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Alezandra Russell is a formidable Latina activist and speaker, recognized with the prestigious Mother Teresa Humanitarian Award for her excellence in humanitarian work. As a first-generation Latina born in the United States, Russell has overcome numerous obstacles to become a transformative force in the global humanitarian sphere
In 2009, Russell’s life took a profound turn during a visit to the red light district of Chiang Mai, Thailand. There, she witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of trafficking and exploitation on young men, an experience that would forever alter her path. Driven by the eye-opening encounter, Russell founded Urban Light, one of the first organizations in the world dedicated to empowering and providing services to boy survivors of trafficking and exploitation. With unwavering determination, she sold her engagement and wedding rings to launch this vital organization which still operates today in Northern Thailand.
Under Russell’s leadership, Urban Light has provided comprehensive, culturally tailored services to over 15,000 exploited boys, helping them reclaim their lives and break free from the grip of exploitation. Her localized, needs-based approach has revolutionized how this critical but often overlooked issue is addressed.
As an author, Russell has published works exploring human trafficking, Latinx culture, and social justice. She is currently working on a book for first-generation US-Latinx parents, focusing on generational trauma and positive parenting.
Despite challenges, including having to flee Thailand in 2018 to avoid potential imprisonment as retaliation for her activism, Russell continues to be a powerful advocate for human rights globally.
Recently, Russell was honored as an “Unstoppable Woman” by Telemundo, a major American Spanish-language television networking further highlighting Russell's impact and influence in the humanitarian sector and Latin American community.
Videos
Speech Topics
TRAFFICKING & CHILD SAFETY
- What about boys? Shifting the global anti-trafficking dialogue to also include boys & men. (English & Spanish)
- Human Trafficking & Dating Apps: How to protect yourself & your loved ones. (English & Spanish)
- How to avoid being catfished: A very real game played by traffickers and groomers. (English & Spanish)
- How parents can protect their children from online groomers & predators. (English & Spanish)
- White-saviorism within the anti-trafficking movement: how this does more harm than good.
LATINX ISSUES
- Unlearning harmful Latinx cultural norms. (English & Spanish)
- Ser niño: Redefining masculinity amongst Latinx men. (English & Spanish)
- Let's chat: Ending the 'chancla culture' within the Latinx community (English & Spanish)
- The power of building community amongst 1st gen Latinx students on campus. (English & Spanish)
- "Antes de que": Challenging the cultural norms we grew up with as Latinx kids. (English & Spanish)
- Let's chat: Colorism and gender inclusivity within the Latinx community. Vamos! (English & Spanish)
- The Myth of the 'model minority'. Unpacking the unrealistic expectations placed on Latinx students. (English & Spanish)
SOCIAL JUSTICE
- Solidarity checklist: A comprehensive guide on how to be a better ally.
- Latinx allyship: What does that look like?
- What does performative allyship look like and how we can be better allies towards social justice.
- Unpacking colorism within the Latinx community.
MOTIVATIONAL
- How it took fleeing Thailand & losing everything to finally find myself.
- Tap into your inner activist. (English & Spanish)
- When selling your engagement ring is the only option: How Alezandra started a non-profit across the world in Thailand.
- How I found out what life was asking of me while standing in a red light district
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