About Us
Kristen DiAngelo is a community organizer, political activist, expert witness and founder of The AC Project. Residing in Northern California, Kristen has worked in the sex trade since the mid 70’s and as a result of the sex industry has flourished. Currently, Kristen works as a political activist, educator, and Executive Director of SWOP Sacramento. Ms. DiAngelo is the Executive Producer, Producer, and Co-writer for the award-winning documentary American Courtesans. American Courtesans, has screened in 7 countries and is currently carried in numerous libraries across the US and Canada. Winner of three “Best Documentary” Awards, one “Audience Choice” Award, one “Award of Excellence” and Recipient of a Human Rights and Civil Rights Award out of Jakarta, Indonesia, Kristen has spoken around the world about the plights of sex workers under prohibition in the United States. Kristen’s sex trade experience spans the streets, the massage parlors, the brothels of Nevada, owning a service and working the internet. Pimped repeatedly- but now independent for more years than not- she’s drawn strength from adversity, transforming from a victim of poverty and exploitation to a warrior for the rights of those who are marginalized and those who chose to work in the sex trade.
Kimberlee is Co-founder of Sacramento Sex Workers Outreach Project (SacSWOP) draws her expertise on the sex industry from sixteen years of sex work and twelve years of political advocacy for sex workers. She’s co-founded two major advocacy organizations in the US and has worked in development and communications at the nation’s first health clinic for sex workers. Kimberlee is a formidable spokesperson for the industry and has been featured in several prime time television and radio interviews as well as in print and Internet outlets. With fearless honesty, Kimberlee discusses her experiences working in all aspects of the adult industries to help illuminate the hidden truths so often masked by fear and stigma.
Her innovative approach to community organizing has helped expand a nationwide network of thousands of sex workers and advocates who believe in a rights-based approach to policy making. Kimberlee utilizes horizontal organizing principles that have empowered sex workers to be the leaders in the movement toward civil, labor and human rights.
Julie Debbs, uses her past experiences as a sexworker, for over three decades, to be an effective advocate and ally to help other sexworkers use harm reduction techniques, as well as assist those who want to exit the sex trade. Julie understands the effect sexwork has on a larger scale of social and economic issues of sexual exploitation and human trafficking. She has over six year experience working at a dropin center with victims of the sexual exploitation and trauma. Julie has an AA Degree in Chemical Dependency Studies and has earned the William Randolph Hearst Award for Outstanding Achievement at California State University, Sacramento while working on her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. In addition, she has been honored with the Oprah Winfrey’s Ambassador of Hope. Julie’s story has been featured on Capitol Public Radio through the nationwide radio program StoryCorps. Also, Julie has been interviewed on Fox 40 News in Sacramento advocating for victims of sexual exploitation and discussing the profiles of predators. She is aiding SWOP, Sacramento as Director of Operations, and uses her past experience as a tool to assist others in letting them know that their voice matters.
Pearl Callahan, a retired sex worker and massage therapist, came from the Oak Park area of Sacramento, CA. Her story began on the streets where at a young age, she as a young black mother chose to enter the sex trade. From her life on the streets and the hustle of pimps and undesirables; to the houses in Nevada; she understands first hand of the harm that a person can befall when not treated equally under the law. Today Pearl is an empowered advocate for those who are abused and speaks out about what others do to help them. She has deep ties to the street workers of Sacramento due to her Oak Park legacy. Pearl Callahan was one of the interviewees in the film “American Courtesans”, an award winning documentary about the sex trade in the US.
James’ media resume includes writing, producing, directing, and editing both commercial and entertainment content for web, television, VoD, DVD, and theater platforms. His most notable work to date is the film “American Courtesans”, which he co-wrote, co-produced, and directed. His education includes a Bachelor of Science and Masters in Management.
James has been involved in civil and human rights activism since he was in his teens. His volunteer work and advocacy have involved him in the LGBT, Homeless, and Sex Worker Communities. His varied work and travel experience, coupled with his advocacy and media experience, make him an ideal fit for SWOP.