Founder of One’s Purpose Reveals How Traffickers Groom Families

Summary

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Living Your Legacy Podcast – Episode Summary

Episode Title: Founder of One’s Purpose Reveals How Traffickers Groom Families
Host: Ray Gutierrez
Guest: Joni Wilkinson, Founder of One’s Purpose
Date: April 24, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this compelling episode of Living Your Legacy, Ray Gutierrez welcomes Joni Wilkinson—survivor, activist, and founder of One’s Purpose. Joni recounts her harrowing personal journey through the world of human trafficking, the process by which traffickers target and manipulate families, and how she transformed her traumatic experience into a mission of advocacy, education, and empowerment. Through candid dialogue, the episode breaks the silence around trafficking, offering practical advice for parents, educators, and communities to spot warning signs, speak up, and fight back.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Genesis of One’s Purpose (01:46 – 02:39)

• Backstory: Joni explains that the vision for One’s Purpose came during reflection and prayer in 2014. Initially, she imagined a simple, uplifting brand.
• God’s Different Plan: "Well, then God had a different plan." (02:35, Joni Wilkinson)
• Transformation: The mission pivoted from a merchandise business to a full-scale advocacy and outreach movement after her family’s own brush with trafficking.

2. The Personal Trauma and the Reality of Grooming (02:39 – 05:23)

• Firsthand Experience: Joni shares being unknowingly drawn into the sphere of a “level 3 sex offender” who was actively trafficking young teens and whose own mother was complicit.
• Grooming Methodology: Joni details how the trafficker exploited her vulnerabilities: “This person knew me for a good two years, so they knew all my insecurities, the trauma, all the ways to weasel in.” (04:45, Joni Wilkinson)
• Red Flags: Encourages self-awareness and listening to children's instincts:
  • “Don’t be too trusting.” (05:24, Joni Wilkinson)
  • “When your daughter is like, 'there's something weird...I don't like him,' listen.” (05:09, Joni Wilkinson)

3. Raising Awareness and Education (05:48 – 07:43)

• Breaking Silence: Joni began by using social media to publicize the realities of grooming, trauma bonding, manipulation, and narcissism, especially before wider public discourse.
• Advocacy in Action: She pushed into schools, parent meetings, and various organizations—often facing initial resistance.
  • “I would go to schools and I would sit there in the office until…you would let me have a meeting with the principal, somebody. I need to speak at the parent meeting.” (06:06, Joni Wilkinson)
• Empowering Youth: Former students started campus anti-trafficking groups, with Joni mentoring and supporting them.
• Street Outreach: “We go to the streets…just meet the person, love on them, pray with them, encourage them. Are you ready for resources? Do you need help?” (07:20, Joni Wilkinson)

4. Online Dangers and Community Denial (08:08 – 10:13)

• Ubiquity of Grooming: Highlights how online games (e.g., Roblox), social media, and even YouTube comments can be hotspots for predators, unbeknownst to many parents.
• Community Apathy: Many prefer to keep their “head in the sand,” which Joni confronts directly:
  • “You really want this to happen to your daughter? 'Oh, it never will.' Guess what? I said the same thing.” (08:39, Joni Wilkinson)
• The Marketplace of Exploitation: Trafficking persists because there’s a demand. “We have all these traffickers and predators, but we have buyers...Well, where’s the healing and the help for the buyers?...It’s a whole monster.” (09:40, Joni Wilkinson)

5. Digital Exploitation and Sextortion (10:13 – 11:32)

• Platform Vulnerabilities: Discussion on OnlyFans and similar sites, the illusion of safety, and the absence of privacy for those posting sensitive content.
  • “Anything that happens fast is going to explode.” (10:56, Joni Wilkinson)
• Consequences: “Once somebody exchanges money for you, they're going to want more in return...They will seek you out.” (11:20, Joni Wilkinson)
• Spiritual and Mental Toll: Entering online exploitation opens up new dangers, not just physical but psychological and spiritual.

6. Combatting Skepticism and Building Resilience (12:03 – 12:32)

• Statistics and Testimonials: Joni uses both reported data and survivor stories to make the issue undeniable. “Statistics are only what's reported. And as you know, there is so much more that's not.” (12:32, Joni Wilkinson)
• Changing Mindsets: She emphasizes the need for conversation, not just caution—aimed at schools, streets, and parents alike.

7. Empowering Parents and Youth (11:42 – 13:56)

• Call to Action:
  • “Stand up for what is right for your children. Be a voice for them, protect them, listen to them. They're our future and we need to educate and equip them to not walk in fear, but to walk boldly, confidently.” (11:42, Joni Wilkinson)
• Host Endorsement:
  • “I think you’re doing amazing work because you’re arming and you’re shielding…a whole generation that doesn’t understand that there’s evil out there that will figure out how to monetize your fear.” (13:25, Ray Gutierrez)

8. Contact & Resources (13:56 – 14:07)

• Connect with One’s Purpose:
  • Website: onespurpose.org
  • Instagram: @ones_purpose
  • Facebook: One’s Purpose

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Prevention and Awareness:

  • “Be a voice for them, protect them, listen to them. They're our future and we need to educate and equip them to not walk in fear, but to walk boldly, confidently.” (11:42, Joni Wilkinson)

• On Community Apathy:

  • “You really want this to happen to your daughter? 'Oh, it never will.' Guess what? I said the same thing.” (08:39, Joni Wilkinson)

• On Supporting Survivors:

  • “We go to the streets…just meet the person, love on them, pray with them, encourage them. Are you ready for resources? Do you need help? What's going on? Just being there and showing up.” (07:20, Joni Wilkinson)

• The Marketplace of Exploitation:

  • “We have all these traffickers and predators, but we have buyers…It’s a whole monster.” (09:40, Joni Wilkinson)

• Empowering Action:

  • “Never give up, Stand up for what is right for your children.” (11:42, Joni Wilkinson)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:46: Introduction of Joni Wilkinson and One’s Purpose
• 02:39: Personal story—unwitting involvement with a trafficker
• 04:45: How traffickers groom families and identify vulnerabilities
• 05:48: Joni’s journey to activism—outreach in schools and on the streets
• 08:08: Online risks and denial in communities
• 09:40: “Monster” of trafficking—role of buyers, not just pimps
• 10:13: Digital exploitation, OnlyFans and sextortion
• 11:42: Resilience and call to action for parents
• 12:32: Using stats, survivor stories to break through skepticism
• 13:56: Where to find One’s Purpose and how to connect

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Episode Takeaways

• Human trafficking is everywhere; no community or digital space is immune.
• Groomers build trust over time, exploiting insecurities and unnoticed gaps.
• Listening to instincts—both your own and your children’s—is crucial.
• Advocacy needs persistence, both online and in person.
• Combating trafficking requires attention to demand (buyers) as well as to prevention and aftercare.
• Empowerment comes through education, community, and refusing to let fear silence action.

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Transcript

[Joni Wilkinson]

Stand up for what is right for your children. Be a voice for them, protect them, listen to them. They're our future and we need to educate and equip them to not walk in fear, but to walk boldly, confidently.

[Narrator]

Joni Wilkinson is a resilient, faith driven survivor speaker and the founder of one's purpose. Drawing from her journey of overcoming abuse and trauma, she leads a movement to combat human trafficking while creating spaces for healing, restoration and purpose through outreach, discipleship, and community impact.

[Ray Gutierrez]

What are you doing to kind of raise awareness?

[Joni Wilkinson]

When I was lost and broken, like, does anybody see me? Does anybody care? And so we go to the streets and we, you know, whatever we can do, just meet the person, love on them, pray with them, encourage them. Are you ready for resources? Do you need help? What's going on? Just being there and showing up.

[Podcast Host/Announcer]

It spans the globe like a super highest cold Internet. Elvis Presley. Today Apple is going to reinvent the phone. It's not over until I win. The Living youg Legacy podcast for those who live to leave a legacy that's extraordinary. The impossible has happened. Oh, that is sensational. Jordan, open Chicago with the lead. You said Paul is the fastest man on the planet. You can live your dream.

[Ray Gutierrez]

Welcome back to another amazing episode of the Living your Legacy podcast, the Women Empower Edition. For Inside Success. I am Ray Gutierrez. I love naming all of our brands. Joining us today is Joanie Wilkinson. Did I pronounce that correctly?

[Joni Wilkinson]

You did.

[Ray Gutierrez]

Good job.

[Joni Wilkinson]

Impressive.

[Ray Gutierrez]

Oh, yes, right. First try. You are the founder of one's purpose.

[Joni Wilkinson]

Yes.

[Ray Gutierrez]

That is quite, quite the name. Quite the title. What. What is one's Purpose?

[Joni Wilkinson]

That's what I thought. I'm like, what kind of a name is that? What? In 2015, 2014, I was spending time with God, journaling.

[Ray Gutierrez]

Right on.

[Joni Wilkinson]

And the name one's Purpose kept coming. And I'm like, okay, yeah, every one person has a purpose. How do we motivate, inspire, and encourage people to, you know, live out their purpose? Well, what is the purpose of life? All these things. And I'm like, okay. So I thought it was going to be, you know, a cute store where I could encourage and motivate people and, you know, do hoodies and shirts and things like that and get the money and donate it to somebody doing something. Right. Well, then God had a different plan.

[Ray Gutierrez]

Oh, no. I mean, oh, yes.

[Joni Wilkinson]

My daughter and I got to. My daughter was 14 at the time. We got to go through an experience with a level three sex offender.

[Ray Gutierrez]

Oh, boy.

[Joni Wilkinson]

Who I didn't know was a level 3 sex offender trafficking 11 to 14 year olds in Washington, Oregon, California, and Texas.

[Ray Gutierrez]

Yeah.

[Joni Wilkinson]

And his mom was in on it.

[Ray Gutierrez]

Wow.

[Joni Wilkinson]

So talk about the family business.

[Ray Gutierrez]

That's terrible.

[Joni Wilkinson]

Yes. It was a whole, you know, I knew him two years of grooming, all the things right. Where you just don't expect it. And luckily he was arrested one night on the way to my house. And I'm like, being arrested for what? You got pulled over? Like, how is it that serious? And that's when I found out that he was a level 3 sex offender and all these things. And I instantly was sick, started throwing up. I'm like, oh, my gosh.

[Ray Gutierrez]

Talk about how you fell into that dark void without even knowing, without even realizing. For folks that are listening so they can start recognizing the red flags right away.

[Joni Wilkinson]

And remember, this person knew me for a good two years, so they knew all my insecurities, the trauma, all the ways to weasel in. But just being aware of, you know, where are you lacking, where you're void, you know, and having not a person fill those. But having a purpose, having a relationship with God and knowing, you know, when something sounds too good to be true.

[Ray Gutierrez]

Probably is.

[Joni Wilkinson]

It probably is. Or when your daughter is like, there's something weird. Mom, I don't like him. Like, oh, what do you mean? He's so nice. Because to me, it was like Mr. Romeo. And behind my back, he was doing things with my daughter I didn't know about.

[Ray Gutierrez]

Sure.

[Joni Wilkinson]

So don't be too trusting.

[Ray Gutierrez]

Yeah. Trust your gut. Yeah, definitely trust your gut. Trust your intuition, especially for. For a mama bear that's just awoken. And you're fighting the good fight here. What are you doing to kind of raise awareness? Is it an app? Is it a video? Like, how did you be? How did you turn your mama bear energy into something people can substantially learn from?

[Joni Wilkinson]

I started using social media and the website and just, okay, what is grooming, control, trauma, bonding, manipulation, narcissism, all the things. And I just started blasting it out. And again, this was in 2016, when nobody was really talking about human trafficking. And I'm like, you're going to listen. Like, you need to listen. Like, these kids need to know what's going on, especially since they're all yes on social media. So I would go to schools and I would sit there in the office until I. You would let me have a meeting with the principal, somebody. I need to speak at the parent meeting. I need to speak in an assembly. Like, this is really happening.

[Ray Gutierrez]

Oh, yeah.

[Joni Wilkinson]

Oh, no, no, no, no, no. Oregon has the most sex offenders in the United States. Like, hello, what are we doing? So I started kicking and screaming for a long time and people started to listen and be aware and then invite me to, you know, their different, you know, churches, organizations, businesses, doctors, lawyers, all the things to, you know, speak about it, speak upon it. And my heart is for the schools and the streets. So I go into the schools. I have women that have graduated high school, that are now in college, that call me, hey, Mama Jones, can you come and speak? And then they start a little, you know, anti trafficking organization of one's purpose on their college campus and then educating their friends and oh my gosh, I didn't know that, that, you know, that only fans post that, only fans page that I made that that could turn into sextortion. And I've helped sextortion all the things and I've helped them back out of it and they're like, oh my gosh, thank you so much. And then going to the streets too, that's my heart is because I know when I was lost and broken, like, does anybody see me? Does anybody care? And so we go to the streets and we, you know, whatever we can do, just meet the person, love on them, pray with them, encourage them. Are you ready for resources? Do you need help? What's going on? Just being there and showing up.

[Ray Gutierrez]

Yeah, a lot of these folks react negatively to positivity, you know, and I kind of understand where that comes from because I was like that at first. I was like, why is everyone being nice to me? Like, what do you need?

[Joni Wilkinson]

What do you want?

[Ray Gutierrez]

Yeah, what do you want from me? Yeah, it's always like that God goes of like, what do you want? Like, yeah, because I just was raised differently. It's quite, quite funny. This is quite the sequel to the last podcast I did. This is like, we've gone from adoption to human trafficking. It's quite the Tuesday.

[Joni Wilkinson]

Keep you on your toes.

[Ray Gutierrez]

But, but, but it's like, folks, what do you talk to? What do you tell to the folks that are naysayers or skepticism? It's like, oh, human trafficking. Because you just mentioned, like it's happening down the street. It's actually, it's still very prevalent. Like, how are you fighting those demons? And what is really happening? Like the process of indoctrinating me at a bar, at a, at a club, at an arc. Where, where are the hot spots, would you say?

[Joni Wilkinson]

Just telling stories, having conversations. I've even spoken to men that have daughters. They're like, no, I just want to keep My head in the sand, sure. And I said, you're the problem. Wow, like you really want this to happen to your daughter. Oh, it never will. Guess what? I said the same thing. So having those conversations anywhere, any app, any bar, any club, any mall, any school, nobody is off limits. Right?

[Ray Gutierrez]

But I guess, I guess what I was asking is the yin to the yang is the, what's the negative of using all these platform? Like what are some, some tall tale signs? Like I'm 12 years old, I'm a boy and I'm, I'm playing Roblox and I'm Roblox at the same time playing Roblox. But now I'm a 60 year old man that has nefarious needs and I've got my own Roblox avatar. Like most moms don't even know what. Well, I'm sure they do know what Roblox are, but they have to understand that this is a, there's a darker community that's happening in Roblox. It happens on YouTube. Like there's specific videos where you'll read the comments or folks like fast forward to 132 here to catch it. And it's just like it's everywhere. Why is it everywhere if it's so gross? And so like how is it so common to find an.

[Joni Wilkinson]

Right, so that's the thing. So we have all these traffickers and predators, but we have buyers. So why are people buying this? Like, what is the problem? You know, yeah, we can, you know, arrest the pimp, throw them in jail. They know how to work the system and get back out. Well, where's the healing and the help for the buyers? Well, what trauma and what triggers? Why, why are they doing that?

[Ray Gutierrez]

Right?

[Joni Wilkinson]

And so I mean this is a whole monster. Like we need everybody to get involved and help and do something. But yeah, it is very dark, it's very deep. I'm in therapy once a week.

[Ray Gutierrez]

No, good for you, good for you.

[Joni Wilkinson]

But it's, I mean we just have to talk about it, know that it's happening because it's everywhere. Can't run away from it.

[Ray Gutierrez]

It happens across all ages. And you know, I, my, my, my, my, my curiosity and it's like the sickness becomes, when it's underage, it becomes with children like that, that to me as when you're 16, 18, and it's no longer human trafficking, you're, you're essentially hobbying, you're putting yourself out, you've created a business, you're an only fan now you've entered into A new frequency of energy where you've entered this gypsy life. You understand what it's like, it's a hobby. Like, trust me, I live on. Go ahead.

[Joni Wilkinson]

To start only fans, you have to provide all your information.

[Ray Gutierrez]

Oh, yeah, trust me, I'm aware.

[Joni Wilkinson]

So what, and the other person knows everything.

[Ray Gutierrez]

Yeah, it's.

[Joni Wilkinson]

And what do you know about them?

[Ray Gutierrez]

Yeah, yeah.

[Joni Wilkinson]

Nothing.

[Ray Gutierrez]

No, you're absolutely.

[Joni Wilkinson]

And so these things that people don't think about, oh, I need this quick money. And you know, anything that happens fast is going to explode.

[Ray Gutierrez]

Yep, yep. You're opening up yourself, not just physically in this university, but you're opening up portals to things that you don't want to attract at that point.

[Joni Wilkinson]

Exactly.

[Ray Gutierrez]

Which only folks that understand the divine knows what that really means.

[Joni Wilkinson]

So talk about tormenting at night and all of those things that happen. And you're thinking, oh, I just did to get quick money. It was just my toes.

[Ray Gutierrez]

Yeah.

[Joni Wilkinson]

Well, then once somebody, like we talked about earlier, once somebody exchanges money for you, they're going to want more in return.

[Ray Gutierrez]

Yeah, yeah.

[Joni Wilkinson]

And then, and then they get so fixated on it that they will seek you out. They'll figure out a way to find out where you are.

[Ray Gutierrez]

I mean, idolize you. Yeah, that's why we don't worship idols.

[Joni Wilkinson]

That's right. Amen. Good one.

[Ray Gutierrez]

What are we going to learn about your episode?

[Joni Wilkinson]

You're going to learn how to be resilient. Never give up, Stand up for what is right for your children. Be a voice for them, protect them, listen to them. They're our future and we need to educate and equip them to not walk in fear, but to walk boldly, confidently. And you ain't doing that to me.

[Ray Gutierrez]

Right on. What do you tell, what do you tell parents that go, oh, another mom that's got a chip on her shoulder. Like, how do you break that barrier? Like, sit down, shut up, everyone just gets to whatever. Because you're at these school afternoon programs and I'm sure you're that mom. That's like. But wait. And folks are eventually going to be like, you're just manifesting it. Like, how do you tell folks? Like, it's not. It's not anti war, it's pro peace. Like, how do you manifest positivity into this dark energy?

[Joni Wilkinson]

So a small piece of that. Statistics. Statistics are only what's reported. And as you know, there is so much more that's not. And so. Okay, well, let's start with the facts. And here's just what we know and different stories Having different survivors come and speak. Other children that have experienced it speak. And then people are like, oh, I guess you're not crazy. Yeah, because I will be that crazy person. I will be. You know, I've toned it down a little bit, but people are out here hurting and dying and just have a conversation with them. And so many people are afraid to go to the streets with us. So we have a lot of help behind the scenes, but when we go out, it's just building that relationship. So that's in the schools, on the streets, with parents, like, you know, this is really happening. So let's give you some facts, and then we'll give you the stories to back it up.

[Ray Gutierrez]

Yeah. I think you're doing amazing work because you're arming and you're shielding. You're giving a weapon from heart, body, and soul to a whole generation that doesn't understand that there's evil out there that will figure out how to monetize your fear.

[Joni Wilkinson]

Right, Exactly.

[Ray Gutierrez]

So it's just like, we got to fight back.

[Joni Wilkinson]

Mm.

[Ray Gutierrez]

How do you feel? You ready for your episode?

[Joni Wilkinson]

I'm ready.

[Podcast Host/Announcer]

Cool.

[Ray Gutierrez]

Right on. So with that, I would love to conclude another amazing episode of the women in power podcast. How can people find you again? How can people learn about your journey? Before we go?

[Joni Wilkinson]

Yes. Go to the website onespurpose.org or social media. O n e s underscore purpose on Instagram. One's purpose. Facebook.

[Ray Gutierrez]

So right on.

[Joni Wilkinson]

Yes.

[Ray Gutierrez]

Yet again, a great name. I'm looking forward to learning more about your purpose and one's purpose right after this episode of Living your legacy podcast, the Women of power edition. For Inside Success. I am Ray Gur.