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Speakers
Amanda Bonella
Founder of SEPP, SurreyGirlz and PEERS Vancouver
Amanda experienced first hand the 'care of the ministry' when she was adopted twice and placed in numerous foster homes.
She worked in the sex trade for 8 years, exiting through PEERS Victoria 7 years later at the age of 23.
In those 7 years she moved from the Vancouver Island to the mainland and began the organization known as PEERS Vancouver which is run by current and former sex workers and assists individuals who desire to exit the sex trade, make a successful transition.
Amanda stayed with PEERS Vancouver for 3 years and created the Elements program.
She left the organization 3 years ago to pursue her dream of turning SEPProgram into a sustainable national service that employed men and women in and of the sex trade, to share their stories.
Amanda also is a founder and continues to be a major contributor to SurreyGirlz
Amanda believes that her early experiences in and out of care and her time on the streets is as educational as the training and formal education she continues to pursue. "I wouldn't change a thing!"
A graduate of Leadership Vancouver, Amanda is also an experienced researcher, contributing to the following publications:
Dispelling Myths and Understanding Realities— Working Conditions, Health Status, and Exiting Experiences of Sex Workers Benoit-Miller
From the Curb: sex workers perspective on violence and domestic trafficking –Bowen and BCCEW/C
Prince George Organizational Policy Review BCCEC/W
In the Here and Now, Working conditions of street level sex workers in British Columbia-BCCEC/W
Under the Radar The Sexual Exploitation of Young Men -Sue MacIntyre
Currently Amanda is working with the Strathcona Group on a research initiative with female sex workers in Surrey BC Canada.
To book a consultation, presentation, specialized training session or speaking engagement
or to order hard copies of the publications mentioned please email Amanda Bonella at info@sepprogram.com or call 778-240-1055
To Join the Speakers Bureau:
All
speakers go through a screening process and are voted in by the
collective of current speakers. Application packages will be sent to
those who qualify.
Interested parties should send their lletter of interest, updated CV and 10 references to:
info@sepprogram.com Sorry no phone calls please.
*at least 5 references must be from within the sex worker community and at least 3 must be from professional associations
*all applications are handled with discretion and confidentiality.