The inspiration for our charity came in spring of 2018. In fall of 2018, Elizabeth and Lisa met after a presentation on human trafficking by Elizabeth for a class at the Santa Rosa Junior College where Lisa sat in the front row. Lisa was very affected by Liz’s recounting of her experiences of addiction, arrests, incarceration and her emergence from the life of trafficking. They bonded over their shared experiences and struggles and formed Redemption House of the Bay Area which was the first group in Sonoma County devoted to helping women escape human trafficking.
In addition to bi-monthly support meetings for women in need, street outreach programs and a 24/7 staffed phone line, Lisa, Liz and their volunteers are working toward the establishment of a women’s safe house in Sonoma County where women can find shelter and services in their quest to leave a life of trafficking.
Elizabeth Quiroz and Lisa Diaz-McQuaid
Elizabeth Quiroz is a human trafficking survivor and former foster youth who overcame addiction and incarceration to become a graduate student, and now serves as a Social Worker that supports adults and juveniles through the child welfare system. She founded Sonoma Counties' first Human Trafficking support group, and co-facilitates with Lisa Diaz McQuaid. She is also a published author
Lisa Diaz was born and raised in Santa Rosa, California and is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. She understands the effects of trauma and addiction and is active in recovery from substances, mentoring women in their recovery journey. She is employed as a human trafficking case worker for a non-profit orginization in Sonoma County.
Elizabeth Baker is a Senior Finance Manager for Kaiser Permanente in Northern California. She has an undergraduate degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting and MBA with a concentration in business development. Elizabeth has served a 6-year term as President of the BOD of New Vintage Church in Santa Rosa and an active board member of Growing Healthy Churches in Stockton, California.
Diana Badalament grew up in Long Island New York. Dianna in a vast capacity worked and volunteered with Her Future Coalition, an international NGO working to improve the lives of human trafficking survivors, and at-risk women and children, by providing shelter, education, and vocational training as a path to empowerment, economic independence, and leadership.
Megan Berger is a survivor of human trafficking. Megan is bilingual, employed as a first responder, and a Criminal Justice major who owns her own business. Megan assists Redemption House of the Bay Area in connecting with the community through organizing and attending promotional events, speaking publicly, and providing social media coverage.
MaDonna (Feather) Cruz, named after her aunt MaDonna Thunder Hawk, was Born in Ukiah California. MaDonna is an enrolled member of the Round Valley Indian reservation, in Covelo, CA, And on her father’s side Lakota Sioux. MaDonna is currently serving as President of the Indian education committee With Santa Rosa city school District, Director for KBBF radio, BOD to Ya-Ka- AMA Indian Education and Development, Inc., and Community advisory member to the Auntie’s and Uncle’s project Eagle Council with Sonoma County Indian Health Project.
Kathryn Lombera is a born and raised resident of occupied Pomo Territory - aka - Sonoma County. Professionally, she brings 15 years of experience in retail bank operations and project management. Purposefully, she serves local expectant mothers as a traditional Indigenous birthworker of Huasteca Nahua descent, offering traditional Indigenous labor and postpartum support. She is a lifelong student of birth and her ancestral traditional medicines. She also provides advocacy support for Indigenous survivors of spiritual trauma and sexual assault, making her a well-aligned asset to the Board of Directors for Redemption House