ELEVATE, an online event to benefit survivors of sex trafficking or those at risk of being trafficked

Join Justice and Soul’s virtual YouTube event on Friday, November 20th to expand their program teaching cosmetology to survivors

It’s a long way from King County to Cambodia. But for the people behind the Seattle-based Justice and Soul Foundation, it’s a trip worth making regularly to ensure the social enterprise they started in Phnom Penh in 2014 continues to give new hope to individuals who previously had little.

The Foundation’s Kate Korpi Academy (teaching facility) and Salon there trains and employs survivors of sex trafficking, as well as vulnerable youth. Profits from the Western-style salon provide academy scholarships for new students, who learn cosmetology, business management, team building and independent living skills.

But as Matthew Fairfax, Justice and Soul co-founder and President/CEO of Shoreline’s James Alan Salon and Spa points out, sex trafficking and exploitation “isn’t just there, the problem is right here in our backyard.” 

That's why the foundation is gearing up to expand the training model and open a Salon and Academy in the Seattle area to help local survivors become self-sufficient and financially independent through a vocation in cosmetology.

Justice and Soul was a week away from hosting their largest fundraiser of the year, Fashion SOULstice, a hair and fashion show, when events were shut down due to Covid. They are ready to try something different and are bringing to life ELEVATE. This name was chosen because the work that they do restores hope, builds self-esteem and gives their students the power to lift themselves up.

ELEVATE is a virtual event that will take place on YouTube on Friday, November 20th at 7pm (PT). 

Viewers will get transported to Cambodia where they will have a tour of the Salon and Academy, meet some of the students, hear their stories as well as hear from some other special guests such as Jane Wurwand, co-founder and chief visionary of Dermalogica and The International Dermal Institute post-graduate training centers. 

Jane Wurwand is a recognized entrepreneur and small business supporter whose advocacy for women’s economic empowerment has earned her a platform at The United Nations, The White House, and around the globe.

ELEVATE is an hour-long program that will be informative, educational and also entertaining – with some highlight clips from past events and doorprizes. 

ELEVATE also includes an online silent auction that will run from 9am Monday, November 16 to 4pm Sunday, November 22nd.

Register for ELEVATE through their website: www.justiceandsoul.org. Once registered, stay tuned for more communication from Justice and Soul. (they will text out the link to watch ELEVATE)

You can find more information on Foundation activities and programs at justiceandsoul.org.org or by emailing sarah@justiceandsoul.org. You can also follow the Foundation on Facebook and Instagram