Everyone can be an advocate, you just have to say yes.
I first learned about Pedal the Pacific, five years ago when my older sister introduced me to what it was. Like many people, my initial reaction was, “Wow, that is amazing—but I could never do that.” My mind immediately filled with reasons why this wasn’t for me: I don’t know enough about trafficking to be an advocate. The last time I rode a bike was in third grade. I convinced myself I wasn’t capable. But still, I followed along, watching each team’s journey to the finish line. Over time, I realized the only thing keeping me from committing to Pedal was my willingness to say yes. Yes, to learning, training, and stepping into something unfamiliar to become an advocate.
My yes was gradual. I started to experience how Pedal the Pacific was impacting my life, before I even committed to it. A little over a year ago, I graduated from college. I studied strategic communications, which is a fancy way of saying creative marketing. School never came easily to me. I showed up, met deadlines, and did what I needed to do, but it was always a challenge. Throughout my degree, I struggled to feel excited about it, and I was worried that I had chosen the wrong path. I thought, there must be a more meaningful way to use what I had learned. That is when I started to learn more about the non-profit world. I realized that I wasn’t great at selling products, but once I found a mission I was passionate about, my creativity and passion came back. It all came full circle when I was with a friend, talking about Pedal the Pacific. I hadn’t seriously considered doing the ride myself in years, but as I started explaining the mission, something in me came alive. The words just kept coming.I couldn’t stop talking about it—the purpose, the impact, the meaning behind it all. That same quiet voice of doubt was still there, telling me I couldn’t. But this time, I didn’t listen. Instead, I said yes and I applied, and now I’m part of the 2026 team!
Like many people, my understanding of sex trafficking was very limited. I had a vague idea of what it was, where it happened, and who it affected. That lack of understanding made it easy to stay unaware, to scroll past it, to lookaway, and to not ask questions. Unfortunately, the reality is far bigger than Icould have imagined and impacts each of our cities. The more I began to learn, the harder it became to look away because once you truly begin to understand the severity of it, you cannot choose to stay silent. I remember reading an article about trafficking in Florida, where I am from, and finding out that there were an estimated 200,000 victims of sex trafficking reported just in 2024. That number was a shock and a wakeup call. I had many moments like thatone that made me realize I needed to find a way to do something about it.
Pedal the Pacific has allowed me the opportunity to learn more and take that knowledge even further by pushing me to take action. Saying “yes” to this journey isn’t just about biking down the coast. It’s about choosing awareness over ignorance and action over comfort. I ride to use my voice to support and advocate for those who have been affected by the realities of human trafficking. I ride to spread awareness and encourage others to say “Yes, I will learn and become an advocate.” Even if that means starting from a place of uncertainty but committing yourself to learning more. I’m incredibly grateful for this team that I will be riding next to and Pedal the Pacific for helping me step into advocacy and choose action over complacency.
I ride to use my voice to support and advocate for those who have been affected by the realities of human trafficking. I ride to spread awareness and encourage others to say “Yes, I will learn and become an advocate.” Even if that means starting from a place of uncertainty but committing yourself to learning more.
