Elesondra "El" DeRomano is a survivor of child sex trafficking, El is from the streets, was victimized on the streets, and now goes back out onto the streets to conduct outreach and provide services to girls and women stuck in the same cycles of violence and exploitation that she experienced growing up. El is the founder of Standing Together Against Real Slavery, (S.T.A.R.S.), a nonprofit that provides case management and mentorship for survivors and victims of sexual exploitation. El "keeps it real” on the topics of human trafficking, sex work, and exploitation. By sharing her story El provides valuable insight on trafficking, exploitation and how to create opportunities for connection, growth, and long-term healing.

This symposium will support the work of the Colorado Sexual Health Initiative (CoSHI) and CDHS through the facilitation of a one-day event designed specifically for CoSHI Grantees and other community partners interested in learning more about this topic.