Meet Our Founder

April Bentley, a Lived Experience Expert, Certified and trained though the Department of Justice, has worked as an advocate and community leader behind the scenes for the last 17 years. She is genuinely passionate when it comes to reaching the heart and mind of our youth, educating and pushing them to become forward thinkers today, producing a purpose-filled life for tomorrow. Ms. April, a victim of child sex trafficking and a Milwaukee native learned the twisted art of the streets at the early age of 14, has dedicated her life to making a positive change in our communities. April has held various free community events around the city of Milwaukee to educate the public about the dangers of sex trafficking. For instance, It’s Not Just Another Giveaway, Don’t Rush to Get Old Summit and the Thanksgiving Giveaway. She is known for her lived experienced expertise and is pulled on by several organizations in Wisconsin.  April has worked with many organizations including Redeem and Restore as their spokesperson, Human Trafficking Taskforce of Greater Milwaukee, where she helped to launch the “Unlucky 13” campaign, Foundations for Freedom, Convergence Resource Center, Fresh Start Learning Center, and Grateful Girls hosting workshops and as the keynote speaker for the “Stay Out the Game” annual youth summit. Her motto: “It’s not what they are taught, it’s what they learn that makes the difference.”

In 2016 April Bentley launched Rubies, a non-profit organization focused on education and prevention of sex trafficking through shaping character and culture. As Founder and Executive Director, April works tirelessly to inspire people of all ages to be the very best version of themselves beginning right where they are in life. April is the author of "Don't Rush to Get Old," a book written with the audience of her youth in mind, yet profitable for anyone. She is the singer, songwriter of her newly released single “I’m Free” and what she feels is her greatest accomplishment to date, April is a mom.  Her mandate is to change lives.

We believe you’ll find Ms. April to be passionate, inspiring, funny and audience captivating through her heartfelt way of delivering the message of truth. The need-to-know information Ms. April will share with you, is both important and imperative for our generation today. Changed Lives, Change lives...                                                                                                                                                                         April P. Bentley