Photo of the first launch in 2007 featuring the global ambassadors who helped launch Rising around the world.

Human trafficking is a crime that involves the exploitation of an adult or child for labor, services, or commercial sex. Human trafficking impacts millions of vulnerable people across the globe. Even with COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020 which created a reduction of in-person trafficking recruitment locations (strip clubs (-46%), foster homes (-70%), and schools (-38%), online recruitment increased by 22% with Instagram and Facebook being the most common sites used to recruit victims. Many of these victims often battle with serious mental health issues which can cause them struggle to get on their own two feet after going through such a traumatic experience.

Rising Worldwide is a non-profit that began in Santa Cruz 20 years ago and whose mission is to provide entrepreneurial paths to self-sufficiency that enable underrepresented individuals in the U.S and across the world to lift each other out of systems of oppression and poverty. Rising entrepreneurs are primarily women. Many are survivors of extreme poverty, homelessness, discrimination, gender-based violence, and human trafficking.

The organization offers 3 entrepreneurial paths to individuals who are experiencing economic hardship: Path 1 -Rising Artisan, Path 2 - Rising Representative, and Path 3 - Rising Expert. All Rising entrepreneurs also have access to free ongoing business training, a mentor, comprehensive resources (social and financial), and an emergency fund. Rising Artisans earn income by selling their handcraft fair-trade jewelry, home goods, and accessories through a Rep’s online store, and at virtual or in-person events.

Rising Worldwide is creating a global community where underrepresented individuals have the opportunity to improve their own lives and the lives of others through social entrepreneurship. Rising will continue to promote economic justice by amplifying the power of lived experience leaders and will be observing its 20th anniversary with a virtual gala which will be held at 4 p.m. on Sept. 29.

We interviewed the Executive Director of Rising Worldwide, Carmel Jud, to learn more about her background and the impact that Rising Worldwide has made.

Carmel Jud

Can you share more about your personal and professional background? What were you doing before this?

So, I was actually a jingle producer before doing economic justice work. I guess I’m living proof you can walk very different paths in one lifetime.

What is the backstory that led you to create Rising Worldwide?

I read a question in a book, “how are you best suited to serve humanity?” I really loved running a jingle company, but the question got me thinking about my career on a deeper level. It was more about why are you here? You know, alive, right now.

How many people has Rising Worldwide impacted?

At Rising we offer 3 paths to becoming a social impact entrepreneur and we do this work both locally and globally. Which is one thing I really love about Rising. Everyone is included. On Path 1, The Artisan Path, we’ve worked with approximately 5000 global artisans in over 20 countries. Locally, in the U.S. around 300 people have participated on Path 2 and 3. The Rising Experts (Path 3) are social impact entrepreneurs who draw upon their lived experience with human trafficking to help end trafficking. Rising Experts have educated approx 4000 youth right here on the Central Coast about trafficking and ways to spot traffickers and their tactics.

Can you share a story from the Rising Worldwide program that has made a tremendous impact on you?
Every single Rising entrepreneur has had an impact on me. It's why I leap out of bed every morning to do this work. They are the most extraordinary people. But, let's see …let's talk about what is happening right here in Santa Cruz County. We’re all concerned about homelessness here. We’ve had many people who are unhoused become Rising social impact entrepreneurs. I’m thinking of a mom and her two kids who were referred to us. The mom had lost her job and they were living in her car and then Covid hit. They all got Covid and the news was telling everyone to stay away from the homeless. Just ripped my heart out. That’s when we created an Urgent Needs Fund and helped remove some of the barriers stacked against her. We were able to provide a hotel for her family, got her a computer, and a couple of volunteer business mentors. She’s a Rising Rep on Path 2. So this means she runs an eCommerce business that supports the Artisans on Path 1. Her mentors helped her launch her business and find permanent housing for her. She and her family are doing great now. She’s guiding Rising’s efforts for working with indigenous communities. She tells us that having people believe in her and something positive to focus on propelled her forward.

What has been the biggest challenge (or challenges) you’ve faced with Rising Worldwide? How did you overcome it?

Oh, let’s see, funding is always a challenge, just because we need to be out talking about our work more. We have a really small staff for all that we do. Can I plug that we need more volunteers?!!!

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received when it comes to running your organization?

Hmm… you know the best advice I didn't get was to have everything we do be created and led by people who have actually lived it. I’m so happy we figured that one out. All of our programs are created by survivor leaders. The Artisan Path was created by women in Afghanistan surviving war. I created Path 2, the Rising Rep path based on my experience of being a teen survivor of sexual assault, and only attending high school for 2 years. Starting my first company at 19 was how I found my voice and power. The Rising Expert Path was created by a trafficking survivor.

Another time I got some anti-advice was when a recognized business consultant told me, you can't be poor and have a big idea. I thought about all the people living in poverty that have big ideas. It made me more determined than ever.

What advice would you give to fellow founders, entrepreneurs looking to get their start, or an individual going through a challenging time?

I think you’ll need a super strong support network that you can share it all with, without judgment. They help you problem-solve. My family, friends, staff, and our board are really amazing. You’ve gotta be able to find this kind of support and let it in. If I’m going through a low moment, I don't have to hide it.

What’s next for Rising Worldwide?

Last year, we partnered with United Way Worldwide’s Center to Combat Human Trafficking. Our anti-human trafficking education was introduced in 15 states. We’d like to keep expanding like this and scale our programs.

Rising Worldwide Celebrates 20th Anniversary With Rising Higher Virtual Gala