Valiant Hearts is currently overseen by a Board of Directors and supported by an Survivor Leader Advisory Council. There are four parts to our volunteer team:
Linda is the President of Dallas College Brookhaven in Farmer’s Branch, Texas, where she is responsible for leading initiatives which contribute to the vibrancy, growth, and economic stability of Dallas County.
She previously served as Vice President for Academic Affairs at Tarrant County College and served as Deputy Executive Director of the Mathematical Association of America in Washington, D.C.
She received a Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Oklahoma. She has worked throughout her career to promote the use of evidence-based teaching practices that improve student learning outcomes.
DaShonda is currently an Executive Administrator at Northwood Church in Keller, TX where she supports the Lead Pastor and oversees the Guest Experience ministry. Prior to vocational ministry she fulfilled roles in higher education at Tarrant County College, acted as a Customer Development Representative at Frito Lay; and fulfilled advancing roles in mortgage lending.
She recently began sharing her insight, wisdom, and support through her company, Help for Helpers Christian Consulting.
Additionally, DaShonda is a Psy.D. Candidate at Southern California Seminary pursuing licensure as a MA: Counseling Psychology. She has earned a MA: Interdisciplinary Studies, Psychology/Pastoral Counseling from Liberty University, and a BA: Human Services from LeTourneau University. She has a passion for helping people, especially leaders in ministry.
Jordan is the Senior Director of Communications for T.D. Jakes Ministry and Enterprise. Before her current position, she worked in corporate communications and campaign strategy for beauty brands, restaurants, and political campaigns. Jordan is very excited to be involved with like-minded people also passionate about human trafficking and exploitation.
Ava Kamdem is a survivor leader, mother, wife, and student. In the anti-trafficking movement, Ava has assisted federal agents in recovering survivors, publicly shared her story, worked with multiple NGO’s on survivor-informed care, created outreach programs, and served on the Human Trafficking Survivor Leadership Council of Texas.
Ava is currently attending Columbia University to further her education in psychology with the hopes of becoming an IO psychologist.
At the age of 17, Bekah Charleston became a victim of sex trafficking when she ran away from home. She remained a victim for more than 10 years with multiple traffickers, finally able to escape when the federal authorities became involved.
She hit rock bottom, almost believing that she was forever trapped in her circumstances and defined by her past. She started attending Valiant Hearts’ support group, graduating, and then serving as our Executive Director from 2017 to 2020.
Bekah has rebuilt her life and is a nationally recognized speaker, contributor, and consultant. She’s dedicated her life to helping individuals and organizations grow through adversity.
“He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” - Isaiah 61:1
P.O. Box 92511
Southlake, TX 76092
Office: 817-329-6921
We Are Cherished, Inc., dba Valiant Hearts is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. EIN 32-0348032.