Accelerate Faculty

Dana World-Patterson has devoted over thirty years to teaching etiquette and image and has served thousands of individuals through her love to see people be better. The past sixteen years has been a deep dive in eradicating human trafficking.

Her journey began as she noticed the rising anger in girls through her etiquette trainings. After months of observations, she asked 15 girls she mentored, "who was touched inappropriately?" Fourteen of the 15 raised their hands to her dismay. Although saddened and hurt, a critical piece of the puzzle was present. The anger was a cry for help.

Amidst growing awareness of human sex trafficking, Dana joined forces as a founding member of the County Human Trafficking Task Force and when it sunset, she then transitioned as Chairperson of the Human Trafficking Task Force of Greater Milwaukee, an affiliate of the City of Milwaukee Commission on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. The HTTFGM is an assembling of like-minded individuals to be the community response to eradicating human trafficking.

Within this time she also established Foundations for Freedom, Inc., a 501c3, not-for-profit entity, existing to strengthen women and girls, reduce their vulnerabilities and eradicate human trafficking through education, awareness, advocacy and prevention.

Dana believes that "OneLess victim in Milwaukee is OneLess victim in the world." Foundations International is launched as she works locally and is faced globally. Recent trips to Africa and Mexico support Foundations for Freedom, Inc.'s vision to strengthen women and girls everyday worldwide.

The eradication of human trafficking at Foundations for Freedom, Inc. is community based and prevention is its core. Pillar projects are Housing Solutions (Transitional Housing), Project PINK (People Inspiring Needful Knowledge), Strength For My Sisters Shoe Giveaway and Boots Edition (Outreach), Men4Men Campaign (Education), and Moving the Needle Block by Block to End Human Trafficking (Education/Outreach).

Dana believes "it is okay to be better" and "she was born for such a time as this."

Her daily work has become wind beneath her wings. Dana is a humanitarian, speaker, author, teacher, former radio host, world traveller, creative, mother, wife and friend. She has received numerous acknowledgments and awards for her efforts to eradicate human trafficking.

Dana holds a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from UW-Oshkosh and a Bachelor's degree in Speech Pathology from Jackson State University and is pursuing a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Dana loves fine things and continues to serve and explore this journey as a life-long learner.