Carissa Phelps Speaking Fee: $10,000 to $20,000

Carissa Phelps is a social entrepreneur, attorney, and advocate whose life journey—from runaway youth to UCLA law and business graduate—has inspired audiences across the country. Born in Fresno, California, she faced a turbulent childhood marked by instability, neglect, and early exposure to exploitation. By the age of 12, she had run away from home and was coerced into a life on the streets. Her experiences during this time, including being trafficked and incarcerated, are chronicled in her memoir, Runaway Girl: Escaping Life on the Streets, One Helping Hand at a Time. While serving time in a juvenile facility, Phelps encountered a counselor and a math teacher who recognized her potential and encouraged her to pursue education. These pivotal relationships sparked a transformation. She returned to school, eventually earning a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, summa cum laude, from California State University, Fresno. She continued her education at UCLA, where she obtained both a Juris Doctor from the School of Law and an MBA from the Anderson School of Management in 2007. In 2012, Phelps founded Runaway Girl, Inc., a social purpose corporation dedicated to empowering survivors of human trafficking and providing training to communities on how to effectively support at-risk youth. Through this organization, she has created employment opportunities for former runaways and survivors, helping them to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society. Phelps's work has garnered national attention. She has been featured in media outlets such as USA Today and Good Morning America, and her story was the subject of the award-winning documentary Carissa. Recognized for her advocacy and leadership, she was named one of UCLA Anderson's Top 100 Inspirational Alumni in 2010. Today, Carissa Phelps continues to speak out on issues of youth homelessness, exploitation, and the power of resilience. Her message underscores the importance of compassion, education, and community support in transforming lives.