Lilada Gee is an artist, inspirational speaker, ordained minister, author, mother, and founder of the non-profit organization Defending Black Girlhood, based in Madison, Wisconsin. Lilada, who was sexually abused at a very tender age, suffered after effects like low self-esteem and clinical depression while growing up as a child. This made her very sensitive to the impact of trauma on sexually abused victims. Her experience ignited an unending passion within her to help other sexual abuse victims heal from their trauma, by sharing her work in groups, in a book, and on stage. She uses her book I Can’t Live Like This Anymore! as a powerful tool to help victims take back their lives from secrets and shame. This book is based on her personal story and the steps she took to overcome her trauma.
Working in the fields of education and social service for over 30 years has created a strong foundation upon which she has built her life’s work. She seeks to create awareness and spark action in people through articles, workshops, presentations, one-on-one life coaching, and her podcast Defending Black Girlhood, in Wisconsin and all over the globe.
Lilada has received local and national awards for her healing and advocacy work—including the YWCA Women of Distinction Award, the Titans of Industry Award from Madison Magazine, and the National Unsung Hero Award in Washington D. C. from the Investigation Discovery Channel and the National Network to End Violence for her work to stop violence against girls and women.
Lilada travels internationally organizing programs for victims of sexual abuse, trafficking, prostitution, and abusive relationships. She has been of help to thousands of girls and women all over the world.