Community Against Sexual Harm

Sawan Vaden is the Executive Director of Community Against Sexual Harm (CASH), a nonprofit organization in Sacramento dedicated to supporting survivors of sex trafficking. Having experienced trafficking firsthand at the age of 12, Vaden brings a deeply personal perspective to her work. She has been instrumental in shaping survivor-led, trauma-informed services that include housing, case management, medical care, and peer support. Under her leadership, CASH has become a vital resource for individuals seeking to rebuild their lives after exploitation.

Vaden is also a strong advocate for systemic change. She played a key role in supporting California's Assembly Bill 379, the "Survivor Support and Demand Reduction Act," which aims to reduce demand for commercial sex and increase resources for survivors. Additionally, she has highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes of trafficking, emphasizing that the issue persists due to the demand for purchased sex. Through her work, Vaden continues to drive both direct support and policy reform to combat sexual exploitation.

City of Refuge Sacramento

Rachelle Ditmore is the co founder of city of refuge sac, whose mission is to see Dignity returned, lives restored, and those who once lived in darkness becoming the rebuilders of tomorrow. One of her favorite titles is simply being a mother. Her community has named her lovingly the “fairy godmother of oak park.” Her dream? To see the wonder return to spaces where hope was lost.

California Assembly Member

Maggy Krell is a Democratic member of the California State Assembly representing District 6. Before her election, she served as a Deputy and Supervising Deputy Attorney General at the California Department of Justice, where she led the Special Prosecutions Unit. Her work focused on major crimes including human trafficking, and she played a key role in the legal effort that led to the shutdown of Backpage.com—once the largest online marketplace for sex trafficking—earning national recognition for her contributions.

As a legislator, Krell continues to focus on trafficking-related issues. She authored Assembly Bill 379, the Survivor Support and Demand Reduction Act, which is intended to support trafficking survivors and increase penalties for those who exploit children. The bill has generated debate among advocacy groups, with concerns raised about its implementation and impact on survivor-led organizations.