On May 30th, the Zonta Club of Riverside had the privilege of hosting Stacey from the i-5 Freedom Network for an impactful presentation on human trafficking and the Hotel for Heroes initiative. Stacey’s talk was both eye-opening and deeply moving, shedding light on the hidden realities of trafficking that often occur in plain sight, including within the hospitality industry.
She shared how the i-5 Freedom Network works tirelessly to disrupt the cycle of exploitation through education, advocacy, and community partnerships. One of the most inspiring parts of her presentation was the Hotel for Heroes program, which trains hotel staff to recognize the signs of trafficking and respond safely and effectively. Stacey emphasized that these everyday heroes—housekeepers, front desk clerks, and maintenance workers—can be the first line of defense in saving lives.
Her message resonated strongly with our members, reminding us that awareness is the first step toward action. By equipping communities with knowledge and tools, we can create safer spaces and protect the vulnerable. The evening left us motivated to support i-5 Freedom Network’s mission and to continue Zonta’s commitment to advocating for women and girls everywhere.