PRESCOTT, AZ — In a moving call to action at a Richmond, Virginia human trafficking summit, survivor and advocate Shamere McKenzie shared her harrowing journey, emphasizing that combating modern-day slavery requires collective effort: “We cannot fight this single-handedly.”
As featured in a CBS 6 News video interview, McKenzie detailed how she was lured into sex trafficking during college after losing her athletic scholarship, betrayed by someone she considered a friend. At Destiny House Restoration Center, we honor voices like Shamere’s, which inspire our mission to support survivors and foster community partnerships against trafficking.
From Victim to Liberator: Shamere McKenzie’s Story
McKenzie, a Jamaican-born advocate, was targeted at a vulnerable moment. A charismatic individual promised financial help but trapped her in 18 months of exploitation, coercion, and abuse—synonymous with slavery in her view.
“Traffickers assess one’s vulnerability and use that as their avenue to lure someone,” she explained.
Despite facing felony charges and sex offender labeling upon escape, McKenzie transformed her pain into purpose. Now CEO of the Sun Gate Foundation, Training Manager for the National Human Trafficking Hotline, and Jamaica’s first anti-trafficking ambassador, she has dedicated over 13 years to liberation
At the summit, hosted by the Regional Interdisciplinary Collaborative Working to Disrupt Human Trafficking (RIC), McKenzie and other survivors broke the silence on how trafficking preys on the vulnerable, urging collaboration among law enforcement, advocates, and communities.
Why Collective Action Matters
McKenzie’s message resonates deeply: Human trafficking thrives in isolation but crumbles under unified resistance. As a dynamic speaker who has trained the FBI, Homeland Security, and more, she educates on trafficker tactics and survivor resilience.
Her story reminds us that recovery goes beyond survival—it’s about empowerment and advocacy.
Destiny House Restoration Center echoes this call, providing safe housing, trauma-informed counseling, and resources to help survivors reclaim their lives. We partner with organizations like Sun Gate to amplify survivor-led initiatives and prevent exploitation through education.
Watch Shamere McKenzie’s Testimony
Hear directly from Shamere in this CBS 6 News video, where she discusses her escape and mission to liberate others. Her words: “Human trafficking was my life for 18 months of torture.”
Resources
Destiny House Restoration Center – Comprehensive support for trafficking survivors in Arizona.
Sun Gate Foundation – Educational opportunities and advocacy led by Shamere McKenzie.
National Human Trafficking Hotline – 24/7 confidential support (1-888-373-7888 or text “BeFree” to 233733).
Regional Interdisciplinary Collaborative (RIC) – Virginia-based efforts to disrupt trafficking.
CBS 6 News Article – Full coverage of the Richmond summit.
