PEDAL THE PACIFIC 2021

Kasturi Bandyopadhyay

I joined the anti-trafficking movement because, honestly, I have very surface-level knowledge of the issue at the moment. At the basis of my curiosity, though, lies the understanding that sex trafficking commodifies the body (usually female) in a way that we’ve been trying to fight for generations. I think stepping outside of my comfort zone to use my body to showcase the strength of a woman speaks volumes. I’m hopping on the bike to provoke the hard-hitting questions and extremely necessary conversations which will help educate others and myself.
**Katy, TX**

Cameron Ciambotti

Every person should have the right to decide what happens to their body and we must advocate for those who have had that right stripped away. I hope to help spread awareness about sex trafficking while giving survivors the resources they need to begin the healing proces.
**Charlottesville, VA**

Laney Cox

“I ride because I am privileged enough to feel comfortable, secure, and safe with the people around me when so many people don’t have that luxury. I ride because every single person should feel like a person, and not like an object.”
**Hattiesburg, MS**

Rebekah Komer

I ride because there are women whose voices have been silenced and whose dreams have been stolen. I ride because this is a larger issue than many of us are willing to admit and we all, myself included, have so much to learn. Everyone’s voice matters, we have so much progress to make, and we will make it quicker when we fight together.
**Columbia, MO**

Hannah Odell

I ride in advocacy against the exploitative, oppressive structures of the sex industry that rob children, women, and human people of dignity. Biking the coast is a way to speak in solidarity with survivors, educate myself and others about the realities of human trafficking, and to use my body as a tool of advocacy.
**Austin, TX**

Emma Pitcock

My name is Emma Pitcock, I'm from Houston, TX, and I love the Lumineers, playing frisbee, drinking milk, and drawing. I ride because those who are, will be, or have been trafficked deserve to be fought for, advocated for, and invested in by those of us with the freedom to do so. Until All Are Free!
**Auburn, AL**

Carmella Quintos

I ride to support survivors, fight injustice and educate others on the prevalence of human trafficking in our communities. Whether it’s through fundraising or biking, I want to see women empower women to create real change!
**Nashville, TN**

Anna Rhodes

Hi!! My name is Anna Rhodes and I am a junior at the University of Arkansas! I ride to grow in my understanding and start conversations about how ALL people are worthy and valuable enough to be fought for and FREED!
**Fayetteville, AR**

Ellie Rudy

I’m riding with Pedal to the Pacific because everyone deserves to feel like they can take ownership of their bodies. Nobody should have the right to take that feeling away.
**Austin, TX**

Meghan Savona

I’m riding for the women and children who have been trafficked in the past, and to help create a better future for everyone.
**Wilmington, NC**

Cara Smyrl

I ride to show my community that the anti-trafficking movement is worth fighting for because no one should have to live in a world where their body is unwillingly exploited for sex day after day. By using a bike to get out of our comfort zones, we are speaking out against sex trafficking and ultimately sparking the change needed to support people who have been affected by this industry

Waco, TX

Edie Terrell

I ride to make a difference! The girls I am riding for are worth everything and every mile! I'm so excited to join the fight and make known to these girls how loved they are, while getting to educate friends and family throughout the process.
**College Station, TX**