We are survivors, too.
We’re passionate about helping DIVAS because we are DIVAS.
A note from our founder.
I wish I could say this project was birthed out of a place of complete servitude but, the truth of the matter is, it was birthed out of pain, agony, hopelessness, and finally — recovery.
Women everywhere are hurting and alone. I’d like to change that. Through the grace of God and with your help, I am confident we can.
With hope,
Chanda
Three ways
to learn from Chanda.
Chanda has committed her life to helping women find freedom. Many are moved by her story but are unsure of how to make a difference. Her response is always the same: “before we do, we must understand.” Here are a few ways she bridges the gap:
Chanda has committed her life to helping women find freedom. Many are moved by her story but are unsure of how to make a difference. Her response is always the same: “before we do, we must understand.” Here are a few ways she bridges the gap:
Read her book.
Chanda chronicles her experience during the period of time that her daughter was being trafficked through the pages of her book, “The Genesis Xperience.”
“The clock was ticking, my child would turn 18 in just a few days and I knew enough about sex trafficking to understand that minors are viewed quite differently than adults in this dark world of slavery. I called all the local organizations I could think of but it was a Saturday, so voicemails were plentiful. Finally, someone answered and 10 hours later I would discover that my 30 days of suspicion, worry, and terror would culminate into a full-blown FBI investigation in hot pursuit of a family of traffickers for which my child would be caught in the crossfire.”
Trafficking is not only what we see in the movies. Get a glimpse of the kind of trafficking happening in your neighborhood.
Invite her to speak.
Chanda has a compelling story to tell and practical guidance for all audiences who want to make an impact. Invite her to speak to your employees, your church, your women’s group, or anywhere where helpers gather.
Take her training.
Chanda created a course, K.N.O.T. My Child, that empowers mothers, fathers, teachers, clergy, coaches, and entire communities to protect the vulnerable.
Gain a deeper understanding of the sex trafficking culture, explore vulnerable population types, and learn to create a culture of prevention, recovery, and resilience.
REGISTER FOR THE VIRTUAL TRAINING
REGISTER FOR THE ARTIST’S WAY BOOK STUDY OR SEE MORE DETAILS.
CHANDA SANTANA is a prolific storyteller, author, community activist, director & founder of DIVAS Who Win Freedom Center and proud mom of 6 children.
Meet our leadership team.
Founder, Chanda Santana, works alongside a devoted team of survivors.
Chanda Santana
(she/her)
Founder & CEO
Chanda Santana is the founder and visionary leader of Divas Who Win Freedom Center, established in 2018 as a survivor-led Restoration Hub. With more than 20 years in the human services field and the strength of her own lived experience, Chanda has built a mission-driven organization that helps women reclaim their lives, step into leadership, and thrive in recovery, work, and family.
Mary Evans
(she/her)
Senior Program Director
Mary is a woman in long-term recovery and a proud returning citizen of the justice system. With nearly six years at Divas, Mary’s warm smile and compassionate heart light up every room. You’ll find her facilitating our dynamic SheWorks initiatives, connecting with the community, or managing all the behind-the-scenes magic that keeps Divas thriving.
Maggie Rocco
(she/her)
Creative Peer Coach & Program Assistant
Maggie is Mary’s trusted right-hand in workforce development, specializing in resumes and job search support. As a creative soul and mother in long-term recovery, Maggie also brings joy and inspiration to the Joy Studio. Whether you’re crafting or job hunting, Maggie is your go-to Diva!
Leah Acree
(she/her)
Bookkeeper & Part-time Peer Coach
Leah is a spirited entrepreneur with a powerful personal journey in long-term recovery and exiting the sex trade. Passionate about feeding unhoused peers through her outreach, Leah balances being our meticulous bookkeeper (she holds the money bags!) with her role as a supportive peer coach. Leah also runs her own creative venture, 5:7 Creations.
Genesis Wilson
(she/her)
Youth Development Coordinator & Compassion Coach
Genesis is a radiant woman in long-term recovery, a brave survivor of sex trafficking, and a SheWorks graduate. She brings hope, education, and genuine care to our youth. You’ll meet Genesis when filling out intake forms, where her warmth and listening ear help women envision brighter futures.
Ashley Willis
(she/her)
Welcome Coach & Peer Center Coordinator
Ashley joined Divas as an intern and proud SheWorks graduate in 2023, quickly becoming indispensable with her incredible energy and contagious enthusiasm. A woman in long-term recovery, Ashley keeps our center organized and lively. If Ashley takes a day off, everyone notices! Look forward to monthly check-in calls from Ashley—she genuinely wants to know how your journey is unfolding.
Angelica Lumpkins
(she/her)
She Grows Garden Coordinator & Transportation Peer Navigator
Angelica is a dedicated SheWorks graduate and Way of a Diva alumni currently enrolled in our apprenticeship program. She brings growth and healing to life as our She Grows Garden Coordinator. A committed woman in long-term recovery, Angelica is also training as a transportation peer navigator, ensuring Divas get where they need to go safely and confidently.
Nautica Pope
(she/her)
Image Consultant & Courage Closet Apprentice
With a flair for fashion and heart for recovery, Nautica shines as our Courage Closet image consultant. A SheWorks graduate, Nautica will become a Way of a Diva alumni in December 2025 and is currently an apprentice. She is ready to style you for any special event, ensuring you look and feel amazing.
Beverly Grant
(she/her)
She Roars Program Coordinator & Community Connector
Beverly, a dedicated mental health and addictions counselor, has been an unwavering ally to Divas since 2017. Leading the impactful She Roars program, Beverly actively builds connections in the community, deepening our support network and enhancing services for our Divas.
David Wilson
(they/them)
Artist & Wellness Peer Coach
David (they/them) is a brilliant artist and dedicated wellness peer coach at Divas Who Win Freedom Center. Living in long-term recovery and navigating mental health challenges with courage and resilience, David brings authenticity and depth to their work. Each week in the Joy Studio, they create vibrant art, lead inspiring classes, and foster meaningful connections with peers. A proud SheWorks graduate, David embodies the power of creativity, recovery, and lived experience to spark healing and hope.
Way of A DIVA Interns
Jessica Duncan
(she/her)
Donneisha Blassingame
(she/her)
Sandora Ramsay
(she/her)
Brittany Butler
Get to know our board of directors.
Our board of directors is made up of people who lead our ministry with wisdom and a driving vision for women on a journey to wellness.
Cedric Byrd-President (Founding Member)
KAT Murray- Treasurer
Alexia Jones-Founding Member
Dr. Carey Parrott- Member
Tarsha Deadwyler-Member
Keith Sims-Member
Josette Nanni- Member
Chanda Santana
Chanda is a person in long-term recovery and a Certified Addiction Empowerment Specialist. She is the founder of DIVAS Who Win and has worked in the recovery arena for more than 15 years, specializing in helping women who have experienced trauma.
Mimi Byrd
Mimi has been dedicated to the beauty industry as a salon owner for over 30 years. With those efforts, Mimi has been a passionate advocate for community economic empowerment and equity and now leverages that passion as a licensed GEORGIA Real Estate Agent.
Tracy Anthony
Tracy is an Athens native and die-hard UGA fan. She is a Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC1) and leverages her credentials to support women in recovery at a local recovery residence.
Michelle Craig
Michelle is a person in long-term recovery and works at a residential addiction recovery center. She is a certified peer specialist in addictive disease and mental health, a forensic peer mentor, and is currently pursuing a degree in social work and credentialing as an addiction counselor.
Whitney Milord
Whitney is a licensed professional therapist (LPC) in the state of Georgia. She currently works for the Northeast Georgia Health System and has her own private practice, MyLow Counseling.
Tashawna Willoughby
Tashawna was born and raised in the Athens community. She is the Executive Director of Willoughby Enterprise LLC, commercial and residential cleaning services. She’s also a regional market manager for vacation, short-term, and long-term rentals.
Morgan Cotton
Morgan’s passion meets purpose through DIVAS, as she’s always had a passion for helping young women escape sex trafficking. Morgan deeply values her professional role, but feels her most important job is being a mother to her six-year-old son, Oakland.
Cedric Byrd
Cedric is consultant and a family member of a person in long term recovery and an advocate for women’s rights and freedom. Cedric is also a graduate of Presbyterian College (B.S. Political Science) with corporate awareness and experience in the field of Finance & Payroll Management.
Too many women are trapped in a struggle for their survival.
We have an opportunity to support them as they walk towards freedom.
