2026 Finalist – Elicia Curtis

“Child sexual exploitation thrives in silence. Elicia Curtis is determined to break it.”

From survivor to counsellor, advocate and leader, Elicia Curtis has dedicated her life to empowering others and transforming how society responds to child sexual exploitation (CSE). As co-founder and director of The REIGN Collective, she is helping drive a powerful movement that places survivor voices at the centre of safeguarding, education and systemic change.

Elicia’s work is deeply personal. Having experienced exploitation herself, she chose to turn her journey into a force for change.

Determined to support others and challenge the systems that often fail victims, she went on to qualify as a counsellor, psychotherapist and youth worker, equipping herself with the professional skills needed to support survivors and advocate for meaningful reform.

Today, through her leadership at REIGN Collective CIC, Elicia is helping reshape the national conversation around child sexual exploitation. REIGN is a survivor-led organisation committed to breaking the silence surrounding abuse and ensuring that professionals understand exploitation through the lens of lived experience.

Under Elicia’s guidance, REIGN has developed innovative survivor-led training programmes that provide professionals with invaluable insights into the realities of exploitation.

These workshops have been delivered across the UK to universities, local authorities, faith groups and frontline organisations, equipping professionals with the knowledge and understanding needed to better protect vulnerable children and support survivors.

What sets REIGN’s training apart is its authenticity. By centring survivor voices, the organisation offers a level of insight that traditional safeguarding training often lacks.

Participants gain a deeper understanding of grooming, trauma and the barriers survivors face when seeking help, enabling them to respond with greater empathy, awareness and effectiveness.

Elicia’s leadership has been instrumental in transforming REIGN from a small youth-led project into a market-leading service within the field of CSE awareness and prevention. Through her vision and determination, the organisation has grown into a respected voice influencing how institutions approach safeguarding and survivor support.

Beyond professional training, Elicia is deeply committed to empowering young people, particularly girls, to recognise their strength, challenge gender barriers and realise their full potential. Her work promotes resilience, confidence and self-belief, helping individuals reclaim their voice and their future.

Central to Elicia’s mission is the belief that systemic change is only possible when survivors are not only heard but actively involved in shaping solutions.

Through REIGN’s workshops, campaigns and advocacy work, she continues to challenge stigma and encourage open conversations around exploitation, trauma and recovery.

Elicia’s impact extends far beyond the individuals she supports directly. By educating professionals and influencing safeguarding practices across sectors, her work is helping create safer systems and stronger support networks for future generations.

What makes Elicia’s journey so inspiring is her unwavering commitment to turning adversity into action. Rather than allowing her past to define her, she has used it to fuel a mission rooted in justice, compassion and empowerment.

Through courage, leadership and lived experience, Elicia Curtis is transforming the narrative around child sexual exploitation – ensuring that survivors are no longer invisible, but recognised as powerful voices for change.

Elicia will be sharing her story at the 34th annual Inspiring Women Awards on 15th May 2026. More details here