Gens Y & Z at a Glance

About Us

Gens Y and Z is a 501(c)3 organization that provides seminars and information on preventative measures in human trafficking, rape, and exploitation. The purpose behind Gens Y and Z is to allow Millennials and Generation Z to take an active and firm stance against areas of violence and crime that has significantly impacted them. As technology and social media increases so does the reach of traffickers and predators. Current information and realistic and practical methods of protecting at-risk populations are necessary for keeping our young people safe.

The best way to aid victims is to help prevent victims in the first place. Gens Y and Z tackle hard and uncomfortable issues, making it an excellent alternative for parents who are not sure what is going on and how to address issues they have little experience with. It is hard to talk about sexting, revenge porn, or posting sexually suggestive photos on IG when you have no experience or advance knowledge in these areas. Many parents want to keep their kids safe, but they don’t know how and where to start. Gens Y and Z offers three primary programs that tackle human trafficking (labor and sex), exploitation, and rape.

Learn More

Please see our programs page for more information.

Find out more

Why Gens Y & Z?

What Makes Us Different

Gens Y and Z primary programs are applicable and open to all sexual orientations. Our Know Rape program targets explicitly the understanding and full meaning of “consent” and when consent is removed. Gens Y and Z is an organization that is operated by Millennials and Gen Z for Millennials and Gen Z. We are an organization of young people for young people. With such an organization we want to eliminate the feel of “lectures” and created more of a conversation. There is no generational gap, and our goal is to foster an environment of relatability.

The Future

We are working on providing all three of our primary programs online and in person for free. We are also designing a program specifically for parents on the best way to stay abreast of new methods and tactics that are plaguing their children and young adults.

Leadership

The organization is based out of Cleveland, Ohio and was founded by Dr. Danielle Shepherd who also serves as the Executive Director. Dr. Shepherd identified gaps in programs that offer victim services and designed an organization to tackle those gaps.

“The goal of Gens y and Z is to build on top of already existing programs. We will work closely with other organizations that provide services to victims, but we will focus primarily on preventing victims in the first place. The best way to prevent ones self from becoming a trafficking or rape victim is to be informed and to be prepared with the necessary skills and resources. We want to help young people live in a world where they are aware and ready for what they may face, without being in a constant state of fear. Millennials and Zs are strong, smart, and courageous – and together we can tackle trafficking, rape, and exploitation. It is our turn to try and build a stronger and safer society for future generations.”

-Dr. Danielle Shepherd