Lucy Liu Calls for Unity and Awareness at New Friends New Life Luncheon

 With a message grounded in unity and hope, actress and UNICEF Ambassador Lucy Liu joined 1,000 advocates, leaders, and supporters at the 2025 New Friends New Life Stand for Her Luncheon on September 12. Held at the Omni Dallas Hotel and emceed by NBC 5’s Laura Harris, the powerful event spotlighted survivor stories, community action, and the ongoing fight to end sex trafficking in North Texas.

Nakita Johnson, Taylor Lail, Joa Schenkel, Jessica Brown

Photo by Celeste Cass

Throughout the afternoon, one message rang clear: hope is not only possible—it’s already taking root.

The program opened with a stirring rendition of “Stand by Me” by students from Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, setting the tone with a powerful message of standing in solidarity with survivors. Emcee Laura Harris then guided the audience through event highlights, including the “Her” art series on display just outside the ballroom—featuring work by NFNL Women’s Program graduate, youth mentor, and artist Robbie Hamilton.

Jane Rose, Ashley Elsey, Robin Bagwell, Jan Osborn

Luncheon Co-Chairs Lynn Dowdle and Karla Smith recognized The Honorable Betsy Price, honorary luncheon chair, along with key civic partners, donors, board members, and sponsors. They encouraged guests to continue advancing the mission beyond the ballroom.

New Friends New Life CEO Bianca Davis underscored the stakes with sobering statistics:

·        400 teens are trafficked in Dallas each night

·        Traffickers in North Texas profit $99 million annually

·        The average age of entry into trafficking in the U.S. is just 15

Ginger Hughes, Claire Bremner, Callie Storz, Renee Adams

Yet even in the face of these grim realities, Davis reminded the audience of the power of change—and of hope. With the support of donors and partners, NFNL continues to help women and girls find stability, education, employment, and healing.

Presented by Thomson Reuters, the 2025 ProtectHER Awards honored four changemakers for their commitment to protecting the value of women and girls, and their work in prevention, justice, and advocacy: Chad Frymire, Erin Nealy Cox, Eliza McCoy, and Laila Mickelwait.

Margaret Mayo, Natalie Miller, Amy Pittman, Mary Anna Rilat, Vida Valk

The centerpiece of the afternoon was a compelling conversation between NBC 5’s Laura Harris and actress and UNICEF Ambassador Lucy Liu, who brought insight, purpose, and urgency to the stage—urging guests to stay connected, take action, and never underestimate the power of awareness.

Laura Harris and Lucy Liu

Here are key takeaways from her remarks:

·        On education and ignorance: “Education helps children become independent. Things fall through the cracks because of ignorance.”

·        On trafficking around the world: While traveling with UNICEF she learned that “it wasn’t just about vaccines or education.” Kids were being kidnapped and sold. These are human rights violations.

·        On trafficking here at home: “People think trafficking only happens in war-torn countries — but it happens here, at bus stops and airports. We don’t look at it until it happens to us.”

·        On progress and community: “Ten years ago, this room wouldn’t be this full. You can’t seclude yourself from the community and expect to make an impact. It really takes a village.”

·        On the dangers of disconnection: “Technology keeps us from talking. We’re scrolling instead of connecting. That separation leads to sadness.”

·        On responsibility: “If you see something, say something. If it doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t.”

Farrah Ali, Sheriff Marian Brown, Deputy Mayor Gay Donnell Willis, Bill Wallace, Domonique Jones,

Amanda Reyes

As the event wrapped up, guests explored two powerful exhibits — Artifacts of Human Trafficking and HER, the art series by NFNL graduate Robbie Hamilton. Many also grabbed Liberty Street Garden produce bags, leaving reminded that standing for her truly drives change.

Luncheon Co-Chair Karla Smith, NFNL CEO Bianca Davis, Lucy Liu, Luncheon Co-Chair Lynn Dowdle, Honorary Chair The Honorable Betsy Price

Attendees included Robin Bagwell, Dallas County Sheriff Marian Brown, Mary Bowman Campbell, Cole Edmonson, Commissioner Elba Garcia of District 4, Elizabeth Gambrell, Jimmy Heimpel, Libby Hunt, Nancy Ann Hunt, Janet Jensen, Ashlee Kleinert, Melissa Sherrill Martin, Sharon McCullough, Michael Meadows, Peter Miller, Kelly Mitchell, Jan Osborn, Pat Schenkel, Jessica Turner Waugh, Wayne White, Stephanie Wilcox, and Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Gay Donnell Willis.