Elizabeth Quiroz shares about the struggles she faced growing up.
When I look back at where I started compared to where I am now, I see a true miracle unfolding. When I was stuck in the grips of human trafficking, I was a walking zombie with no dreams.
My childhood was marked by physical abuse and growing up in a family of gang members, drug addicts, and alcoholics who cycled in and out of prison. I entered foster care at 14 years old and soon found myself on the same path as my family. I ran away from foster care and into the arms of my first trafficker at the age of 15.
For years, I struggled with addiction, committed crimes, and was trafficked on the streets of San Francisco. At 26 years old, I was arrested for selling drugs for my third trafficker, and eventually lost custody of my son. That was a pivotal moment in my life—the day I took a stand. Never again would I allow myself to be victimized.
After completing my prison term, I entered a women’s treatment facility to continue my healing journey. When I completed treatment, I made a life-altering decision: I would use my pain for a greater purpose.