Our Why
Paving the Way Foundation is a professional nonprofit run by a group of business experts committed to disrupting the cycle of child trafficking through educational and training programs. We pave the way to freedom for children, their families and our community.
We are driven by three simple principles: Educate. Empower. Prevent.
Educate our children about human trafficking; sharing recruitment and grooming tactics
Empower them with the knowledge about human trafficking and actions to take to stay safe, so we can....
Prevent them from being lured into this silent crime.
We are driven by three simple principles: Educate. Empower. Prevent.
Educate our children about human trafficking; sharing recruitment and grooming tactics
Empower them with the knowledge about human trafficking and actions to take to stay safe, so we can....
Prevent them from being lured into this silent crime.
Our mission and core values are delivered every day we are with youth, parents and out in the community.
Our goal is to empower young people to find their voices, to speak up and out to end exploitation through educational programs. We are Authentic: honesty and integrity are instrumental to what we do. We Communicate – through all things. We are Inspiring to those we speak with daily, lifting them up to see what’s possible. We are Open and Available to our what our students and those that surround them have to say. We are Fun; in this world today, one must find joy and laughter through the darkness. We are Committed to ensuring our community is empowered to disrupt the cycle through education, empowerment and action. We are a Team: As the organization grows, so will our investment in our team.
Our goal is to empower young people to find their voices, to speak up and out to end exploitation through educational programs. We are Authentic: honesty and integrity are instrumental to what we do. We Communicate – through all things. We are Inspiring to those we speak with daily, lifting them up to see what’s possible. We are Open and Available to our what our students and those that surround them have to say. We are Fun; in this world today, one must find joy and laughter through the darkness. We are Committed to ensuring our community is empowered to disrupt the cycle through education, empowerment and action. We are a Team: As the organization grows, so will our investment in our team.
Our Executive Team
Frank Smith, Board Chair Dana Clary, Treasurer Mallory Taylor, Secretary
Frank Smith - ESQ, Board Chair
Frank has over 18 years of experience practicing law and many years of business experience, helping run a family business. Mr. Smith cut his teeth in the Landlord/Tenant courts in New York City, expanding his practice to ultimately become an attorney that practice both litigation and transactional work. His clients include both domestic and international in the space of healthcare, cosmetics, real estate and financial. He is well steeped in the anti-trafficking Non-for-profit space as he sits on the board for Phantom Rescue and Fireball Run. Frank has been on the Executive Board for 5 years. He resides in Cooper City, Florida with his wife and children.
Dana Clary - Performance Coach - Treasurer
Dana brings decades of board and board leadership experience. Starting her career with United Way, then Disney swept her away to be one of the youngest PR professionals on the team. Dana’s PR experience lead her to taking on many marketing and branding leadership roles in the Orlando area with organizations such as Create and SMT. She currently makes a difference as a performance coach with Landmark Worldwide on their personal coaching and development team. She resides in New Smyrna Beach with her two fur babies.
Mallory Taylor - Secretary
Mallory has over 14 years of retail management/merchandising experience. She's skilled at Increase sales through effective merchandising product knowledge and hiring/training and team development. Mallory was with Jan on her first trip to Ethiopia and was deeply moved by the her experience as well. She brings her business acumen , high energy and self -motivation to coordinating and working with all of our interns. She lives in Orlando with her husband and two terrific children. Mallory has been involved with fundraisers and events and has now been on our board for 3 years.
Frank has over 18 years of experience practicing law and many years of business experience, helping run a family business. Mr. Smith cut his teeth in the Landlord/Tenant courts in New York City, expanding his practice to ultimately become an attorney that practice both litigation and transactional work. His clients include both domestic and international in the space of healthcare, cosmetics, real estate and financial. He is well steeped in the anti-trafficking Non-for-profit space as he sits on the board for Phantom Rescue and Fireball Run. Frank has been on the Executive Board for 5 years. He resides in Cooper City, Florida with his wife and children.
Dana Clary - Performance Coach - Treasurer
Dana brings decades of board and board leadership experience. Starting her career with United Way, then Disney swept her away to be one of the youngest PR professionals on the team. Dana’s PR experience lead her to taking on many marketing and branding leadership roles in the Orlando area with organizations such as Create and SMT. She currently makes a difference as a performance coach with Landmark Worldwide on their personal coaching and development team. She resides in New Smyrna Beach with her two fur babies.
Mallory Taylor - Secretary
Mallory has over 14 years of retail management/merchandising experience. She's skilled at Increase sales through effective merchandising product knowledge and hiring/training and team development. Mallory was with Jan on her first trip to Ethiopia and was deeply moved by the her experience as well. She brings her business acumen , high energy and self -motivation to coordinating and working with all of our interns. She lives in Orlando with her husband and two terrific children. Mallory has been involved with fundraisers and events and has now been on our board for 3 years.
Our Team
Jan Edwards - Founder and President
Jan has extensive leadership, speaking and training expertise with Fortune 100 companies. After traveling to Ethiopia and learning about human trafficking and exploitation, she wanted do so something about it. She developed an curriculum that has been delivered across in the country to youth and families. She has been instrumental in bringing awareness to this silent crime of trafficking to our community and around the country. She's a Co-Chair of the Central Florida Human Trafficking Task Force, Univ of Central Florida Criminal Justice Advisory Board, Hillsborough County Public School Human Trafficking Task force and a National Advocacy Working Group. She brings passion, drive, and a commitment to make a difference out in the world such that children can reach their full potential.
Meet the Woman Taking on a Billion Dollar Industry - Huffington Post
Meet Jan Edwards, Mission Driven Maven
Ezri Damschroder - Event and Educational Program Partner
Ezri started off as an intern from UCF and jumped right in tackling Social Media posts and writing copy. Once the world opened up again, Ezri joined in the fun of doing events for us. She just kept showing up, so we gave her a job! Along with being a trainer out in the community to educate young people on how to stay safe, she loves Star Wars and DC comics. She graduated from UCF with a degree in Criminal Justice and loves being one of our Education Program Partners empowering kids to disrupt the cycle and stay safe online.
Anne Hager - Intern Lead and Educational Program Partner
Anne graduated from Iowa State University with a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. After working with Youth and Shelter Services in Iowa for many years, she took a chance and moved to Orlando to work with us in 2022. We are so grateful she did! She is an amazing trainer and facilitator on such a challenging topic. She loves educating youth and is thrilled to be out in the community making a difference.
Angela M. Doniphan, Community Outreach Partner - Angela is a long-time resident in Central Florida. She retired from her position at Walt Disney World as a member of the Resort Experience Cast member. She tapped into her event planning and coordination skills for 1300+ employees through partnership with staff, internal and external vendors and brings that expertise to Paving the Way Foundation. If you see her out and about she's in search of other organizations to collaborate with as we educate and empower students and their parents.
Alexandra C. - Education Program Partner - (Tampa/Orlando)
Alexandra is a warrior and survivor. She has spent years working in sex & labor trafficking recovery for domestic and International Non Profits. Alexandra is committed to empowering and inspiring youth; for them to know their worth is more than a picture and they are not what has happened to them. She is passionate holistic health to prevent and recover from trauma by means of having a safe community, conversations and balance with things like fun, sports, healthy friendships, along with well being. She is committed that people have the opportunity to be seen and heard.
Exec Assistant - This spot is currently open and looks like it may be filled with our own version of Mrs. Moskowitz from the hit TV Show, the Marvelous Ms. Maisel. This person will be managing all of the nitty gritty to ensure our program delivery stays on point and out in the community! Stay tuned for more info!
Jan has extensive leadership, speaking and training expertise with Fortune 100 companies. After traveling to Ethiopia and learning about human trafficking and exploitation, she wanted do so something about it. She developed an curriculum that has been delivered across in the country to youth and families. She has been instrumental in bringing awareness to this silent crime of trafficking to our community and around the country. She's a Co-Chair of the Central Florida Human Trafficking Task Force, Univ of Central Florida Criminal Justice Advisory Board, Hillsborough County Public School Human Trafficking Task force and a National Advocacy Working Group. She brings passion, drive, and a commitment to make a difference out in the world such that children can reach their full potential.
Meet the Woman Taking on a Billion Dollar Industry - Huffington Post
Meet Jan Edwards, Mission Driven Maven
Ezri Damschroder - Event and Educational Program Partner
Ezri started off as an intern from UCF and jumped right in tackling Social Media posts and writing copy. Once the world opened up again, Ezri joined in the fun of doing events for us. She just kept showing up, so we gave her a job! Along with being a trainer out in the community to educate young people on how to stay safe, she loves Star Wars and DC comics. She graduated from UCF with a degree in Criminal Justice and loves being one of our Education Program Partners empowering kids to disrupt the cycle and stay safe online.
Anne Hager - Intern Lead and Educational Program Partner
Anne graduated from Iowa State University with a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. After working with Youth and Shelter Services in Iowa for many years, she took a chance and moved to Orlando to work with us in 2022. We are so grateful she did! She is an amazing trainer and facilitator on such a challenging topic. She loves educating youth and is thrilled to be out in the community making a difference.
Angela M. Doniphan, Community Outreach Partner - Angela is a long-time resident in Central Florida. She retired from her position at Walt Disney World as a member of the Resort Experience Cast member. She tapped into her event planning and coordination skills for 1300+ employees through partnership with staff, internal and external vendors and brings that expertise to Paving the Way Foundation. If you see her out and about she's in search of other organizations to collaborate with as we educate and empower students and their parents.
Alexandra C. - Education Program Partner - (Tampa/Orlando)
Alexandra is a warrior and survivor. She has spent years working in sex & labor trafficking recovery for domestic and International Non Profits. Alexandra is committed to empowering and inspiring youth; for them to know their worth is more than a picture and they are not what has happened to them. She is passionate holistic health to prevent and recover from trauma by means of having a safe community, conversations and balance with things like fun, sports, healthy friendships, along with well being. She is committed that people have the opportunity to be seen and heard.
Exec Assistant - This spot is currently open and looks like it may be filled with our own version of Mrs. Moskowitz from the hit TV Show, the Marvelous Ms. Maisel. This person will be managing all of the nitty gritty to ensure our program delivery stays on point and out in the community! Stay tuned for more info!
Our Board and Lead Volunteers
Maurice (Mo) Edwards - Law Enforcement/Human Trafficking Educator
Maurice T. Edwards works for NCMEC (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children) as an Analyst Supervisor working closely with local Law Enforcement to help find missing children. He is a former Human Trafficking Detective with the Seminole County Sheriff's Office in Seminole County, Florida since 2006. He was assigned to the Youth Intervention Services Unit. His responsibilities included the investigation of missing juveniles and human trafficking cases. He was also a Task Force Officer with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), assigned to the Innocent Images Task Force for human trafficking cases. Mo worked with local, state, and federal agencies in pursuit of the most comprehensive response and investigation to the crime of human trafficking. He is a member of the International Association of Human Trafficking Investigators (IAHTI) and serves as a human trafficking trainer. Mo routinely travels throughout the country to educate, provide awareness, and resources to law enforcement and civilians to combat human trafficking
Sacsha Balzar - International Law
Sascha is our newest board member. He has practiced law for over 18 years locally and abroad. Sacsha has extensive business and international law, law enforcement and undercover experience. He has an MBA and his law degree from an renowned international university. He currently sits on the board of Vilo Media, LTD out of the UK, as the Director of Development and resides in Central Florida with his wife and children. Sacsha has been on our board for 2 years.
Nada Haddad - Child Advocate and Attorney
Nada has dedicated her life to serving others. Ms. Haddad began her career in law as an immigration defense attorney, traveling across the United States representing clients from all over the world. Ms. Haddad defended the most vulnerable population of immigrants, asylum seekers, victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse and sexual violence, gang violence, and more specifically, those within the international deaf community. Ms. Haddad currently works in real estate and property tax law and sits on the board for The Portico Housing Solutions, is the Chair of the Liaison Subcommittee for the Governmental Public Policy and Advocacy Committee of the Florida Bar.
Dr. Jordan Rodriquez - Sr. Advisor for Prevention Education Curriculum and Design.
Jordan Rodriquez is the new Principal at Choices in Learning Charter Elementary School and Education Analyst News 6 WKMG. He's the former principal of Seminole High school, Seminole counties largest school. He stood for creating an engaging, enriching and positive student experience at his school, creating caring, effective citizens for our community. Jordan received is B.S, M.A. and Ph.D. in Education at University of Central Florida. He has spent over 17 years in as an educator, Dean and Principal in Seminole County Florida, working with Lake Howell HS, Seminole HS, Winter Springs HS and Rock Lake Middle school. He is masterful as program development, leadership, community partnerships and creating an environment where teachers and students thrive. Jordan is trained in Behavioral Support, School Safe Programs and Instructional Leadership.
We are currently seeking 2 additional board members. If this is something of your find yourself called to, please contact us as we'd love to have a conversation with you to see what's possible.
Maurice T. Edwards works for NCMEC (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children) as an Analyst Supervisor working closely with local Law Enforcement to help find missing children. He is a former Human Trafficking Detective with the Seminole County Sheriff's Office in Seminole County, Florida since 2006. He was assigned to the Youth Intervention Services Unit. His responsibilities included the investigation of missing juveniles and human trafficking cases. He was also a Task Force Officer with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), assigned to the Innocent Images Task Force for human trafficking cases. Mo worked with local, state, and federal agencies in pursuit of the most comprehensive response and investigation to the crime of human trafficking. He is a member of the International Association of Human Trafficking Investigators (IAHTI) and serves as a human trafficking trainer. Mo routinely travels throughout the country to educate, provide awareness, and resources to law enforcement and civilians to combat human trafficking
Sacsha Balzar - International Law
Sascha is our newest board member. He has practiced law for over 18 years locally and abroad. Sacsha has extensive business and international law, law enforcement and undercover experience. He has an MBA and his law degree from an renowned international university. He currently sits on the board of Vilo Media, LTD out of the UK, as the Director of Development and resides in Central Florida with his wife and children. Sacsha has been on our board for 2 years.
Nada Haddad - Child Advocate and Attorney
Nada has dedicated her life to serving others. Ms. Haddad began her career in law as an immigration defense attorney, traveling across the United States representing clients from all over the world. Ms. Haddad defended the most vulnerable population of immigrants, asylum seekers, victims of domestic violence, sexual abuse and sexual violence, gang violence, and more specifically, those within the international deaf community. Ms. Haddad currently works in real estate and property tax law and sits on the board for The Portico Housing Solutions, is the Chair of the Liaison Subcommittee for the Governmental Public Policy and Advocacy Committee of the Florida Bar.
Dr. Jordan Rodriquez - Sr. Advisor for Prevention Education Curriculum and Design.
Jordan Rodriquez is the new Principal at Choices in Learning Charter Elementary School and Education Analyst News 6 WKMG. He's the former principal of Seminole High school, Seminole counties largest school. He stood for creating an engaging, enriching and positive student experience at his school, creating caring, effective citizens for our community. Jordan received is B.S, M.A. and Ph.D. in Education at University of Central Florida. He has spent over 17 years in as an educator, Dean and Principal in Seminole County Florida, working with Lake Howell HS, Seminole HS, Winter Springs HS and Rock Lake Middle school. He is masterful as program development, leadership, community partnerships and creating an environment where teachers and students thrive. Jordan is trained in Behavioral Support, School Safe Programs and Instructional Leadership.
We are currently seeking 2 additional board members. If this is something of your find yourself called to, please contact us as we'd love to have a conversation with you to see what's possible.
Interns
Every Semester we have a team of incredible interns that join us in this mission. University of Central Florida, Gulf Coast, Miami University, Rollins, Southeastern University all have students that have been a part of the intern team.
If we are lucky, they stick around for a whole year or maybe become part of our team! Either way, they are a vital part of our team! They bring their enthusiasm, brilliance and energy in educating and empowering our community to end child exploitation. To become part of the Intern Team, reach out to us here!
If we are lucky, they stick around for a whole year or maybe become part of our team! Either way, they are a vital part of our team! They bring their enthusiasm, brilliance and energy in educating and empowering our community to end child exploitation. To become part of the Intern Team, reach out to us here!
Survivor Leadership
We have an incredible team of Survivor Leaders that work closely with us to ensure we continue to be survivor informed and guided. This group is comprised of as lived experts and mental health professionals. Due to the sensitive nature of this, their names and pictures are not posted for their safety. They are our hero's and we are forever grateful for them sharing their wisdom with us.
Mission Ambassadors
We have 17 Mission Ambassadors, Volunteers and Advocates throughout the country - from Phoenix to Ft. Lauderdale, Columbia SC, Miami to Jacksonville, FL and up the coast to Washington D.C. They are trained to lead a conversation following our award winning film, Trapped in the Trade to empower and educate our kids.
Together we've educated and trained over 29,000 youth, parents and teachers in the past seven years. We impact our communities through powerful conversations saving our children from being lured into this dark world.
If you would like to join us on our mission to disrupt the cycle, please complete our volunteer application here: volunteer.
Together we can make a difference and end modern day slavery.
We have 17 Mission Ambassadors, Volunteers and Advocates throughout the country - from Phoenix to Ft. Lauderdale, Columbia SC, Miami to Jacksonville, FL and up the coast to Washington D.C. They are trained to lead a conversation following our award winning film, Trapped in the Trade to empower and educate our kids.
Together we've educated and trained over 29,000 youth, parents and teachers in the past seven years. We impact our communities through powerful conversations saving our children from being lured into this dark world.
If you would like to join us on our mission to disrupt the cycle, please complete our volunteer application here: volunteer.
Together we can make a difference and end modern day slavery.
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