Jan Edwards from the Paving the Way Foundation discusses the strategy of disrupting the cycle of child trafficking and online exploitation through education and awareness programs. She emphasizes the prevalence of child trafficking and exploitation, both in rural and urban areas, and the role of online platforms (Big Tech) in facilitating these crimes.

Jan provides practical steps individuals can take to combat child trafficking and delivers important actions to take when a child or an adult is threatened or exploited online.

The conversation also explores the concept of grooming and the tactics used by predators to exploit children online.

This conversation is for every parent and adult wanting to learn how to protect children in the digital age.

To learn more about the Paving the Way Foundation, please visit their website HERE.To learn more about or to contact the Teen Line, please visit their website HERE. The phone number for the Teen Line is 800-852-8336. To learn more about the Yellowstone Human Trafficking Task Force, please visit our website HERE.

Host: Penny Ronning Writer: Penny Ronning Producers: Penny Ronning, Ty Lowe Editor: Ty Lowe Sound Designer/Engineer: Ty Lowe Music: Ty Lowe, Konstantin Klimov Graphic Design: Rae Clark Website: Justin Townsend

Jan Edwards Bio

Jan Edwards is the founder and president of Paving the Way Foundation. She spent 25 years as an executive in sales and marketing working with organizations like Time Warner, Bright House, the United Nations, and other international groups, before taking on the worldwide initiative to prevent children from being exploited. She is a Co-Chair for the Central Florida Human Trafficking Task Force and sits on the UCF College of Criminal Justice Advisory Board.

Jan works collaboratively with organizations throughout Central Florida and the nation to fight against child trafficking and exploitation. Since 2017, Paving the Way has educated over 30,000 youth and adults, empowering kids to make smart choices online. Their work has been featured in Huffington Post, Marie Claire UK, and local news stations.

Jan has been named one of Orlando Magazine’s Women of The Year, Women on the Rise Community Impact Leader, NGO Leader of the Year, and the 2023 Victory Cup winner. She is the writer and co-director of the Award-Winning Film, Trapped in the Trade, which was featured on CNN.