WE ARE AURORA
Dawn of Freedom
MISSION
Aurora works towards freedom from human trafficking by advocating for survivors, allying with other organizations, and raising awareness in communities to inspire action.
VISION
We envision the dawn of a new day where everyone is free from all forms of exploitation.
AURORA ADVOCATES
Rebecca McGill, ASW
Founder & Executive Director
Rebecca's involvement in anti-trafficking work spans more than 16 years and bridges direct survivor care, clinical practice, and macro-level advocacy — including 3 years supporting minor survivors internationally. She has served as a resource family parent, human trafficking caseworker, county social worker, and therapist at a residential therapeutic program, bringing specialized skills in trauma-informed care, therapeutic interventions, complex care case management, culturally responsive services, and interdisciplinary partnerships. Rebecca graduated summa cum laude with her MSW from California State University, San Bernardino, where her research on effective CSEC services was awarded Best Social Work Research and was nominated for Best Master's-Level Research.
Marlyn Romero
Survivor Mentor
Marlyn is a Monterey County native, Certified Community Health Worker, and Juvenile Victim-Offender Mediator. Drawing from both her lived and professional experience, Marlyn provides bilingual English and Spanish mentorship, survivor advocacy, community outreach, and human trafficking awareness trainings. Marlyn is passionate about anti-human trafficking efforts, reentry services, and expanding access to culturally responsive support. Marlyn earned her Bachelor of Arts in Humanities and Communication with a concentration in Legal Studies from California State University, Monterey Bay. She is driven by the belief that everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and empowered, and is committed to being the person she once needed by helping others find hope, dignity, and healing.
Melanie Swartwoudt
Survivor Mentor
Melanie is a peer-support mentor who understands the importance of having a peer to walk with you through the healing journey with kindness, love & understanding. Through her lived experience and professional training, Melanie offers support and guidance in the process. Melanie will co-facilitate an adult support group for survivors and hopes to provide direct outreach in the community to offer support to people who may still be experiencing exploitation. Melanie is a business owner and entrepreneur who hopes to support survivors building skills and accessing resources to increase opportunities for employment.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Connor McGill
Board Chairman & Advocacy Advisor
Connor is a Professional Engineer at The Fire Consultants. Connor has a passion for safety through prevention work. Prior to starting Aurora Freedom, he served as the Child Protection Officer at Agape International Missions in Cambodia. He is also educated and experienced in trauma informed person centered care.
John Branderhorst
Board Member & Allyship Advisor
JB is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing at Cornerstone Psychology, in Roseville, CA. JB also had experience running a Therapeutic Retreat Center, teaching as a Psychology Professor at William Jessup University, and serving on the board of other anti-trafficking organizations. JB has a heart for nonprofit and anti-trafficking work. He loves seeing people partner together to accomplish good work.
Danielle Dieterich
Board Member & Awareness Advisor
Danielle is a Digital Strategist at Burness. She utilizes years of experience crafting mission-driven social media, multimedia, and marketing to promote ideas that inspire and drive social change worldwide. Previously, Danielle led digital strategy and online programming at the Student Press Law Center, as well as served as a journalist in several local newsrooms.
Gina Masterjohn-Norman
Board Member & ADEI Advisor
Gina is a Spiritual Director, Clergywoman, and Lay Counselor. She is passionate about supporting people in feeling empowered to live in their own authenticity by helping equip them with tools for living their best life.
Melissa Baucum
Board Secretary & Advancement Advisor
Melissa Baucum is a professor at Oklahoma State Univeristy and earned her PhD in marketing at the University of Tennessee. Previously, Melissa worked in marketing at Hulu Inc. under The Walt Disney Company, led research for Fortune 500 technology firms while at a market research agency in Los Angeles, and gained experience in non-profit digital marketing at World Vision.
Leslie McGill
Board Treasurer & Administration Advisory
Leslie recently retired from her role as the Executive Director of the California Police Chiefs Association. She has over 40 years of experience in nonprofit management and development. She is highly skilled in policy, communication, networking, and community outreach. She is passionate about excellent leadership and staff care.