On the heels of International Women’s Day, a local nonprofit is using fashion to bring attention to the issue of human trafficking. The Bridge International will host the Runway to Resilience event Thursday, March 19, from 6-8 p.m. at Raleigh Founded. The event features a fashion show and pop-up shops, with all proceeds used to support women and girls recovering from human trafficking.
Purchase tickets at Eventbrite.
We chatted with one of the organizers for more info about the event and how to join the fight against trafficking.
Please introduce yourself!
My name is Jess Porta, and I serve as the Board Chair of The Bridge International. The Bridge works to support survivors of human trafficking by connecting them with resources, services, and community partnerships that help them rebuild their lives. In addition to my role with the board, I work closely with our team and partners to grow awareness, expand survivor support programs, and organize community initiatives like Runway to Resilience.
Tell us about the mission of The Bridge International.
The Bridge International exists to support survivors of human trafficking by connecting them with the resources they need to heal and rebuild their lives. Our work focuses on collaboration, partnering with local organizations, service providers, and community members to ensure survivors can access housing, counseling, legal support, job training, and other critical services.
We believe long-term recovery requires community. Our goal is to build a strong network of partners and advocates who can walk alongside survivors as they regain independence, safety, and opportunity.
The issue of human trafficking often feels global in scale. Does it affect people locally?
Yes, absolutely. Human trafficking is often portrayed as something that happens overseas, but it is a very real issue in our own communities. North Carolina consistently ranks among the top states in the US for reported trafficking cases, and the Triangle region is not immune.
Trafficking can take many forms, including labor trafficking and sex trafficking, and often affects vulnerable populations such as youth and individuals experiencing economic hardship. The reality is that it happens much closer to home than most people realize, which is why local awareness and community action are so important.
Are there actionable steps readers can take to help fight human trafficking?
There are several meaningful ways people can get involved.
First, education and awareness are incredibly powerful. Learning how trafficking happens and recognizing the warning signs helps communities respond more effectively.
Second, supporting organizations that serve survivors, through donations, volunteering, or advocacy, directly strengthens the resources available to people who need them.
Finally, community engagement matters. Events like Runway to Resilience bring people together, spark conversations, and raise both awareness and funding for survivor support programs. Even simply sharing information or attending events helps build the network of support survivors need.
What inspired Runway to Resilience, and what is in store for the evening?
Runway to Resilience was inspired by the idea that fashion can be a platform for empowerment and storytelling. We wanted to create an event that celebrates creativity while also raising awareness about human trafficking and supporting survivors.
The evening will feature a fashion show highlighting local designers and brands, with community members serving as models. Many of the looks are connected to our clothing drive, which collects new and gently used women’s clothing that will be used in the show and then donated to support survivors.
The event is designed to be both inspiring and engaging, bringing together art, community, and advocacy in a way that sparks conversation and meaningful impact.
What designers are participating in the fashion show?
We’re excited to feature a number of incredible local designers and brands, including Lifted Millinery, Sabrina Lee, BrandFuel, Worldclass Clothing, Fall Back Vintage, and our Presenting Sponsor and designer Petersons Consigning Design. Each brings a unique creative perspective, and we’re thrilled to showcase the talent that exists here in our local community.
We’re also continuing to welcome additional designers and brands who want to participate and support the mission.
Is there still time to donate to the clothing drive or sign up as a volunteer?
Yes! We are still welcoming both clothing donations and volunteers. The clothing drive is collecting new or gently used women’s clothing that will either be featured in the fashion show or donated directly to survivors.
Volunteers are also essential to making the event possible, from helping with event logistics to supporting the models and designers backstage.
Anyone interested can reach out through The Bridge International to learn more about how to get involved.
The biggest help right now is helping us spread the word about this event!
Anything else you’d like to add?
One of the most powerful things about this event is how many people from the community have come together to make it happen, designers, volunteers, local businesses, and supporters who care deeply about this issue.
Human trafficking can feel overwhelming, but events like Runway to Resilience remind us that collective action makes a difference. When communities come together, we can create real pathways to healing, dignity, and opportunity for survivors.
