Meet The Dressember Team!
Here at Dressember, we value authentic, intersectional advocacy and a commitment to the fight against human trafficking. We believe our team embodies these values, and each works diligently to enact meaningful change within the Dressember community. So, what better way to understand more about Dressember’s advocacy journey than by meeting the team and learning just why they choose to advocate against human trafficking?
First up is Blythe Hill, our CEO and founder.
I advocate because “I believe in the dignity of every human being.”
Millions of people are born into vulnerability, and it was through sheer luck that I was born into privilege as a white, upper-middle-class American. Even in the best circumstances, women are vulnerable to exploitation; I felt this firsthand as someone who experienced sexual abuse as a child. For much of my life, the temptation I felt was to wither away in response to my trauma. Instead, I made a brave choice to advocate for myself and others who experience sexual abuse. By shining a light on the source of my shame, I've been able to redeem it and use it as a force for good in a world where so many people are silenced through exploitation.
To learn more about why Blythe started the Dressember Foundation and how she is committed to harnessing the power of everyday advocacy to end human trafficking, check out her TEDx Talk and follow her on Instagram @blythehill!
Meet Marissa Peden, our Director of Strategic Partnerships!
I advocate because "I believe advocacy and Dressember's role in fighting human trafficking are invaluable."
I had been searching for my place in the anti-trafficking space when I met Blythe and learned of Dressember for the first time. I was eager to lean into my passion for fighting human trafficking and was thrilled to join a community of thousands that shared this feeling. What I didn't realize was how much my personal advocacy journey with Dressember would influence my everyday life. Through my advocacy, I've discovered the value in using my voice, taking action, and learning to welcome and navigate difficult conversations I might encounter along the way. Advocating for me is two-fold: it encourages me to be courageous while simultaneously impacting others. Thank you to every Dressember advocate for inspiring me—I believe that together, we are collectively shaping the future of anti-trafficking and social justice advocacy.
Next up, meet Michelle Chavez, our Director of Operations!
I advocate because “Dressember is the simplest way for me to impact the cause that means the most to me."
As a new mom I don't have a ton of extra time to devote to advocacy. Ending human trafficking is one of my biggest passions, but it's challenging to find time to volunteer, do research and organize events like I used to. Posting on social media is something I can squeeze in, so the Dressember campaign is the easiest and most impactful way to add advocacy back into my routine. I was humbled and encouraged with how quickly my community rallied to help me first meet my goal, and then my stretch goal. Friends who weren't able to donate told me they really appreciated all the statistics our community shared, because it can be confusing trying to find the facts during this time of increased misinformation online. I also found that taking the time to style outfits and get dressed up while working from home was a fulfilling creative outlet in the time of COVID.
Finally, meet Tori, Dressember’s Communications Manager!
I advocate because “I believe small, consistent actions in a community create momentum for positive change. This movement is bigger than one person; it's a global community.”
There is power in our collective voice, and the more we speak out against injustice, the more social pressure we create for real change. I can advocate with my own voice and platform, but there's so much more power in joining a movement of people committed to speaking out about that same thing. It's important to me to align with organizations and people who center marginalized voices—I want to advocate from a place of humility rather than centering myself or promoting any kind of white saviorism. The people impacted most by social injustice like trafficking should be the leaders in developing strategies for change and promoting accurate narratives. I'm proud to be part of an organization that's committed to listening to survivor voices in our grantmaking process, examining intersectional issues, and looking for ways to support populations that are disproportionately impacted by human trafficking.
These four passionate, creative women are dedicated to ending human trafficking and ensuring all survivors get the respect and resources that all human beings deserve. We hope you’ll join them by starting your own advocacy journey with Dressember. Your first steps may include keeping up with the blog to educate yourself about human trafficking, following our social media to be informed of new developments and considering joining the Dressember Collective!
About the Author
Layla Nath is in her sophomore year at American University where she studies political science and journalism! Due to her love of advocacy and academia, she is involved in her college community as a teaching and research assistant. Her desire to help others through writing and research, alongside her passion for sustainable fashion and social justice has led her to this team as an Editorial Intern!