Rachael Lloyd is an anti human-trafficking advocate. She is the founder and Executive Director of the New York-based Girls Educational and Mentoring Services (GEMS). Since immigrating to the United States, Rachel has worked with incarcerated women, as well as combatting commercial sexual exploitation of children and young women within the United States. GEMS is the only organization in New York State of its kind. The organization has helped hundreds leave the commercial sex industry and the documentary and exposé of human trafficking of young girls on the streets of New York titled, Very Young Girls was directed by David Schisgall and Nina Alvarez and highlights the work that GEMS does. Rachel was named one of the 50 Women Who Change the World, as well as recognized as one of the 100 Women Who Shape New York by the New York Daily News.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event. In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)