Freedom to Dream: One Purse
Honored, Empowered, and Inspired: My Experience with One Purse
Last week, I had the privilege of attending a truly unforgettable event hosted by One Purse, a Florida-based nonprofit that’s changing lives—one woman at a time. Held at the elegant Alfond Inn in Winter Park, the luncheon fundraiser drew over 300 passionate attendees, all gathered to support a mission that resonates deeply with me: empowering survivors of trafficking to reclaim their lives through education, employment, and healing.
Who Is One Purse?
Founded on the belief that every woman deserves a chance to thrive, One Purse provides scholarships, mentorship, and career development opportunities to survivors of sex trafficking. Their work bridges the gap between trauma and transformation, helping women rebuild their lives with dignity, purpose, and hope. Through strategic partnerships and community engagement, One Purse creates pathways to independence and self-sufficiency for those who’ve endured unimaginable hardship.
A Personal Milestone
At this year’s luncheon, I was deeply honored to receive One Purse’s Honorary Participant Award. Standing in that room, surrounded by hundreds of compassionate change makers, I felt seen—not just for where I’ve been, but for where I’m going. It was a moment of reflection, celebration, and renewed commitment to my own healing journey and dreams.
A Conversation That Moved Me
One of the highlights of the day was sitting at the table of keynote speaker Rebecca Bender, CEO and founder of Elevate Academy. Rebecca is a survivor, a thought leader, and someone I’ve long admired for her courage and advocacy. Getting to speak with her personally was surreal—her words, her presence, and her story reminded me that healing is possible, and that leadership can rise from the ashes of adversity.
Last week, I had the privilege of attending a truly unforgettable event hosted by One Purse, a Florida-based nonprofit that’s changing lives—one woman at a time. Held at the elegant Alfond Inn in Winter Park, the luncheon fundraiser drew over 300 passionate attendees, all gathered to support a mission that resonates deeply with me: empowering survivors of trafficking to reclaim their lives through education, employment, and healing.
Who Is One Purse?
Founded on the belief that every woman deserves a chance to thrive, One Purse provides scholarships, mentorship, and career development opportunities to survivors of sex trafficking. Their work bridges the gap between trauma and transformation, helping women rebuild their lives with dignity, purpose, and hope. Through strategic partnerships and community engagement, One Purse creates pathways to independence and self-sufficiency for those who’ve endured unimaginable hardship.
A Personal Milestone
At this year’s luncheon, I was deeply honored to receive One Purse’s Honorary Participant Award. Standing in that room, surrounded by hundreds of compassionate change makers, I felt seen—not just for where I’ve been, but for where I’m going. It was a moment of reflection, celebration, and renewed commitment to my own healing journey and dreams.
A Conversation That Moved Me
One of the highlights of the day was sitting at the table of keynote speaker Rebecca Bender, CEO and founder of Elevate Academy. Rebecca is a survivor, a thought leader, and someone I’ve long admired for her courage and advocacy. Getting to speak with her personally was surreal—her words, her presence, and her story reminded me that healing is possible, and that leadership can rise from the ashes of adversity.
Meeting Heather Case
I also had the pleasure of meeting Heather Case, CEO of One Purse. Her warmth and vision are the heartbeat of the organization. Heather’s dedication to uplifting survivors is not just admirable—it’s transformative. I’m grateful to her and the entire One Purse team for creating spaces where women like me are not only welcomed but celebrated.
Empowered to Dream
This experience has left me more empowered than ever to follow my dreams, pursue healing, and continue building a life rooted in purpose. One Purse reminded me that I’m not alone—that there’s a community of advocates, survivors, and allies walking this path together.
To anyone reading this who’s navigating their own journey: keep going. There are people and organizations out there who believe in you, even when it’s hard to believe in yourself.
I also had the pleasure of meeting Heather Case, CEO of One Purse. Her warmth and vision are the heartbeat of the organization. Heather’s dedication to uplifting survivors is not just admirable—it’s transformative. I’m grateful to her and the entire One Purse team for creating spaces where women like me are not only welcomed but celebrated.
Empowered to Dream
This experience has left me more empowered than ever to follow my dreams, pursue healing, and continue building a life rooted in purpose. One Purse reminded me that I’m not alone—that there’s a community of advocates, survivors, and allies walking this path together.
To anyone reading this who’s navigating their own journey: keep going. There are people and organizations out there who believe in you, even when it’s hard to believe in yourself.