Freedom and Futures for Sex Trafficked Women
In this episode of SuperPumped Business and Life, host BenWalters interviews Ryan and April Berg as they share how they started the Aruna Project, an initiative aimed at freeing, employing, and empowering victims of human trafficking.
The Berg’s share their personal journey that led them to confront the harsh realities of sex trafficking in India, and discuss the stark differences in trafficking methods between India and the U.S. They highlight the systemic issues that perpetuate trafficking, and the innovative solutions Aruna has developed to provide holistic care and pathways to freedom for survivors. They discuss the multifaceted approach to helping trafficking survivors regain their freedom and rebuild their lives. They outline the four pillars of recovery: mental-emotional, relational-social, economic-financial, and physical-environmental. The discussion highlights the importance of individualized care plans, the journey from trauma to employment, and the transformative stories of resilience from survivors. They also delve into the sustainable business model that supports these efforts.
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Chapters:00:39 – The shocking moment in an airport that changed everything 02:00 – Discovering the horrors of sex trafficking in India 04:00 – Ryan walks through a red-light district for the first time 06:00 – Why they couldn’t walk away 08:00 – The differences between trafficking in India and the U.S. 13:00 – From victims to survivors: what recovery looks like 23:30 – How Aruna combines nonprofit care + business solutions 30:00 – One woman’s journey from brothel to business leader 36:00 – How athleisure gear funds freedom and hope 41:00 – How to support Aruna (runs, donations, and more)#arunaproject #humantraffickingawareness #nonprofitleadership #socialentrepreneurship #traumainformedcare #survivorstories #antitrafficking #superpumpedpodcast
Ryan Berg & April Berg
Co-Founders
Ryan is the Co-Founder and CEO of the Aruna Project, a premium athleisure bags and accessories brand creating lifelong freedom for survivors of human trafficking through employment supported by holistic care. By combining the best of nonprofit services and business solutions, Aruna implements a vertically integrated model from exploitation to employment to ensure lifelong freedom.
Ryan’s experiences span education and entrepreneurship both in the U.S. and abroad. He has conquered the Great Wall, survived a street fight in India, held a world record, and competed against NBA all-stars—all with the common thread of serving the undervalued. He is a former board member of the Freedom Business Alliance, a Praxis fellow, and holds an Executive MBA from Cornell’s SC Johnson School of Business. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Toledo, where he played on the men’s basketball team and served as a University Ambassador.
April is the Co-Founder of the Aruna Project, a premium athleisure brand dedicated to creating lifelong freedom for survivors of human trafficking through employment and holistic care. A former student-athlete and registered nurse, April’s journey has always been rooted in helping others. Her hands-on experiences in both sports and healthcare uniquely prepared her to co-lead a movement that blends purpose with impact. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her high school sweetheart and their three amazing kids.