Our Founder

History

In 2002, while on holiday in Europe, Deborah Sigmund first heard the phrase “human trafficking.” She had no idea what this was. When the issue was explained to her, she was horrified that buying and selling children is actually a huge business. In fact, it is the fastest growing criminal industry in the world today, producing over $32 billion annually. Every day, young women and children are being bought and sold, used and tortured. As a mother, she felt something had to be done.

her_majesty To learn more about the issue, she talked to the non-profit organizations such as The Protection Project, Save the Children, and Vital Voices. In addition, she went to the United Nations to hear what was being done and met with Ricky Martin and his Ricky Martin Foundation. Knowing of her dedication to the issue, Deborah flew to Stockholm to meet with Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden (photographed above with Mrs. Sigmund), who had been working on this issue since 1996. The belief they all shared was that combating trafficking had to become a major global effort and together they could become a stronger voice.

From the U.S. Department of State, Mrs. Sigmund learned that there is a tremendous need to create awareness. When she talked to her circle of friends, they agreed to help. As a result, Innocents at Risk was formed and became a 501(c)(3) in 2005.

“To see but not to see,
To see but to deny,
To see but not to act is a crime against a child.
You can all do something.
You can make a difference.
Save a child.”

- Queen Silvia of Sweden

Deborah Stark Sigmund

debbie Mrs. Deborah Sigmund is the Founder and Director of Innocents at Risk, a non-profit, founded in April 2005, to help stop the trafficking of women and children. The United States Department of State has endorsed the organization’s efforts on behalf of the three million women and children who are trafficked annually worldwide.

In April of 2010 Deborah received the annual Making a Difference Award from the Soroptomist International – Alexandria Chapter. In May of 2010 Deborah received the Ruby Award from the Soroptomist International – U.S. Chapter, in recognition of her outstanding work to improve the lives of women.

Prior to becoming the full-time Executive Director of Innocents at Risk, Mrs. Sigmund was President of the CMW Group, an international consulting firm specializing in Latin America. She continues to serve on the board of the U.S. Mexico Chamber of Commerce.

Along with her professional accomplishments, Mrs. Sigmund is well-known in the Washington area for her work on behalf of charitable organizations such as The Washington Ballet, Knock Out Abuse, Second Genesis and Arts for the Aging. Mrs. Sigmund has held leadership positions in several prominent charitable organizations. She was on the Golden Circle for the Kennedy Center for the Arts from 1993-2005. She is currently on the boards of: The Washington Ballet and Second Genesis. She is active in activities at her church, Christ Episcopal Church of Georgetown, and is a member of the Capitol Speakers Club, The Georgetown Club, The National Press Club and has been accepted as a new 2010 member of Leadership of Greater Washington.

Deborah Sigmund is married, mother five children.


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About Us Our Mission What We Do Awards Our Founder Board of Directors Contact Us Text Your Donation: Text PREVENT followed by a space and the amount you wish to donate to the number 27138 example: PREVENT 500 (equals a donation of $500) FOLLOW US ON:	Our Founder History In 2002, while on holiday in Europe, Deborah Sigmund first heard the phrase “human trafficking.” She had no idea what this was. When the issue was explained to her, she was horrified that buying and selling children is actually a huge business. In fact, it is the fastest growing criminal industry in the world today, producing over $32 billion annually. Every day, young women and children are being bought and sold, used and tortured. As a mother, she felt something had to be done. To learn more about the issue, she talked to the non-profit organizations such as The Protection Project, Save the Children, and Vital Voices. In addition, she went to the United Nations to hear what was being done and met with Ricky Martin and his Ricky Martin Foundation. Knowing of her dedication to the issue, Deborah flew to Stockholm to meet with Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden (photographed above with Mrs. Sigmund), who had been working on this issue since 1996. The belief they all shared was that combating trafficking had to become a major global effort and together they could become a stronger voice. From the U.S. Department of State, Mrs. Sigmund learned that there is a tremendous need to create awareness. When she talked to her circle of friends, they agreed to help. As a result, Innocents at Risk was formed and became a 501(c)(3) in 2005. “To see but not to see, To see but to deny, To see but not to act is a crime against a child. You can all do something. You can make a difference. Save a child.” - Queen Silvia of Sweden Deborah Stark Sigmund Mrs. Deborah Sigmund is the Founder and Director of Innocents at Risk, a non-profit, founded in April 2005, to help stop the trafficking of women and children. The United States Department of State has endorsed the organization’s efforts on behalf of the three million women and children who are trafficked annually worldwide. In April of 2010 Deborah received the annual Making a Difference Award from the Soroptomist International – Alexandria Chapter. In May of 2010 Deborah received the Ruby Award from the Soroptomist International – U.S. Chapter, in recognition of her outstanding work to improve the lives of women. Prior to becoming the full-time Executive Director of Innocents at Risk, Mrs. Sigmund was President of the CMW Group, an international consulting firm specializing in Latin America. She continues to serve on the board of the U.S. Mexico Chamber of Commerce. Along with her professional accomplishments, Mrs. Sigmund is well-known in the Washington area for her work on behalf of charitable organizations such as The Washington Ballet, Knock Out Abuse, Second Genesis and Arts for the Aging. Mrs. Sigmund has held leadership positions in several prominent charitable organizations. She was on the Golden Circle for the Kennedy Center for the Arts from 1993-2005. She is currently on the boards of: The Washington Ballet and Second Genesis. She is active in activities at her church, Christ Episcopal Church of Georgetown, and is a member of the Capitol Speakers Club, The Georgetown Club, The National Press Club and has been accepted as a new 2010 member of Leadership of Greater Washington. Deborah Sigmund is married, mother five children.
1101 30th Street NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20007 Phone: 202.625.4338 \| Fax: 202.625.4363 \| e-mail: dsigmund@innocentsatrisk.org © 2006-2012 Innocents at Risk. All rights reserved.