Davenport University’s senior nursing students and nursing faculty met with leadership from Women At Risk, International, an organization with a mission to rescue, restore and empower individuals impacted by human trafficking. 

As first-responders, nurses are often the first to recognize patients in need.

“For nursing students transitioning into the workforce soon, many of them into critical care and the emergency room settings, information on recognizing signs of human trafficking and knowing how to help is essential,” said Amanda Alemdar, assistant professor, Davenport College of Health Professions. “We were proud to welcome Women at Risk, a non-profit organization based here in Michigan. We recognize the important role many of our nursing students can play to help those at risk in our community.”

The program took place April 16 in the Sneden auditorium on Davenport’s W.A. Lettinga Grand Rapids Campus.

Rebecca McDonald, Women at Risk founder

Rebecca McDonald, the founder and president of Women at Risk, International, spoke about the organization’s mission and the importance of recognizing the signs of sex crimes and trafficking, and reporting their presence.

“Rebecca was an engaging speaker with many stories to tell that pulled at my heart,” said Stephanie Larios-Mendez, who will receive her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in May. “Through her words, I learned how I could use my nursing skills for women at risk in the health care setting. I appreciated the time the organization gave us. It was a wonderful opportunity for anyone and everyone to become more aware of the risks at present in our world.” 

Jen Pyka will also graduate in May with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Davenport. 

“To have Rebecca come to the university was really a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Pyka said. “She opened our eyes to things that are happening right in front of us. As Michiganders, we may think that human trafficking can’t happen around us. Human trafficking can and is happening everywhere. It’s important as future healthcare workers to always speak up for your patients and advocate if something doesn’t feel right.”

In addition to the presentation, the program included Pop Up Shops, an opportunity for not only students and faculty but also members of the community to purchase products made by rescued and at-risk women and men. The products offered included jewelry, bags, clothing, cards, soaps and candles. 90 percent of the profit from product sales goes to Women at Risk programs.

The organization helps women in a variety of risk areas, including exploitation, slavery, abuse, substance abuse, loss, disease, natural disaster, war and others. Its programs reach more than 40 countries. 

“When our nursing students enter the workforce, they’ll be on the front lines and in a position to truly help people at risk,” said Alemdar. “It’s important they know how to identify a victim and how to respond to and report suspicious activity.”