Survivor to Statewide Advocate:

Amanda Mendoza’s journey from silenced survivor to Chair of Delaware’s Anti-Trafficking Action Council (DATAC) is nothing short of transformative. With raw honesty and visionary leadership, she’s challenging misconceptions, changing laws, and paving a path for other survivors to rise. Her story is not just one of resilience, it’s a call to action.

"I am not here because I survived. I am here because I refused to stay silent."

For years, Amanda’s voice was stifled by the fear, shame, and control that often accompanies trafficking and exploitation. But over time, she realized that her story held power, not just for her own healing, but for awakening others to the realities of trafficking in their own backyards.

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"People think trafficking only happens in far-off places or follows a single narrative. The truth is, it can happen in schools, churches, and neighborhoods, right here in our communities," Amanda explains. Her decision to speak publicly came from a deep desire to expose this truth and support others in breaking their own silence.

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The path to advocacy wasn’t easy. Amanda faced threats, backlash, and isolation. "I lost friends and was told by professionals to stay quiet for my safety," she recalls. But she persisted, guided by her faith and a growing sense of purpose. "It’s all been worth it. My voice has helped others feel seen and begin their healing."

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Her leadership today is monumental. As Chair of DATAC, Amanda leads Delaware’s statewide efforts to combat trafficking with survivor-led insight. "It’s deeply personal for me," she says. "I went from being silenced to being at the table, making decisions that affect other survivors."

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One of her proudest accomplishments so far is the passage of House Bill 23, which Amanda championed. The law recognizes trafficking as a form of abuse in Delaware's legal code, allowing survivors to seek protection orders and holding traffickers accountable through asset forfeiture. "It’s a huge step toward justice and empowerment," she says.

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Amanda’s impact reaches beyond legislation. The recent "Shining the Light on Human Trafficking" event, which she helped organize, drew nearly 200 attendees and shattered misconceptions. "People were shocked to learn how common and close-to-home trafficking really is," she shares. The event ignited community conversations and interest in school-based education for prevention and awareness.

Yet Amanda’s mission doesn’t stop there. She’s preparing for the next chapter: law school. Recently awarded a scholarship, she’s ready to deepen her advocacy with legal knowledge. "Being in D.C. last year, seeing how policies are made, and speaking with people like Elizabeth Smart..it hit me. We need survivor voices in those rooms."

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She hopes to bring empathy and understanding to the legal field, qualities she believes are too often missing. "Lawyers tend to focus on facts. But for survivors, the human story is what matters. I want to be the advocate who listens fully, with compassion."

Amanda’s faith fuels her work, even through grief and hardship. The day she received her scholarship was the anniversary of her daughter’s passing. "It was a moment of light in deep darkness. God shows up with what I call ‘God winks’, reminders that He’s still writing my story."

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Looking ahead, Amanda envisions a future where lived experience drives systemic change. "In five or ten years, I want Delaware to be the model, where survivors aren’t just consulted, they’re leading. Where nonprofits, agencies, and grassroots movements work together, not in competition."

Her message to allies is clear: "Don’t just say you support survivors, show it. Offer us real opportunities, respect our expertise, and invest in our leadership. We don’t need pity. We need partnership."

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Amanda Mendoza is more than an advocate, she is a movement. Her journey, grounded in faith and powered by purpose, is redefining what it means to be a leader. And she’s just getting started.

To follow Amanda’s work: @EsperanzaEvents&Consulting on social media.