Speakers

About Tara

Tara Teng is a human rights activist and a modern-day slavery abolitionist. Her heartbeat and passion is to see all people, regardless of nationality, culture, gender, lifestyle or belief, thrive in freedom, truth and abundance. Born in Nanaimo, BC and raised on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, Tara stands as a voice for the voiceless, promoting justice and equality for all people.

Currently studying a Bachelor’s of Education at Trinity Western University with a specialization in Secondary school English and Spanish, Tara seeks to use education as a tool to break the cycle of poverty and empower students to create a brighter future. She has taught in classrooms throughout Canada and Guatemala, served children in the project buildings of Brooklyn, NYC, and regularly works with the homeless of the Downtown Eastside in Vancouver, BC.

In July 2010, Tara was crowned Miss British Columbia 2010-2011 and has been using her title to give back to others. Tara works tirelessly to raise awareness on issues of social justice and maintains a focus on ending exploitation of children and youth internationally. Recently she spent time working alongside politicians, musicians and advocates to lead the organization of Freedom Week: March 6-13, 2011, an awareness campaign of events that will speak out against the violence and exploitation of human trafficking.

Partnering with many charities, Tara is a champion for the Dalit Freedom Network, the International Justice Mission and Traffic Jam, speaking out against racial oppression and social injustice. In November 2010, Tara was nominated as one of the Globe and Mail’s Top 25 Transformational Canadians due to her extensive advocacy work.

In January 2011, Tara was crowned as Miss Canada and is continuing her work for justice and freedom. In June 2011, Tara traveled to Thailand and Cambodia to partner with local anti-human trafficking organizations in the red light districts of major cities, offering hope to women and children rescued from forced sexual exploitation.

Currently, Chatelaine Magazine and CityTV’s “Women of the Year” awards have recognized Tara as being part of the next generation of future leaders. She has been nominated as one of the Top 20 finalists; whether she is awarded the honor or not, she will continue to actively fight injustice, exploitation and human trafficking throughout our world.

This summer, Tara will lead a team across ten Canadian cities to raise awareness of human trafficking through the Ignite the Road to Justice Tour. Tara will be the key speaker educating and inciting participation to end human trafficking. Their goal is to ignite a powerful, unified, grassroots movement that speaks up for the exploited. The tour will run from August 15 to September 4 and will visit Vancouver, Kamloops, Calgary, Regina, Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, Ottawa, St. Catharines, and the Greater Toronto Area.

About Tania 

*Note: Tania has chosen to step down from speaking during the tour. She is still a valued member of the team, however will not be publicly speaking at any of the events. For more information, click here.*

Tania Fiolleau is the author of Souled Out! which is an account of her life in the prostitution industry as a Madam. The void that her profession had left in her heart could not be filled with all the money in the world. However, the faithfulness of her Lord has guided her path through child abuse, prostitution and endless turmoil, and has restored her hope and filled her heart with life and love. Today Tania is an abolitionist and speaker advocating and combating human trafficking and exploitation. Tania has been featured on various international TV and Radio shows, fighting against women’s abuse and prostitution. Tania has recently spoken on The Miracle Channel, Sun News Prime Time, CBC’s The Current, and The Huffington Post. The book Souled Out! will become a Major Motion Hollywood feature film with A-list actors and has been gaining world-wide media attention. Tania is speaking out more forcefully than ever now, and will help Ignite the Road to Justice.

Visit www.savethewomen.ca for more info.