Lucy Liu Calls for Unity and Awareness at New Friends New Life Luncheon
In a powerful afternoon of stories and advocacy, Liu addressed a crowd of 1,000,
calling for action and connection in the fight against trafficking
With a message grounded in unity and hope, actress and UNICEF Ambassador Lucy Liu joined 1,000 advocates, leaders, and supporters at the 2025 New Friends New Life Stand for Her Luncheon on September 12. Held at the Omni Dallas Hotel and emceed by NBC 5’s Laura Harris, the powerful event spotlighted survivor stories, community action, and the ongoing fight to end sex trafficking in North Texas.
Throughout the afternoon, one message rang clear: hope is not only possible—it’s already taking root.
The program opened with a stirring rendition of “Stand by Me” by students from Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, setting the tone with a powerful message of standing in solidarity with survivors. Emcee Laura Harris then guided the audience through event highlights, including the “Her” art series on display just outside the ballroom—featuring work by NFNL Women’s Program graduate, youth mentor, and artist Robbie Hamilton.
Luncheon Co-Chairs Lynn Dowdle and Karla Smith recognized The Honorable Betsy Price, honorary luncheon chair, along with key civic partners, donors, board members, and sponsors. They encouraged guests to continue advancing the mission beyond the ballroom.
New Friends New Life CEO Bianca Davis underscored the stakes with sobering statistics:
- · 400 teens are trafficked in Dallas each night
- · Traffickers in North Texas profit $99 million annually
- · The average age of entry into trafficking in the U.S. is just 15
Yet even in the face of these grim realities, Davis reminded the audience of the power of change—and of hope. With the support of donors and partners, NFNL continues to help women and girls find stability, education, employment, and healing.
Presented by Thomson Reuters, the 2025 ProtectHER Awards honored four changemakers for their commitment to protecting the value of women and girls, and their work in prevention, justice, and advocacy: Chad Frymire, Erin Nealy Cox, Eliza McCoy, and Laila Mickelwait.
In one of the most emotional moments of the day, a powerful video presentation told the story of Ms. Toni, a survivor whose journey—shared alongside her family—offered a heartfelt look at the lasting impact of both trauma and healing. Their story illustrates how recovery can ripple through generations, proving that hope often begins with a single act of bravery.
The centerpiece of the afternoon was a compelling conversation between NBC 5’s Laura Harris and actress and UNICEF Ambassador Lucy Liu, who brought insight, purpose, and urgency to the stage—urging guests to stay connected, take action, and never underestimate the power of awareness.
Here are key takeaways from her remarks:
On early advocacy: “I was going to a lot of charity events early in my career. It became overwhelming, so I decided to focus on one: UNICEF.
On education and ignorance: “Education helps children become independent. Things fall through the cracks because of ignorance.
On trafficking around the world: While traveling with UNICEF she learned that “it wasn’t just about vaccines or education.” Kids were being kidnapped and sold. These are human rights violations.
On trafficking here at home: “People think trafficking only happens in war-torn countries — but it happens here, at bus stops and airports. We don’t look at it until it happens to us.
On parenting and vulnerability: “At 16, I thought I knew everything. As parents, we know kids are vulnerable — but we can’t tether them to us. People won’t know unless you tell them.”
On trauma’s ripple effects: “Trauma connects to many things. Independence is taken away. Shame is internal. There’s so much we don’t understand.”
On progress and community: “Ten years ago, this room wouldn’t be this full. You can’t seclude yourself from the community and expect to make an impact. It really takes a village.”
On simple human connection: “Shake the hand of the person next to you. If someone says something kind on a bad day, it can switch a light on. That’s humanity.”
On the dangers of disconnection: “Technology keeps us from talking. We’re scrolling instead of connecting. That separation leads to sadness.”
On taking action: “Spread the word — it doesn’t cost a thing. Volunteer. Be part of something. When I first moved to LA, I worked during Thanksgiving in homeless shelters. Having a conversation with someone going through that – it’s not an easy road. Perseverance needs to be in place.”
On perspective: “This moment in your life is not the only moment. It’s just one moment.
On responsibility: “If you see something, say something. If it doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t.”
On her art and upbringing: “Both my parents worked. They were immigrants who came to this country to study. I started with painting, sculpture, collage — then acting. Art is expression, whether you do it alone or with others.”
On her film career: “I didn’t get into this business to do action movies — it just happened. I’m not Jackie Chan.”
On The Devil Wears Prada 2: “I can’t say anything, but I’m excited to be part of it. I have a cameo and can’t take any credit, but it’s going to be fun and fabulous. It’s been 20 years since the first one—and 25 since Charlie’s Angels. Some of you in this room weren’t even born then!”
On what matters most: “Everything is changing. Every moment becomes a memory. There’s so much more power in unity.”
As the event wrapped up, guests explored two powerful exhibits — Artifacts of Human Trafficking and HER, the art series by NFNL graduate Robbie Hamilton. Many also grabbed Liberty Street Garden produce bags, leaving reminded that standing for her truly drives change.
Attendees included Robin Bagwell, Dallas County Sheriff Marian Brown, Mary Bowman Campbell, Cole Edmonson, Commissioner Elba Garcia of District 4, Elizabeth Gambrell, Jimmy Heimpel, Libby Hunt, Nancy Ann Hunt, Janet Jensen, Ashlee Kleinert, Melissa Sherrill Martin, Sharon McCullough, Michael Meadows, Peter Miller, Kelly Mitchell, Jan Osborn, Pat Schenkel, Jessica Turner Waugh, Wayne White, Stephanie Wilcox, and Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Gay Donnell Willis.
Media sponsors were NBC 5 and Telemundo 39 and PaperCity magazine.
About New Friends New Life (NFNL)
New Friends New Life is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women and children who have been exploited by sex trafficking. NFNL offers restorative services and works to raise awareness about this critical issue in our community. For more information, visit www.newfriendsnewlife.org.