Wellington, FL (August 28, 2026) – Courtney Ross Escobar, Esq., founding COO and current Co-CEO & Chief Operations Officer of Safe Exit Initiative, spoke as the featured woman of influence at a recent gathering of the South Florida Women of Influence Circle (SFWIC), an exclusive invitation-only community of women leaders committed to creating significant impact in business, entrepreneurship, and the community.
Founded and led by survivors, Safe Exit Initiative has built a nationally recognized model centered on compassionate, trauma-informed care for individuals impacted by trafficking, exploitation, and the sex trade. While headquartered in Worcester, Massachusetts, the organization also serves communities throughout Massachusetts and Baltimore, Maryland, now expanding its reach in Florida to meet the growing need for survivor-centered services and community partnerships.
The evening brought together accomplished women from across South Florida for meaningful conversation, connection, and recognition of leadership that drives positive change. Guests enjoyed light bites and beverages while engaging with fellow women leaders and celebrating Escobar’s work and commitment to advancing equity and survivor support.
While speaking, Courtney discussed the realities faced by individuals experiencing exploitation, emphasizing the importance of removing barriers to services and creating pathways toward long-term stability and independence. She shared how Safe Exit Initiative provides emergency exiting services, transportation assistance, medical care and referrals, mental and behavioral health support, case management, recovery resources, and other essential services designed to help participants rebuild their lives. She also spoke about the critical role that community organizations, business leaders, and local advocates can play in supporting survivors through education, collaboration, and awareness.
As founding COO and current Co-CEO & Chief Operations Officer, Escobar has helped lead the organization from its grassroots beginnings into a leading advocate for systemic change and survivor-centered solutions. Under her leadership, Safe Exit Initiative expanded its work through the launch of its legal clinic and policy & research practice, strengthening the organization’s ability to provide direct support to survivors while advancing broader legal and policy reforms.
The SFWIC gathering underscored the power of bringing accomplished women together to celebrate leadership, exchange ideas, and inspire continued impact throughout South Florida and beyond.
For more information about Safe Exit Initiative, to donate, or to get involved, visit www.safeexitinitiative.org or email hello@safeexits.org.
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ABOUT Safe Exit Initiative (SEI):
SEI’s mission is to create safe, sustainable exits from the sex trade and exploitation through quality services, strategic partnerships, and legislative advocacy. Headquartered in Worcester, SEI services include emergency day shelter (8 am–8 pm/7 days weekly), immediate basic needs (food, clothing, hygiene products, laundry, and safe space to sleep), transportation assistance, medical care and referrals, and mental/behavioral health services including residential recovery, case management, care coordination, and referrals to detox, treatment, and recovery services. SEI also supports youth and adults referred from across Massachusetts at Worcester-based programs.
SEI is survivor-founded and led. SEI’s Co-CEO & Chief Programs Officer and VP of Programs have over 30 years of lived and professional experience relevant to participants. Direct care services have operated for over a decade, supervised by survivors of the sex trade/trafficking.
To donate or get involved, please visit our website at www.SafeExitInitiative.org or contact us at Hello@safeexits.org.
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