Dr. Sandie Morgan is joined by Rachel Thomas as the two discuss the importance of role models and mentors for vulnerable youth. Rachel Thomas Rachel Thomas is a survivor, advocate, and educator. She is serving her second term on the White House Advisory Council, co-founded Sowers Education Group, and speaks all over the country. Rachel Thomas will be the Amplify 2024 Keynote speaker to support the work of the Global Center. She has previously been a guest on the Ending Human Trafficking Podcast on episode #196: Ending The Game and episode #272: The Cool Aunt Series. Key Points Role models and mentors have a significant impact on youth, particularly black youth and those in the foster care system. They are crucial in providing guidance, stability, and positive examples that many youth may lack. Many youth look up to hip hop artists who may embody success and empowerment in ways that resonate with them, although there are potential pitfalls of hyper-sexualization and dysfunctional themes in the genre. When it comes to mentoring youth, challenges may arise surrounding the idolized figures in hop hop culture, however, it is important to have conversations around these influences without dismissing the artists or their influences. As a mentor, it is important to build rapport, understand the youth’s perspectives, and gradually introduce alternative ways of thinking and aspirations. It is important that adults get involved in mentoring programs, such as through organizations like Big Brother Big Sister, or creating internships for youth within local communities. One committed mentor can make a significant difference in a young person’s life.  Resources #196: Ending the Game #272: The Cool Aunt Sower’s Education Group Coaching for Leaders Transcript Sandra Morgan 0:14 You're listening to the Ending Human Trafficking Podcast. This is episode #324: Role Models and Mentors, with Rachel Thomas. Welcome to the Ending Human Trafficking Podcast here at Vanguard University's Global Center for Women and Justice in Orange County, California. My name is Dr. Sandie Morgan and this is the show where we empower you to study the issues, be a voice, and make a difference in ending human trafficking. I'm so happy to welcome back our good friend, Rachel Thomas. Rachel Thomas 0:58 Hi Dr. Morgan, thank you so much for having me back. This is an honor and a pleasure, always. Sandra Morgan 1:03 I just love having conversations with you, Rachel, I learn so much. You're an amazing survivor, advocate, and educator. You're serving your second term on the White House Advisory Council, you co-founded Sowers Education Group, you speak all over the country, and in fact, I'm really excited that you're going to be our Amplify 2024 Keynote, to support the work of the Global Center. We're really excited. You've been a frequent flyer on the Ending Human Trafficking Podcast. I'd like to recommend that people go back and listen to episode #196: Ending The Game, probably one of the best discussions on psychological coercion, and your episode #272 with The Cool Aunt Series. I'm happy to have you back, Rachel. Rachel Thomas 2:08 Thank you, honored to be back, and glad that you're still doing this important podcast. This is such a great resource and service to the community. Sandra Morgan 2:17 I just love it. I got an invitation in the mail yesterday, an email, to go on a talk show in Dublin, Ireland. Rachel Thomas 2:27 Wow. Sandra Morgan 2:29 I just love how international our community is, and people care. Hopefully because of that, other people will get a chance to listen to our conversation today. We're going to talk about the theme of Models,