Leslie King-Friday on Clubhouse

Bio

Leslie F. King is a survivor of human trafficking /sexual exploitation. She was coerced and forced into the lifestyle of prostitution at the tender age of 15 in Grand Rapids, MI, and she became trapped in the underworld of prostitution and drug addiction for over 20 years. On July 4, 2000 Leslie miraculously found the strength and the courage to get free.
For the past 19 years she has been intense and intentional about working with women and teenage girls who find themselves trapped in the same horrors and loss of purpose that she experienced. In 2005, Leslie utilized her experience, expertise, and inspiring example of a renewed lifestyle to open Sacred Beginnings, which is a safe haven that offers hope, and healing to sexually exploited women. Leslie consults with law enforcement agencies, human service professionals, clergy, and others requesting direction and understanding in working with prostituted women, teenagers, and children.
Leslie also speaks at various conferences and academic institutions on the issue of human trafficking. Leslie has earned awards including the 2008 YWCA advocate of the year and 2011 Rising Hero award. Leslie was also nominated as woman of the year in Grand Rapids, MI in 2005. Chosen 1 of "50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan" in 2014. Leslie was awarded the Michigan 2018 Liberator award. 2019 Leslie was awarded the Certificate of Achievement by the Grand Rapids Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club.
Leslie is well respected in the State of Michigan from which she hails where she is often seen “boldly going where many people are afraid to go” during unconventional hours doing outreach to sexually exploited women and teenagers who experience her pain both past and present.

www.sbtp.org