Standing with Survivors. Fighting for Freedom.
Our mission is to defend, protect, and believe survivors while relentlessly pursuing justice, healing, and hope—mobilizing communities to create pathways to freedom and lasting restoration.
At Arukah Project, this mission comes to life through a survivor-led approach and deep collaboration with community partners. We create safe, supportive environments where survivors are heard, believed, and empowered—while working alongside local organizations to build clear, sustainable pathways toward healing and long-term restoration.
Our Vision
Leadership
Loreal W.
Executive Director & Founder
loreal.weitzel@arukahproject.org
Loreal graduated with a BA in Psychology from the University of Santa Cruz, is a Certified Human Trafficking Case Manager in California, and has an MA in Intercultural Studies with a focus on Children at Risk from Fuller Seminary. She founded Arukah Project in 2019 with a passion to restore the lives of sex trafficking survivors from all over California.
Board Members
Stacy B.
Board Member and Advisor
Stacy believes that injustice can be eradicated if each of us contributes to the effort; particularly in the areas of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. She holds a BA in Criminal Justice and an MA in Forensic Psychology. Over the past 13 years, she has dedicated her career to supporting survivors of sex trafficking; serving as a Residential Advisor, Case Manager and Family Education Specialist. Stacy loves the Lord, and enjoys spending time with her family.
John G.
EMS Director, CAPCE Education
Board Member & Advisor
Dr. Grady graduated from the Midwestern University, Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2008. He now works in Santa Cruz specializing in Emergency Medicine, Osteopathy, and Rejuvenation Therapies. He is a Board Certified Emergency Medicine Osteopathic physician at Dominican Hospital’s Emergency Room in Santa Cruz and has treated thousands of Santa Cruz natives suffering from trauma, sports injuries, infections, acute complications of chronic conditions, and much more.
Debby B.
Board Member and Advisor
Debby is an experienced local government professional with extensive experience in economic development, inter-governmental relations, and public sector leadership. Throughout her career she has been dedicated to strengthening local economics that support business expansion, job creation and long-term economic vitality.
Debby managed comprehensive economic development programs, including oversight of a Small Business Revolving Loan Program designed to expand access to capital for emerging and established businesses, and an Enterprise Zone Program that provided business tax incentives to revitalize blighted areas. Through strategic collaboration with local businesses, regional partners and community organizations, she helped develop and foster entrepreneurship and sustainable economic growth. Debby has represented government at both local and state levels, building strong relationships and partner agencies and stakeholders to advance policy initiatives and coordinated programs that support the principles of the Economic Development Legislative Program strategic initiatives that guide county decisions and actions. Debby played a key leadership role in managing the Economic Development Committee which advises on policies and programs guiding its efforts to provide informed recommendations to elected officials and senior leadership. Through this work she contributed to shaping policies and programs that support a thriving business environment and enhance the overall economic well-being of the community. Known for her extensive experience in economic development and program management, Debby has a strong commitment to public service and community impact.