Speaking Out

I feel called to share my story so that I can help victims and survivors of human trafficking and also educate the public about human trafficking and modern-day slavery in the United States. I speak about sex trafficking of minors, domestic violence, runaways, drug abuse and addiction, and overcoming adversity, all of the traumatic things I myself have experienced first-hand, and what people can do now to make a difference.

I am also a cancer survivor and an infertility patient, and I share my story of overcoming that horrific adversity in my life. I speak about what current legislation is available for survivors of human trafficking, and what legislation is needed, in all states and in particular my home state of Virginia. I have presented at and worked with multiple organizations and schools such as Polaris, Princeton University, Shepherd University, the D.C. Stop Modern Slavery Walk, NPR, Fox, and other various media, non-profits, and businesses. I have partnered with lawmakers, schools, and court-appointed residences for young people to educate and empower others.

I was a featured speaker at the TEDx Mid Atlantic. You can watch my talk in the video below or at this link.

SPOKEN AT

Details:
I can tailor my presentations to fit numerous venues and time frames, based on your various needs. For planning purposes, I reside in Northern Virginia and would be available to travel depending on arrangements.
To request me for a speaking engagement, please fill out the form above on this page. Alternatively, I can be reached through email, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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What Others Are Saying

​"Barbara Amaya has an important story to share of overcoming adversity and exploitation. Her life story needs to be heard by girls and women who are at risk or struggling with issues of abuse, exploitation and addiction. Barbara's become a strong voice for survivor's through her writing, speaking and column in the Washington Times and its this strength and passion that will move readers of her forthcoming book."
Rachel Lloyd, founder of GEMS NYC

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“Barbara Amaya's story is both terrifying and inspiring, and all too prevalent. Her story, her words matter to the world and should be heard by many to educate, enlighten and make change.”
Christine Stark, author of Nickels

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“Barbara has a story to tell, a lesson to teach and a voice to be heard. It is a good story about survival, a lesson about never giving up in the face of horror and abuse and a voice to bring the real dangers of this world to everyone. As a private investigator I was proud and relieved that together we walked a small part of her journey together.”
Eric Tucker, private investigator

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​"Over the years our understanding of sex trafficking/commercial sexual exploitation of women and children has deepened as a direct result of the victims of such trafficking coming forward and telling the stories of what has happened to them.  As difficult as it is to hear these stories, it is important – even imperative – that we do so because they make the harm visible in a way that no textbook can.  One of the most compelling stories is that of Barbara Kaye, trafficked into prostitution when she was thirteen, and moved from Virginia to the streets of New York City, and exploited by pimps who used force, fraud, and coercion, to keep her making money for them.  What makes her story so moving is not just the facts of her trafficking, but her ability to remember details and recreate vividly her time on the streets, and to pull lessons from what happened to her to teach us.  This is a book that every mother, father, sister, brother, daughter, son as well as every teacher, counselor, health provider, law enforcement officer, policymaker, should read to help prevent more stories like hers."
Laura J. Lederer, Former Sen Advisor, U.S. Dept of State

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"Barbara Amaya has a powerful story to tell, as a survivor of human trafficking she feels a responsibility to empower others with her story of overcoming adversity."
Holly Smith, author, survivor, speaker