Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Jones.
Hi Kim, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I began my career as a teacher in the Dallas Independent School District, working primarily with newcomer students. Seeing firsthand, I became increasingly aware of gaps in protection and opportunity that make marginalized young people vulnerable to exploitation. That awareness led me to pursue work in anti-trafficking, and for the past sixteen years I have been engaged in efforts both locally and internationally.
Through that work, I connected with My Refuge House in the Philippines, which serves girls and young women who have survived trafficking and sexual exploitation. I was immediately drawn to their mission, and when they invited me to join as Director of Engagement, I accepted. In that role I provide education and awareness in the United States about human trafficking and support fundraising efforts that provide comprehensive and therapeutic care so that each girl can stand on her own.
Out of a need to raise funds came Fashioned for Freedom. I had a crazy idea to do a fashion show. Here’s the twist: I don’t come from a fashion background, but I do see myself as a creative, and I approached the show with that mindset. I also recognized that Dallas is full of talented designers, artists, and creatives who want to use their gifts to make a difference. Fashioned for Freedom became a way for the community to come together, support My Refuge House, and make a real impact for our survivors. In 2026, we will celebrate our 13th year.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, the road hasn’t always been smooth, but it has definitely been meaningful. Launching a fashion show without a fashion background was ambitious, and there has been so much to learn along the way. For me, I’ve always approached it with a posture of curiosity, asking myself, “What can I learn from this? How can I grow from this situation?” Every year challenges me to rethink and reimagine what we do, and just when I think I’ve figured something out, there’s always a new way to grow and improve.
Fashioned for Freedom is our largest fundraiser for My Refuge House, so there’s weight in the responsibility, but I’m surrounded by people who believe deeply in this work and walk alongside me. That support makes all the difference and reminds me that I’m never carrying it alone.
I’ve also learned that loving what you do doesn’t mean it will always be easy. The moments that feel challenging are often the ones that prepare you in the most meaningful ways. Approaching each year with flexibility, openness, and a willingness to embrace growth has been at the heart of this journey.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work with My Refuge House focuses on raising awareness about human trafficking and sexual exploitation and supporting the fundraising efforts that make our programs possible. I work to connect people with opportunities to have a real impact in the lives of survivors and the broader communities we serve.
Through my work with MRH, I have the privilege of sharing the stories of girls and young women who have survived trafficking and sexual exploitation. I focus on the impact we can have when we invest in their lives, especially through education. I often say, “When you educate a girl, you not only change her life, but you change her family’s life, her community’s life, and ultimately the trajectory of her nation.” I genuinely believe this, and it is incredibly rewarding to see the difference that hope and opportunity can make in someone’s life.
Globally, an estimated 27.6 million people are trapped in human trafficking or modern-day slavery. The scale of this problem can feel overwhelming, but even one life restored makes a difference. I love helping people understand the scope of human trafficking and how they can connect to it. Even if human trafficking is not where you feel called to focus, there are other pressing issues in the world—poverty, lack of access to education, limited access to clean water, and the exploitation of vulnerable populations. This is not an exhaustive list, but I hope it encourages people to find a way to engage and contribute to solutions.
One of the things that continues to amaze me is that Fashioned for Freedom has continued to grow and bring people together from such a wide range of communities and backgrounds. It’s a reminder that this work doesn’t belong to one person or one group. It takes many people, each bringing their own skills, perspectives, and hearts, to make it what it is.
I believe what sets this work apart is the commitment to collective effort. From the very beginning at My Refuge House, we have believed that restoring one life at a time is at the heart of everything we do. That restoration is possible because of the many people who join us on this journey.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I think having a mentor is important, especially when you’re stepping into something new. But honestly, it matters at every stage of life and work. We all need other voices speaking into our work. One piece of advice I would give is to look for people whose work you respect, who do what you want to do well, and whose perspective you value. Don’t be afraid to reach out to them. Sometimes it can be as simple as sending an email or connecting through a friend. And don’t assume they will say no. If it’s not the right time, that’s okay, but taking the chance could open doors and provide guidance in ways you might never have imagined. I’ve been doing this for a while now, and I still make it a point to stay connected with people like that.
I’ve also learned a lot from more formal mentorship or structured spaces, like cohorts. This past year, being part of one has been really valuable. You get guidance from someone leading the group and the chance to connect with peers in similar roles. It offers new perspectives, consistency, and accountability, while also building relationships with people who understand the work you’re doing.
Contact Info:
- Website: myrefugehouse.org fashionedforfreedom.com
- Instagram: @myrefugehouse @fashioned4freedom
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/MyRefugeHouse
- Youtube: @MyRefugeHouseVideos
- Other: kim@myrefugehouse.org
Image Credits
Priscilla Dasilva, Pixel Parlour – Abby Casallo, Mary Huong, and Forevermore Photography
