Guest: Cyntia Luvlee - Shyne

Last week, we began our conversation with Cynthia Luvlee, CEO and Founding Board Member of Shyne. If you missed that episode, I encourage you to go back and listen as we discussed the economic challenges facing vulnerable communities and how innovative organizations are responding.
Today, we continue that important conversation by exploring Shyne's revolutionary approach to supporting survivors of trafficking and exploitation. Cynthia and her unstoppable team of dedicated volunteers and employees work tirelessly to provide survivor entrepreneurs with access to small business support, mentorship, coaching, education, and capital.
They envision a new economy where survivor business owners network to maximize impact and accelerate innovative solutions. By generating equity and shifting power, they believe financial independence and freedom for all survivors is possible.
In this second part of our conversation, Cynthia shares how Shyne has reimagined support services by focusing on purpose, dignity, and entrepreneurship rather than traditional "rescue" models. We'll explore how building ongoing relationships and responsive programming has created a sustainable community where survivors design their own paths to success.
As fellow nonprofit leaders, there's so much we can learn from each other's approaches, even when our missions differ. Let's dive back into this enlightening conversation.
Listen to part 1 here: EP78: From Rescue to Empowerment - A better model for survivor support
About our guest and Shyne:
Cynthia LuvleeCEO | Founding Board Memberhttps://www.shynesd.org/
Shyne’s unstoppable team of dedicated volunteers and employees work on behalf of survivor entrepreneurs access to small business support, mentorship, coaching, education and capital. They envision a new economy where survivor business owners network to maximize impact and accelerate innovative solutions. By generating equity and shifting power, they believe financial independence and freedom for all survivors is possible. 

A Candid Conversation About Economic Vulnerability and Innovative Solutions
In this unfiltered discussion with Cynthia Luvlee, CEO and Founding Board Member of Shyne, we explore the harsh economic realities facing vulnerable communities today and how innovative approaches can create meaningful change. From skyrocketing housing costs to devastating program cuts, Cynthia offers unique insights into how these pressures particularly impact trafficking survivors.
Drawing from her extensive background in social services, Cynthia reveals why traditional support systems often fall short and how Shyne's entrepreneurship-focused model empowers survivors as leaders of their own lives rather than victims to be rescued.
This episode marks the beginning of a revealing series with Cynthia. We'll continue to explore topics including grief processing, community building, and systemic change. Join us for this candid conversation about real challenges and transformative solutions in today's complex economic landscape.
About our guest and Shyne:
Cynthia LuvleeCEO | Founding Board Memberhttps://www.shynesd.org/
Shyne’s unstoppable team of dedicated volunteers and employees work on behalf of survivor entrepreneurs access to small business support, mentorship, coaching, education and capital. They envision a new economy where survivor business owners network to maximize impact and accelerate innovative solutions. By generating equity and shifting power, they believe financial independence and freedom for all survivors is possible.