Together
We Reach, Rescue and Restore Survivors of Human Trafficking
About Us
At Glory House of Miami, we are committed to bringing healing and restoration to those affected by human trafficking. As a faith-based non-profit organization, our primary goal is to share the love of Christ and help survivors recognize their worth and value as unique individuals. Our vision is to empower survivors to find true freedom and live a life of hope through Jesus Christ.
We offer a holistic approach to recovery by supporting their journey through the restoration of their mind, body, and spirit. We strongly believe in the power of partnerships. We work with law enforcement, victim advocates, violence shelters, NGOs, and other community organizations to combat human trafficking in Miami and throughout the United States.
Our programs and services are designed to help survivors reclaim their lives and embrace a new identity, one that is not defined by their past experiences. We believe that everyone has a future full of hope and we are dedicated to helping survivors achieve it.
During the summer of 2011, we became acutely aware of the prevalence of sex trafficking within our community. The staggering statistics weighed heavily on our hearts, inspiring us to take action. We pledged to create a sanctuary of hope, a place where those ensnared in the chains of trafficking could find respite and rekindle their spirits. Our mission became one of compassion and dedication, woven together with the threads of healing and freedom.
As we dove deeper into the issue of sex trafficking, we realized that it was a complex problem that required a multi-faceted approach. We knew that we couldn’t do it alone, so we began to reach out to other organizations and individuals who shared our passion for justice. Together, with the help of many volunteers and donors, we formed a network of support that allowed us to address the various needs of survivors, from healthcare to legal services to job training.
Since opening our doors, we have watched survivors heal from their physical and emotional wounds, and have witnessed them discovering their self-worth. We know that our work is far from finished, but we are committed to continuing our mission of compassion and dedication.
The team
BETTY LARA | Executive Director | [email protected]
Betty worked in the corporate business world for more than 30 years. During that tenure, she managed large accounts, established project guidelines, implemented internal information technology needs, and set up support structures in several major U.S. corporations. Consequently, she opened her own Real EstateDevelopment business and was in charge of all the operational development. As Executive Director for GloryHouse of Miami, Betty has taken all the experience gained throughout the years to build the internal structure for Glory House of Miami. Betty’s heart was moved to serve at Glory House of Miami in 2013 because of her passion to see women be set free from bondage.
JESSICA RIVERO
Operations Manager
[email protected]
SOPHIE NAVARETTE
Programs Manager
[email protected]
JENNIFER “JLO” LOPEZ
Care Coordinator
[email protected]
BRITTANY LOYNAZ
Programs Assistant
[email protected]
Our Board
MARIA VADIA | Founder and Chairman
The Glory House of Miami came into being in obedience to a dream the Lord gave Maria Vadia to care for survivors of sex trafficking. She is committed to making Jesus known by preaching the Gospel in third-world countries. She is active in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of the Archdiocese of Miami.
MARLENE RIESCO | Board-Chair Member
Marlene is passionate about sharing the love of Christ and restoring women to the dignity of being a daughter of the King. For fifteen years Marlene has walked along side and mentored girls and young women as they grow closer to Jesus by putting scripture into everyday practice. Marlene served for six years as President of the Board of Directors of Touching Miami with Love, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and empowering children, youth, and adults in Overtown and West Homestead.
VERONICA RAMIREZ | Board Member
Veronica has been working in finance within the corporate business world for over 21 years. Despite her fast-paced schedule, she has always found time to serve her church and multiple organizations that focused on offering a helping hand with numerous projects and bringing the Word of God to the community. She has also committed much of her time educating herself, as well as others in her community, on the prevalence of sex trafficking.
SUSIE LAMIGUEIRO | Board Member
Susie Lamigueiro has more than 20 years of experience working in the Theater, Film and Television industry. Her passion is Jesus, and her heart’s desire is to serve and bring God’s Kingdom purpose to the earth though prayer, intersession and action. Susie is honored to serve as a Board member for Glory House of Miami, a crucial and needed ministry in and through Miami and South Florida’s communities.
CRISTINA OLIVO | Board Member
Christina is an attorney and focuses her practice on complex commercial litigation. Her experience includes product liability, employment, financial services, and international litigation. A graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law, Christina has been recognized in Best Lawyers’ “Ones to Watch” list since 2021. Christina calls Miami home and earned her undergraduate degree from Florida International University, graduating summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa.
SAFIYA JACKSON | Board Member
Safiya joined Glory House of Miami because the ministry directly aligns with her purpose. She believes healing is possible and should be available to women in the City of Miami and beyond. She is a board-certified music therapist and owner of Therismos Therapy LLC. Therismos is a music therapy private practice that seeks healing and transformation of women who have experienced trauma and adverse experiences in their past. Safiya believes in the collaboration of music, therapy, and the Holy Spirits as a divine catalyst to create a safe environment for healing.
ILIANA CANALS | Board Member
Iliana is a paralegal with over 20 years of experience as a paralegal. Iliana holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and an intern license for private investigators. However, her true passion lies in rescuing and restoring survivors of human trafficking. It all began in 2018 when she started working as a caregiver at Glory House. Her time spent with survivors of human trafficking ignited a new sense of purpose within her. She soon realized that human trafficking was prevalent within her own country, and her passion for helping survivors grew even stronger. Iliana’s love for encouraging others has led her to support and dedicate her time to different areas within Glory House.
