Kate Wedell is an author, public speaker, lived experience expert, and the Founder of CherishedLA. For more than 16 years, she has worked in the anti-human trafficking field, helping develop survivor-informed programs, trauma-aware care models, and community responses for individuals impacted by exploitation and complex trauma.

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Drawing from both professional leadership and lived experience, Kate brings a unique and deeply personal perspective to conversations surrounding human trafficking, recovery, resilience, and restoration. Her work has included nonprofit leadership, program development, mentoring survivors, training professionals, collaborating with law enforcement, and advocating for more ethical and compassionate approaches to care.

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Known for her compassion, honesty, and ability to sit with difficult stories, Kate is not afraid to walk alongside survivors in their healing journey. Through lived experience, sexual trauma training, and years of frontline work, she creates spaces where people feel seen, heard, and treated with dignity. Her approach combines deep empathy with practical insight, helping survivors process their stories with courage, safety, and hope.

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Through storytelling, education, and advocacy, Kate is committed to creating greater awareness, equipping communities, and helping bridge the gap between systems and lived experience voices.

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