Nov 27, 2019
As we close in on the last month of 2019, I have big news for you listeners: I’m opening up membership for the She Doesn’t Settle Academy! If you love what this podcast offers and find you’re wanting more, this membership is the ultimate extension of the show. Take things to the next level by signing up, working with a community of badass women like yourself, and doubling down on what you’ve already started. There will be more details with next week’s episode, but for now, sign up for the She Doesn’t Settle Academy waitlist at http://kellytravis.net/thelist.
I’ve known Christina Vela since 2012, having met her through the Leadership Las Vegas program put on by the city’s chamber of commerce. Since graduating from college, Christina has been a manager for the Clark County Department of Family Services, a board president for the Southern Nevada Children First organization, and is now the CEO of the St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, which works with at-risk children, youths and families. She has performed tireless work advocating for children in our community, and refuses to settle for the harmful conditions that society has handed far too many people.
In this episode, Christina
discusses why she gravitated toward a career in foster care,
explains how St. Jude’s Ranch transforms the wellbeing of abuse
victims, and explores the widespread harm caused by child sex
trafficking.
The Finer Details of This Episode:
- Christina recounts the event that changed the path the life took and explains the philosophy that motivates her actions.
- Was Christina trying to prove something to certain people in her life when she began her personal transformation?
- Christina reveals what led her toward her over two decade career working with those in foster care.
- How Christina and her family came to call Las Vegas home.
- Why working and living in Washington, D.C. is a VERY different experience from doing the same in California or Nevada.
- What services does St. Jude’s Ranch for Children offer to the young people who stay with them?
- Christina debunks misconceptions about sex trafficking and explains what she hopes her “healing center” will accomplish for the illegal industry’s victims.
- Which demographics are most at risk to be targeted by sex traffickers?
- What Christina does to balance
her massive responsibilities with her personal life?
Quotes:
“If today is my last day on this Earth, what can I do to help somebody?”
“Every day, just taking your step forward is enough.”
“I’m just doing the best I can like anybody else.”
“Ultimately my passion is really making sure that children and young people do not experience abuse or neglect.”
“Even in a messy world, we have to believe that change is possible.”
“There is room to prevent child
sex trafficking for all of us.”
Guest Links:
St. Jude’s Ranch for Children,
Nevada - https://stjudesranch.org/
Show Links:
She Doesn’t Settle Academy waitlist - http://kellytravis.net/thelist
Ascend Mastermind - http://www.kellytravis.net/ascend