Angela is originally from the suburbs of Detroit and moved to Chicago in search of a rewarding career in social work. Angela has worked with the seriously mentally ill, homeless women and women in correctional facilities. Angela has a bachelors degree in psychology from Michigan State University and a masters degree from DePaul University in education with a concentration on women. Angela's thesis work has focused primarily on educational curriculum development and instruction. Angela is concerned with the root causes of societal problems and has a passion for social justice. Angela is a free spirit, but the drive and motivation to put her dreams into action. Angela has received community service recognition at DePaul University and works closely with many community-based and social justice organizations, but also is involved with women's issues on the global level. Angela has been appointed by Mayor Richard M. Daley to sit on the Advisory Council on Women for the Chicago Commission on Human Relations. |
| Brenda Myers-Powell Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer |
Brenda Myers-Powell has touched the hearts of many individuals and communities by delivering a high energy message which speaks of her life as a survivor of abuse, drugs and prostitution. Brenda tells people how to break the chains of oppression and live up to their greatness. Born the only child in one of the poorest ghettos of Chicago, Brenda always struggled to find herself and where she belonged. Facing adversity with the death of her mother when she was only an infant, Brenda grew up to experience physical, mental and sexual abuse at the hands of trusted family members. At the age 14 Brenda escaped an abusive home life only to fall into the violent world of prostitution. Brenda was also a researcher with Jody Rapheal of DePaul University studying the trafficking of young girls in the city of Chicago and the metropolitan area. Brenda’s experience as a runaway teenager where she survived against all odds, makes her an advocate and an expert for young girls. She not only understands what they’re going through, she has been there. Brenda’s style of keeping it real with teenage girls and her passion to help other young women avoid the trauma she experienced in her 25 years as a teenage and adult prostitute enables her to successfully mentor at-risk youth. Brenda has the insight and depth to help others change their lives and live their dreams. She practices what she preaches and helps other obtain and reach new levels of achievement. She has a captivating personality and approach that touches the heart of everyone she is involved with. She makes you laugh and cry with her touching personal stories and does it with eagerness, integrity and enthusiasm. |
| Angela Rogensues Director of Operations |
Stephanie is the founder and the Executive Director of the Dreamcatcher Foundation. She earned a Bachelors of Arts Degree from the Chicago State University and a Masters of Science Degree from National Louis University . She has over 20 experience years in Social Services , ten of which were specifically focused on substance abuse/addiction and HIV infection with women active in the sex trade. Stephanie has a passion for helping young women overcome sexual exploitation, and as a survivor herself, has a special dedication to providing sexual health education and prevention to girls and young women. Stephanie was a researcher with Jody Rapheal of DePaul University studying the trafficking of young girls and young women in the city of Chicago and the metropolitan area. In her efforts to continuously empower girls and young women, Stephanie also holds the position as Secretary for the Women of Power Alumni Association Board of Directors. After personally observing several acts of sexual exploitation on the south side of Chicago in the Englewood community, It was at that moment that Stephanie knew that she needed to do something in her community to take a stand against sexual exploitation. Out of that vision, Stephanie began working towards making The Dreamcatcher Foundation a reality. And the rest is history... |
| Stephanie Daniels-Wilson Founder & Executive Director |
| Genesis Ramirez Peer Coordinator |
Genesis’ nightmare began as a 15 year-old in the south side of Chicago. As a teenager, Genesis often felt neglected and misunderstood at home. After meeting a 24 year-old man, running away from home and pregnant Genesis began prostituting for her daughter’s father. “He convinced me that it was my responsibility to help him pay rent because he was on house arrest and we had no income,” Genesis recalls, “So we needed money and being 16 with no experience or knowledge I had nothing to offer a grown man with money but my body.” Geneis began turning tricks to help them survive. Genesis remembers that “the first few acts where traumatizing and slowly began to change me from the little girl that I was to an empty soul.” Genesis at such a young age turned to drugs and alcohol to numb the pain of her past. Genesis continued to prostitute herself on Craigslist and as an escort. Genesis knew she needed to provide a life for her young daughter and look at her with dignity. Genesis stumbled upon The Dreamcatcher Foundation and began getting involved. Genesis is now a Peer Coordinator for the foundation and speaks out against prostitution and the sex trade. Today a recovered prostitute and drug addict Genesis is here to introduce The Dreamcatcher Foundation to all the women in Chicago…to break the silence for all of those who are dying inside. She says it’s time to make a change and it’s time to stick together in times of agony and show that we too deserve a helping hand and a second chance to succeed in life. And a war cannot be won without any soldiers so please join together as we make a move at saving the community and lives of many forgotten woman. |
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| "SPECIALIZING IN ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND THE PREVENTION OF SEXUAL EXPLOITATION" |