Women of Fashion Come Together

I started my career in journalism as a crime beat reporter for the Times of India, covering various stories on sex crimes, drug trafficking, and political corruption over a decade ago and half a world away. My very first articles were on the notorious Sonagachi red light district in Kolkata, India. I was only 22 years old, but had already covered more than my fair share of stories about young girls dragged into the dark profession of prostitution.

Now almost 20 years later, as both the editor of my own publication and as a mother, I find myself again face to face with the ugly truth: darkness knows no borders and has no expiration date. Houston, for all its diversity and beauty, has become the hub for sex trafficking.

Rania Mankarious of Crime Stoppers of Houston invited the philanthropic and most fashionable ladies of our City to join forces for an informative ‘Women Who Shape Houston’ luncheon at Tony’s Restaurant last week. Donae Chramosta, along with fashion designer Hunter Bell and lifestyle blogger Caroline Harper Knapp, led a frank and open discussion by experts on the topics of sexual assault, sex trafficking, bullying, and date rape drugs.

A powerful panel discussion on school safety was led by Michelle Sacks, Director of the CSSafe School Institute. Sacks was a bilingual teacher for 6 years before joining the non-profit arena. Passionate about prevention, she serves as co-chair of the HISD’s School Health Advisory Council, a committee member of Houston Area Council on Human Trafficking Task Force, and the Houston-Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

The harsh reality of abduction was discussed by Rachel Fischer, a forensic and emergency room nurse who provides expert witness testimony as well as consulting services. Originally from Detroit, Rachel made her way to Houston with a mission to provide medical services to abused and trafficked women.

Guests also got the opportunity to look intensely into human trafficking and date rape with Kathy McGibbon, an author, survivor, leader, and speaker. Kathy is deeply committed to raising awareness, fighting for those who are being trafficked, and mentoring those who have overcome it.

Both of these survivors shared their stories and the stark reality of “grooming” young girls that is done by the pimps under the guise of “friendship.” They advised parents to be upfront and clear with their children and talk to them in detail. Also they must watch for the signs of when these young girls start isolating themselves from friends, family, and things they like to do, and to be aware if they suddenly possess expensive gifts.

Retired Texas Ranger Chief Tony Leal, now the CEO of PPI Security, provided some solutions to the problems. He advised everyone to be aware, report crimes, follow up, and most importantly to make their voices heard. He encouraged all women who are involved in prostitution to seek help.

In the crowd: Donae Cangelosia Chramosta, Hunter Bell, Caroline Harper Knapp, Rania Mankarious, Crystle Stewart-Sebrechts, Deborah Duncan, Jerri Duddlesten Moore, Nancy Almodovar, Dr. Sheekha Sethi, Beth Muecke, Maria Morales, Natalie Ariz, Michelle Heinz, Brigitte Kalai, Sippi Khurana, Maha Rasheed Khan and more.

For those who are unaware of the organization Crime Stoppers of Houston remains dedicated to its core mission to solve and prevent serious crime in the Greater Houston Area and works around the clock to empower the community to take charge of their safety by providing them with solutions and resources to keep them safe. For more information on Crime Stoppers of Houston or to join The National Conversation via the Styling Social Justice podcast, please contact Rania Mankarious at 713-817-5678 or rmankarious@crime-stoppers.org.

For more information on school safety please visit http://crime-stoppers.org/our-programs/safe-school-institute/

Photos By Daniel Ortiz