Meet Diana Mao: a radical, world-changing 28-year-old. By day she helps businesses and government agencies run more efficiently. By night she helps save the lives of victims caught in the all-consuming Goliath that is modern day slavery. In 2009, Diana started Nomi Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to eradicating human trafficking by teaching victims to financially support themselves, and help lift them out of poverty and slavery. By giving women small micro-loans that help them buy materials, create, and sell recyclable bags with the tag line “Buy Her Bag Not Her Body,” Nomi Network is helping women across the world change their lives.
What inspired you to start Nomi Network?
Diana Mao: I started Nomi Network in 2009 after my experiences in Cambodia. I got a fellowship with a micro-finance institution and spent time with the people there. I had an experience where a father offered my colleague and I his child. He didn’t want to give her up but his circumstances made it so he couldn’t provide for his children. That first encounter really hit me and made me want to push this issue further.
What are your goals for Nomi Network?
DM: We hope to create about 100,000 jobs for women who have survived sex trafficking by 2025. We want to keep expanding so
we’ll always be able to help a victim in need.
Those are big goals. What gives you hope these things can be accomplished?
DM: The organizations we’ve worked with have helped employ dozens of women; they’ve helped create demand for our products, and are changing the lives of women subjected to sex trafficking. Professionals of all backgrounds have donated their time and are committed to seeing this problem eradicated. With so many committed people behind us, I know we won’t let these women down.
What does a world-saving, Twenty Something like you do for fun?
DM: I’m really busy so when I have time to myself I love to bike, run, have a drink, and dance. I also love to travel!
What would you say to someone who wants to change something but thinks they’re too young to do it?
DM: Commitment and passion prevail over age. You need people to back you and you must partner with people with skills you lack. Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you and share your vision. And you need mentors! Go out and find advisers who can help nurture your vision.
What inspired you to start Nomi Network?
Diana Mao: I started Nomi Network in 2009 after my experiences in Cambodia. I got a fellowship with a micro-finance institution and spent time with the people there. I had an experience where a father offered my colleague and I his child. He didn’t want to give her up but his circumstances made it so he couldn’t provide for his children. That first encounter really hit me and made me want to push this issue further.
What are your goals for Nomi Network?
DM: We hope to create about 100,000 jobs for women who have survived sex trafficking by 2025. We want to keep expanding so
we’ll always be able to help a victim in need.
Those are big goals. What gives you hope these things can be accomplished?
DM: The organizations we’ve worked with have helped employ dozens of women; they’ve helped create demand for our products, and are changing the lives of women subjected to sex trafficking. Professionals of all backgrounds have donated their time and are committed to seeing this problem eradicated. With so many committed people behind us, I know we won’t let these women down.
What does a world-saving, Twenty Something like you do for fun?
DM: I’m really busy so when I have time to myself I love to bike, run, have a drink, and dance. I also love to travel!
What would you say to someone who wants to change something but thinks they’re too young to do it?
DM: Commitment and passion prevail over age. You need people to back you and you must partner with people with skills you lack. Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you and share your vision. And you need mentors! Go out and find advisers who can help nurture your vision.
Nomi Network Fashion Bags Send the Message.
Nomi Network is a non-profit organization that aims to leverage the marketplace, film, and fashion to eradicate human trafficking. It aims to increase the financial independence of women who are vulnerable to or are survivors of sex trafficking. 100% of the profits are reinvested into training and education programs that further this cause.
To help please Contact inso@nominetwork.org
Nomi Network needs people to donate money, host
events that raise awareness about their products and
write and design new products.
http://www.washingtonlife.com/2010/10/22/twenty-something-diana-mao-helps-change-the-world/
To help please Contact inso@nominetwork.org
Nomi Network needs people to donate money, host
events that raise awareness about their products and
write and design new products.
http://www.washingtonlife.com/2010/10/22/twenty-something-diana-mao-helps-change-the-world/
