MISSION STATEMENT
Committed to fighting human trafficking through Community Awareness, Corporate Engagement, Legislative Advocacy, and Survivor Support
i-5 Freedom Network
555 N El Camino Real, A271,
San Clemente, California, 92672
i5freedomnetwork.org
TRANSFORMATION
AND RESULTS
Community Awareness
In 2017 i-5 Freedom Network presented to Kiwanis, 3 Rotary groups in San Clemente and Dana Point, 5 churches, a Neighborhood Watch group in South San Clemente, MOPS, Loyola Marymount School of Business and Ethics, College of the the Canyons School of Hospitality and Business, Shared Hope International webinar, joined the OCHTTF (OC Human Trafficking Task Force) as training partners, and trained the OCSD representatives in San Clemente, Democratic Women's Group of Orange County, San Clemente Junior Women's Club, republican Women's Federated Corporate Engagement
In 2017 i-5 Freedom Network trained the CH&LA (CA Hotel & Lodging Association) Northern and Southern conferences, AHIA (Academy of Hospitality Industry Attorneys), Evolution Hospitality Executives, HSMAI (Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association, International). CH&LA Webinar Legislative
Advocacy:
San Clemente City Council passed a resolution proposed by the i-5 Freedom Network to fight human trafficking. I-5 Freedom Network was invited to join Congressman's Royce's anti-trafficking round table, consulted with CH&LA and Senator Toni Atkin's office in the promotion of SB270 (training mandate for hospitality staff), consulted with the Mayor of Houston's anti-trafficking director on post-hurricane vulnerabilities, and invited to participate in the San Diego Lawyers Club Human Trafficking Collaborative Legislative sub-committee. Currently we are working with the City of San Clemente and conferring with the Polaris Project to address the Illicit Massage Business through ordinances and code compliance
Survivor Support
I-5 Freedom Network partnered with Dale Carnegie of Orange County to offer Survivor-Only seminars to prepare for their next steps. Courses on Communication skills, leadership skills, presentation skills, confidence building and more are facilitated using the Dale Carnegie methodology and time-tested human relations approach. The first Seminar is in Feb 2018 and we are partnering with survivor-led leadership groups in SD, OC, and LA to find participants
OPERATIONS
Brenda Wells, Founder and Executive Director
Brenda is the founder and Executive Director of the i-5 Freedom Network (i5FN). Their mission is to engage business and community leaders to fight human trafficking through differentiated training, education, and legislative advocacy. Since beginning their organization two years ago, they have educated over 2000 people, 15 hotels, the Outlet Mall and presented at numerous business and community groups such as the the California Hotel and Lodging Association, Loyola Marymount School of Business and Ethics, San Clemente Rotary, Dana Point Rotary, Shared Hope International, Academy of of Hospitality Industry Attorneys, Kiwanis, and Laura's House to name a few.
For her work fighting human trafficking in the community, Brenda was awarded Chamber of Commerce 2016 Citizen of the Year and Farmers and Merchants Bank 2017 Compassion Award.
Todd Forester, Vice President
After meeting with the i5Freedom Network, Todd’s eyes have been opened to the atrocities of human trafficking that can occur behind closed doors. As a hotel manager with over 25 years of experience, Todd’s high energy and innovative management style has made him a leader in the industry, and he is committed to bringing awareness and training to businesses across the country in the effort to end human trafficking one community at a time. Todd was born in Long Beach and has lived most of his life in South Orange County. Todd enjoys playing guitar and acting for the stage and film.
Katie O'Donnell, Secretary
With a passion for giving a voice to the voiceless, Katie has had a stirring in her heart for unveiling the atrocities that so frequently occur behind closed doors. As the Director of Sales & Marketing at a quaint beach hotel in Southern California, she has felt compelled to be proactive in bringing egregious acts of violence against human life to the light. Providing awareness and training is paramount, for with knowledge comes the responsibility to be actively involved in the process of eliminating Human Trafficking.
Katie volunteers in the formation and mentoring of young girls and spiritedly participates in the music ministry at her church. Through music, Katie believes that wounds can be healed and spirits refreshed.
Jan Galati, Treasurer
Inspired by the opportunities i-5 Freedom Network offers for training and empowering in the hospitality industry to combat human trafficking, Jan joined the board as Treasurer. She believes that it is our responsibility to help those in harms way. Matthew 25:40 "And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’”
Advisory Board
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Col. Steve Miska (US Army Retired)
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Kim Yim
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Ami Carpenter, PhD
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Chief Robert Ramsey (Police Chief - Fontana)
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Mariah Vlatch
