Our Mission and Impact
We believe in the transformative power of community support and resources. Since our inception, we have helped hundreds of survivors of human trafficking and vulnerable youth access the tools they need to thrive. Through collaboration with partners across the country, we ensure that no one has to face life’s challenges alone.
ABOUT US
How Empowerment Access Impacts Lives
What we do
At Empowerment Access, we provide comprehensive, personalized support for survivors of human trafficking and individuals at risk, addressing their unique and critical needs.
Individual Support
Connection to Services
Community Building
How You Can Help
Your contribution, whether through donations, volunteer work, or spreading the word, can directly impact the lives of individuals in need. Together, we can offer hope and create a brighter future for all.
Misti Spencer
Director of Development & Partnerships
Misti Spencer serves as Director of Development & Partnerships for Empowerment Access Foundation, where she leads strategic development, partnership cultivation, fundraising initiatives and community engagement efforts that expand the organization’s reach, resources and impact. She also provides coaching and mentorship to clients, combining her professional background, lived experience and survivor-informed perspective to support individuals as they build confidence, stability and greater independence. An author, speaker, survivor advocate and community leader, Misti earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Central Florida and brings extensive experience in business development, relationship building, coaching, mentoring and advocacy to her leadership role.
Misti serves as an Advisory Board Member for the University of Central Florida’s Center for the Study of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery and is a contributing author to UCF educational curriculum addressing human trafficking. She brings a critical lived-experience and survivor perspective to education, prevention and systemic change and has also supported survivor-focused initiatives including UCF’s Dream Job Bootcamp.
She is the author of Drinking Beauty and the Seven Narcissists: A Musical Journey, a memoir addressing childhood exploitation, human trafficking, domestic violence, addiction, trauma, healing and survival. Through speaking engagements, media appearances, education and community partnerships, Misti works to elevate survivor voices and ensure lived experience informs the way organizations, institutions and communities understand and respond to exploitation and trafficking.
Her advocacy and community leadership have been recognized with the 2025 Carol Welker Volunteer of the Year Award at the Polaris Star Awards and the 2025 NAWIC Jo Ann Golden Humanitarian Award. In her role at Empowerment Access Foundation, Misti is responsible for building and strengthening strategic relationships with corporate, nonprofit, educational and community partners, advancing funding opportunities, expanding the Foundation’s network of supporters and helping shape initiatives that create long-term opportunities for survivors of human trafficking and aged-out foster youth.
Mount Dora Community Trust awards EAF $25,000
Mount Dora Community Trust has approved a $25,000 grant for Empowerment Access Foundation’s Human Trafficking Survivor Support initiative in Mount Dora and the tri-city area of Lake County, Florida.
This grant is made possible by the generosity of local residents. We are grateful to Mount Dora Community Trust and the community members whose support makes this work possible.