OUR STORY
The inspiration for our charity came in 2017 after a presentation on human trafficking by Elizabeth Quiroz to a class at the Santa Rosa Junior College where Lisa Diaz-McQuaid 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 in 2018 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.
Founders Lisa Diaz-McQuaid and Elizabeth Quiroz awarded Woman of the Year 2022 for Sonoma County
OUR BOARD
FOUNDER
PRESIDENT
FOUNDER
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 Investigator. She founded Sonoma Counties' first Human Trafficking support group, and co-facilitates with Lisa Diaz McQuaid.
FOUNDER
PRESIDENT
FOUNDER
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.
PRESIDENT
PRESIDENT
PRESIDENT
Rosie De Alverez is a full time Law Enforcement Professional, clinician, and public servant who has devoted her career to advocating for the underserved and underrepresented community for the State of California. De Alverez holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice, a Master’s of Science in Counseling Psychology and is currently pursuing a Doctoral degree.
Treasurer
Public Relations Manager
PRESIDENT
Sylvie Vatinelle-de la Cruz is a leading advocate for social justice and equality in Sonoma County. She is dedicated to establishing strong and positive ties between the County’s recovering women, public entities and the business community in order to raise awareness about the potential of every woman to rise above their addiction and become miracles of society.
Public Relations Manager
Public Relations Manager
Public Relations Manager
Megan Berger is a survivor of human trafficking and is currently a private investigator. 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.