Runaway Girl to Relentless Advocate: Carissa Phelps on Leadership and Change

Disclaimer: This episode contains adult subject matter, including discussion of child sex trafficking, which may be distressing to some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. Carissa Phelps, a survivor of child sex trafficking, shares her remarkable journey from the streets to law school, filmmaking, and founding Runaway Girl. In this episode, she reflects on transforming personal trauma into purpose — leading with courage, empathy, and conviction. Through survivor-led advocacy, landmark litigation, and systemic change, Carissa has redefined what leadership looks like when it's informed by lived experience. She speaks candidly about the challenges of building a movement, the power of resilience, and what it takes to hold institutions accountable while creating pathways for survivors to heal and thrive. Learn more about Carissa Phelps at  https://survivor.lawyer/ Connect with the Survivors First Community at https://www.survivorsfirst.community/ Learn more about The Backpage Remission Program at https://backpageremission.com/en and the Back Page Remission Network at https://www.backpageremissionnetwork.org/ Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram. You can also catch the show on Radio Evolve at www.radio-evolve.rocks every Saturday and Sunday at noon PT. Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project's expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.