Lauren’s Journey
Let's talk about an extraordinary friend of ours, Lauren. You might have met some pretty cool folks in your life, but Lauren takes it up a notch. Not only is she one amazing woman, but she also decided to use her love for motorcycles and photography to make an impact.
Lauren's journey with Rebecca Bender Initiative, or RBI, started after a dark season in her own life. It was a time of healing and rediscovery. And over one phone call, she was connected with Rebecca, our fearless leader here at RBI, and the vision was born.
Their shared desire to empower survivors of human trafficking was immediate, and Lauren knew she would help. That’s how Ride My Road came to life. Rebecca and others encouraged Lauren to formalize this mission into her nonprofit, Ride My Road. So Lauren started to raise awareness about human trafficking, one motorcycle ride at a time since 2016..... and she's just getting started!
Over the past seven years, Lauren's been a massive supporter of ours and a vocal advocate for Elevate Academy, our program dedicated to supporting survivors of human trafficking. Lauren has ridden across America speaking to raise awareness and photographing survivors (mostly Elevate Academy Students) and interviewing them. Instead of focusing on their past, Lauren always asks how have they benefited from Elevate Academy, how they've grown, and where they're heading. And it's a been truly a remarkable journey.
In her words, "The ripple effect of RBI and Elevate Academy is so mind-boggling. I've gotten to have a front seat for the past seven years of just how great that impact is." This is why Lauren continues to support the work of RBI.
Lauren's story isn't just about bouncing back. It's about taking her life, her journey, her skills, and turning them into a force for good. It's about proving we can use whatever we love – even if it's as wild as motorcycles – to make a difference.
We are super thankful for Lauren and the energy she brings to our mission. Her dedication, her passion, and her belief in the work we do inspire us every day. She shows us that anyone, armed with a cause they believe in and their unique gifts, can make a difference in the world.
Lauren’s story reminds us that each of us can make an impact, in our own unique way. We invite you to think about her journey, consider your passions, and imagine how you could channel them into supporting a cause that matters to you. Whether it's by riding a motorcycle or not, we can all do our part in making the world a better place.