Greetings!
Thank you for taking the time to read through this important update from Greg Smith, Chair of the Board of Directors, and Stephanie Clark, CEO of Amirah.
Message from the Greg Smith, Chair of the Board of Directors:
It is sad news that we bring today letting you know that Stephanie Clark, the CEO of Amirah for the past seven years, has decided to transition out of her role with us next month. Stephanie came to Amirah when we were in need of leadership to help us get off the ground. What has happened over the past seven years is nothing less than a miracle from God’s hand. We have gone from offering one safe home refuge to now offering several programs of refuge reaching more than a hundred women each year. When Stephanie came on board, she was the singular staff, and now we have over a dozen amazing employees that pour themselves into this work as we support women leaving the commercial sex trade. I could continue to go on, but I will pause here to let you hear directly from Stephanie herself.
Message from Stephanie Clark:
It is with a deep sense of gratitude and peace that I have decided to leave my position as CEO of Amirah. I cannot even begin to express the fullness of what these past seven years have meant to me. There has been growth in the number of programs and services we provide, now offering three various types of housing and refuge spaces for women as they exit the commercial sex trade. We have reached hundreds of women through the work we do all because of your support. We have seen our graduates move forward with their lives. This has been good, hard work. While I know that transitions are never what we have in mind, I want to express my sincere gratitude for all that you have done for each woman we have had the chance to serve. It has been an honor to work alongside you as we provide a refuge of hope. I know that with your continued support of the new CEO, Mary Speta and the team here at Amirah, this mission of providing a refuge will not only continue, but flourish.
Continuation from Greg Smith:
As Stephanie wrote, we are excited to announce that Mary Speta, who has been with us for four years as our Chief Impact Officer, has accepted the position as our new CEO effective April 15. Mary has led our fundraising efforts to new heights over these years and has offered excellent leadership of our Education Program. She is a policy expert, a survivor of commercial sexual exploitation, and lived-experience expert. The board and Stephanie have all unanimously agreed that Mary is the natural choice to lead Amirah as we continue to perfect and grow our services.
In the coming weeks, be on the lookout on our social media platforms for a message from Mary Speta to hear her heart for this work and the vision ahead for Amirah.
We will collectively end here with a note of deep appreciation and thanksgiving for all that you have done, are doing, and will continue to do for each woman we have a chance to serve. Amirah is stronger because of your continued support and commitment to this great mission.
With Hope -
Greg Smith, Board Chair
Stephanie Clark, CEO
