OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Our organization fundamentally believes in embracing diversity, promoting equity, and advancing inclusion in all aspects of our work.

We are all professionals who have been dedicated to serving those who have been less fortunate and are misunderstood and underserved.

Melanie Thompson was trafficked and sold into prostitution at the age of 12, she was later arrested and placed into foster care. Creating a truly inclusive and equitable environment is at the heart of what we do.

She became an activist at age 14 and
serves as the Outreach & Advocacy
Coordinator at the Coalition Against
Trafficking in Women International.

As a subject matter expert, Melanie has
testified before numerous legislatures and
entities, including the United Nations and
various Parliaments, about the need to pass
strong anti-trafficking laws and end the
arrests of sex trafficked and prostituted
people in the sex trade.

Melanie sits on several Survivor Advisory
Boards working to implement inclusivity and
create more effective strategies for survivors
everywhere.

Linda Larson Schlitz is a recovering alcoholic/addict who has been a counselor in
Wisconsin for 35 years dedicating her career to offering HOPE.

Linda is a best-selling author, international
speaker and corporate trainer and has
provided training for all of the chief justices
and department of corrections staff in the
State of Wisconsin on mental health and
addiction, stress and PTSD.

Linda was the co-founder of a non-profit
organization in Wisconsin that provided
housing, support, training and transition
services to hundreds of men and women with
mental illness and addictions and will assist FWBW to help women start a new life.

Linda has partnered with Founder,
Castanita Fitzpatrick to lay a foundation for the non-profit and begin fundraising to fulfill the vision of the organization.