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About Us
In 2020, a group of women embarked on an incredible journey. Armed with over 30 years of combined anti-trafficking experience, they sought to find a way to empower survivors to realize the dreams that had been stolen from them by their traffickers... a way to help them recognize their innate potential and reclaim control of their own life stories. Although many organizations offer wonderful transitional programs, the question that kept everyone awake at night was "what happens next?" While housing, counseling, healthcare, and life skills have always been critical parts of the healing equation, something more was needed for a comprehensive, truly life-changing solution. The answer they unanimously arrived at: An accessible, debt-free path to higher education. And so, the "Survivors Count" Scholarship was born.
Our Team
Abigail Porter-Sloan, J.D., M.Ed.
Abigail Porter-Sloan, J.D., M.Ed.
Abigail Porter-Sloan, J.D., M.Ed.
Abby leads Petal to STEM as president and CEO. A former human rights attorney, she brings a wealth of knowledge about the law and a heart for social justice. Abby's love for humanity extends to the animal kingdom as well. Besides being an adoptive "mama" to two special needs dogs and a cat, she often volunteers at a local rescue shelter
Dr. Viola Johson-Lee, DSW, LCSW
Abigail Porter-Sloan, J.D., M.Ed.
Abigail Porter-Sloan, J.D., M.Ed.
Dr. Vi spearheads the operations of Petal to STEM through her role as COO. As a seasoned social worker with a specialty in trauma recovery, she brings a holistic approach to the organization's programs. Dr. Vi's passion for combatting trafficking goes beyond the office and into the streets, where she frequently participates in rescue operations.
Emily Steinberg, MBA, CPA
Abigail Porter-Sloan, J.D., M.Ed.
Emily Steinberg, MBA, CPA
As Petal to STEM's numbers guru, Emily brings unparalleled expertise to her roles as CFO and Director of Development. She is also a living, breathing example of what women can accomplish through STEM. As such, Emily enjoys serving as a mentor to our scholarship recipients and provides free financial planning guidance to all program participants.
Farah Kahn, MFT, LMHC
Rosemary Colavita, Ed.S., MSW
Emily Steinberg, MBA, CPA
As Petal to STEM's Support and Intervention Manager, Farah coordinates our mentor program and trains volunteers to recognize and address potential challenges to our students' success. Her training as a mental health counselor, combined with her own experience as a trafficking survivor, gives Farah unique insights to the nexus between mental health and academic success.
Rosemary Colavita, Ed.S., MSW
Rosemary Colavita, Ed.S., MSW
Rosemary Colavita, Ed.S., MSW
Rosemary seamlessly juggles countless tasks as Petal to STEM's Scholarship Coordinator. From reviewing applications and developing students' academic plans to coordinating tuition payments and securing textbooks, she keeps our scholarship program and our students on track. As if that's not enough, in her free time, Rosemary also offers free tutoring services to at-risk inner city youth.