By AFRO Staff

WEModel USA, a women-led fashion agency dedicated to raising awareness about human trafficking, recently held their 2023 Fashion Gala. As human trafficking is the second highest ranking international crime, the organization raises awareness on a global scale.

The founder, Patricia Watts, helps source models from across the nation to be in international campaigns in countries including Dubai, Italy and Paris. The WEModelUSA 2023 Gala and Charity Event was hosted on July 29 at MGM National Harbor aiming to “Connect2Protect.” Throughout the upscale fashion event, resources were provided to those at risk of human trafficking. A victim to victim panel was held and attendees were able to begin building a global trusted network through the foreign embassies, international civil service leaders and the fashion/beauty industry representatives present.

  • Local news network WUSA anchor Darren M. Haynes and Emily Giovinazzo, owner of the Bella Li Studio, serve as emcees for the long-awaited annual gala. (Photos courtesy of B&K Photography)
  • Monique Smith (left), Theresa Jenkins, Mayor Cashenna Cross, Michelle Mras and Bella Levy speak as panelists on the Victim to Victim forum (Photos courtesy of B&K Photography)
  • Dr. Renee’ Allen (left), Jana Sedlakova, Lamont Easter, Patricia Watts, Dr. Mobi, Nancy Alert and Josie Valdez pose after judging the WEModel USA fashion show. (Photos courtesy of B&K Photography)
  • The event features a Human Trafficking Museum exhibit, where model Aiden Bridgett stages himself at a bus stop.The National Human Trafficking Hotline in the United States conducted a series of surveys and focus groups with survivors of trafficking and found that 42 percent of survivors stated that they or their traffickers utilized local or long distance buses in the facilitation of their exploitation. (Photos courtesy of B&K Photography)
  • Patricia Watts, owner of WeModel USA, struts down the runway in front of a crowded audience. (Photos courtesy of B&K Photography)