.

My name Srey Sokkhy, 26 years old, I was born in Sandan District, Kampong Thom Province.

Today, I live in Phnom Penh city and I do happy that I had been to be a VFC team. Our VFC team, is work to change some things bad to be a good things and we want to show/share about victim’s feeling to all the peoples who living around the world to understand. Especially, you must be to know that victims, they don’t want to do that.

I am one of survivor but right now I am to be a member of VFC team, so I always go to meet and motivated to all the victims at the centers to be strong and try to learn all the best skills that center provided us. It is very important for our future so we must be strong and try for the future.

I do happy when I met with victims and listen all their problems that they told us and I can help, explain that I know and understand about your feeling because I am a victim too. When I went to meet with them, I always told them about my story. I saw them change their living and thinking to learning hard and they feeling warm after I talk and share my story.

PHILANTHRO PRODUCTIONS STOPS TRAFFIC

TRAFFIC Benefit Event for the Somaly Mam Foundation Event attracts Young Professionals to help halt sex trafficking

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (May 24, 2010) – Bay Area young professionals gathered at the Elbo Room in the Mission District of San Francisco on Saturday, May 22, to support Philanthro Productions’ latest event, TRAFFIC: A Benefit for the Somaly Mam Foundation.  The event raised over $4K for the Foundation, whose mission is to rescue and rehabilitate victims of sex-trafficking.

In true Philanthro Productions style, TRAFFIC offered a unique opportunity for young professionals to combine a night out on the town with friends and philanthropy. Over 230 attendees enjoyed a night of music by the lively band COLD SHOT while learning about Somaly Mam’s cause.  The event also featured a giveaway of fabulous prizes including Marie Louise skincare products, Melinda Mae 2010 Collection clutches, and Simi Winery wines.

During an intermission in COLD SHOT’s set, attendees watched a video telling the story of Somaly Mam, a survivor of sex trafficking, who founded this organization and has rescued over 6,000 women out of brothels and into new lives to date.

The money raised at TRAFFIC will make an impact for the Somaly Mam Foundation.  Here’s how:

Education: $20 per month provides an academic scholarship to a survivor of sexual slavery in South East Asia that covers school entrance fees, books, materials and a living stipend, laying the foundation for a survivor to build her career, play an active role in the local economy, and support herself.

Careers & Reintegration: $10 per month helps provide a survivor specialized training in weaving, sewing, salon or other vocational skills that will help her get a job and stay employed.

Health & Wellbeing: $30 provides an exam and blood test for a girl rescued from sexual slavery in South East Asia.

Psychological Counseling & Rehabilitation: $10 per month provides psychological counseling and rehabilitation to a girl at a shelter in South East Asia. Removing a child from a brothel is not a solution in and of itself- your donation will provide the support survivors need to recover.

About Philanthro Productions (www.philanthroproductions.org):

Philanthro Productions is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to get more young adults involved in charity by hosting first-rate events in partnership with leading nonprofits. Philanthro’s goal is to eliminate the trade-off for young adults between going out with friends and giving back by creating unique opportunities for charitable giving where there were none before. Two years after inception, Philanthro Productions has chapters in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, which together have raised more than $185,000 for partner charities

Marilyn brings with her over 20 years of experience in business consulting and development.  Marilyn works primarily with marginalized communities in post-conflict nations.  She comes to the Somaly Mam Foundation from Zardozi Enterprise in Afghanistan, where she directed a network of 1500 Afghan women to successfully market and sell goods produced at home in refugee camps and eastern Afghan villages.  In 12 countries, Marilyn has worked with NGOs needing to replace donor funds with market income.  In the private sector, she also conceived, launched, and directed Worldstock.com from 2001 – 2003, a division of Overstock.com. which imports and sells handmade global goods.  Marilyn has known Cambodia for 25 years, most recently directing Rehab Craft, an artisan NGO for Cambodians with disabilities, to financial independence.

Marilyn is the author of several business manuals including “How Can I Support Myself?” and a series of Khmer-language handbooks and trainers’ guides on creating viable micro-business.  She is the co-author, with Dr. KJ Wilson, of “From Income Generation to Business,” a draft manual for Afghan income generation projects in transition to business operations.  She holds a Masters degree in International Development from Melbourne University and a BA in Political Science and Philosophy from the University of Toronto.