901-754-9404
My List0

We've now made it easier for you to research and save your favorite keynotes speakers. Click on the + sign to add a speaker to your Speaker List and email your favorites to colleagues and friends.

using System.Text.RegularExpressions;
Cheryl Perera speaker, Family Speaker

Cheryl Perera

    • Creating a World Fit for Children
Full Bio
In Person-Fee 🛈

$5,000 - $10,000

Virtual Fee:

Please Inquire

Travels From

Canada

CHERYL PERERA: OneChild

CHERYL PERERA: OneChild

Cheryl Perera Speaker Biography


Cheryl Perera is an accomplished children's rights activist, a captivating speaker and the Founder and President of OneChild, the premiere organization empowering a movement of children and youth taking action against child sex slavery. Her extraordinary contributions to protect children, and her high innovation, achievement, and leadership have earned her honors such as the World of Children Founder's Award, the BRICK Award in the Global Impact category and distinguished her as one of Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100, and Canada's Top 20 Under 20.

Cheryl became socially involved at age 16, after reading about the exploitation of children, for a high school project. What she read filled her with anger, determination and resolve. Eager to take action, she traveled to her native country Sri Lanka in 2002, to investigate the exploitation of children. Wanting to get an insider's look into the child sex industry, she participated in a treacherous STING operation, as the" decoy" the main role of a 15 year-old child prostitute, that led to the successful apprehension of a 40 year-old child sex offender. There was extreme physical danger in this risky mission, and it required a very high degree of heroism, and self- sacrifice. Her breadth of knowledge and bravery attracted the attention of dignitaries, and she was recognized by the Sri Lankan Government, having been offered a placement of one year at the Presidential Secretariat to serve as the President's Nominee on Child Protection, at the age of 17.

These experiences led her to begin a unique education-driven initiative to mobilize the Canadian Travel and Tourism Industry to take a stand against child sex tourism. What began as a one-child initiative grew to involve hundreds of Canadian youth. At age 19, she established OneChild and under her leadership, the youth succeeded in their negotiations with Air Canada, to screen their youth-created in-flight video warning against child sex tourism. The project was launched in 2005 on all domestic and international flights, as the first and only one of its kind in Canada and the second in North America, with a viewership of 22 million passengers to date, and has been lauded as a best practice by the World Tourism Organization.

Cheryl has overseen major partnerships with international organizations such as the PREDA Foundation in the Philippines, and led fundraising campaigns that have garnered over $187,000 to construct 2 homes, and offer support services such as shelter, therapy, education, legal assistance, medical care, vocational skills training, and leadership training, for 35-40 girls rescued from the sex trade, or just before being trafficked out.

She has also entered into professional affiliations with Air Canada, and non-governmental organizations and presented at forums, press conferences, and the first-ever nationwide Canadian campaign to raise awareness about the principal manifestations and the scope of Sexual Exploitation of Children in Travel and Tourism, including its legal implications and consequences.

Volunteering from age 8 in a wide spectrum of humanitarian activities, and committed to children's rights and social justice from age 16, Cheryl has acted selflessly and fearlessly and undertaken extremely dangerous fact finding missions, and conducted interviews under the suspicious watch of the perpetrators, involving a high degree of personal risk. She has traveled to many countries such as the United States, Nicaragua, Sri Lanka, Macedonia, Ecuador, Philippines, Kenya, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Brazil, Egypt, the UK and Switzerland ,interviewing child laborers, rehabilitated child soldiers and children in prostitution; senior state counselors, police officers, child advocates, and convicted child sex offenders. She has also visited dolomite factories, slums, and residences employing child labor, helped raise funds to build and renovate schools in impoverished communities and post conflict areas, and undertaken international volunteer missions to acquire characteristics of global citizenship.

A sought-after dynamic orator, she actively addresses UN organizations, government bodies, business groups, rotary clubs, educators, students, and the media on the importance of children's rights, poverty, education, children in armed conflict, child participation, social responsibility and volunteerism. She has spoken to over 36,000 young people and adults, and undertaken keynote speeches, and served as a panelist at various international and national conferences and events including CNN Intl. "Freedom project on Human Trafficking ", addressing a global audience, IFCW ( International Forum of Child Welfare ) World Forum 2010 New York, USA., The Luxor International Forum, entitled " End Human Trafficking Now, Enforcing The UN Protocol" in Luxor Egypt ,The GYLC (Congressional Youth Leadership Council ) Global Young Leaders International Conference -Arlington, Virginia USA , The United Nations World Tourism Organization 21st Meeting of The Task Force To Protect Children From Sexual Exploitation In Tourism- London U.K, University of Ottawa, International Conference on Child Rights , annual meeting of the Senate Committee against the Sexual Exploitation of Children Youth , Ottawa , "Canada's Top 20 Under 20" Awards Celebration Event.- Youth in Motion Education Foundation (YIM), among several others, inspiring them to make a positive difference in the lives of their peers around the world.

She has also appeared on US and Canadian TV and radio as a commentator on child rights issues, and generated awareness on child servitude at the 5th World Youth Conference, Istanbul, Turkey. Through her recent province wide premiere motivational speaking tour "Break the Chains" which includes gripping statistics of the devastating impact of child sex slavery, the stories of resilience and strength of these children, and her inspirational and remarkable personal story of self-sacrifice and heroism of an average Ontario teenager turned child rights crusader and call to action, she evokes a very powerful and important message of change and solidarity to entire school bodies, and is promoting greater awareness in Canada concerning the rights of children around the globe.

Cheryl was appointed as a member of the Senate committee against Sexual Exploitation of Children and Youth, Chaired by LGen. Romeo Dallaire, and has also served on the International Advisory Council and Judging Panels of World of Children Org., California, USA, The "BRICK "Academy Do Something Org, New York USA and FLARE Magazine Toronto Canada for several years, and participated in the Women's Executive Network expanded WXNWisdom program and mentored one of the next generation of women leaders.

Her work has been profiled on CNN, CBC, Global TV, The Montel Williams Show and featured in the book - The Humanitarian Leader in Each of Us: 7 Choices That Shape a Socially Responsible Life. She was also featured in various newspapers and magazines such as the National Post, The Financial Times of London, The Toronto Star, Flare Magazine, Herizons, University of Toronto Magazine, and the Sri Lanka Foundation Los Angeles, CA publication.

Cheryl holds an Honours BA in Ethics, Society, and Law, and Political Science from the University of Toronto, and is currently pursuing an MAS in Switzerland, in Advanced Studies in Children's Rights. A recipient of many prestigious national and international awards, Cheryl has broken tremendous ground to turn the tables on the child exploitation industry where few would dare to tread.

Break the Chains: Creating a World Fit for Children

The time has come to replace apathy and ignorance with resolve and action.

Child sex slavery is a heinous and fundamental violation of children's rights, affecting two million children. Raped for profit, sold as sexual souvenirs, groomed on the internet, and trafficked across borders, children suffer life-long, often life-threatening physical and psychological damage.

Cheryl will take you on an eye-opening journey through the red-light districts, brothels and dirt roads where the world's throw-away children live and work and tell personal stories of perseverance and resilience among these children that testify to the strength of the human spirit. Listen to Cheryl's inspiring story of bravery and sacrifice as she battles the child sex trade; learn about simple, yet concrete actions that can create a world where children are free from exploitation and free to reach their potential as contributing members of society; and hear her demonstrate how anyone—irrespective of their age—can join the struggle.

It Starts with YOUth!: Sparking a Generation of Pint-Sized Do-Gooders

This is the age of the kid. And we're not just talking about wunderkinds, but regular kids. With the education, social connectivity, and technology to change the world like no generation before, each and every young person can be a dynamic force to be reckoned with…and still go to prom. But how can we harness the power of YOUth?

A powerful presentation for youth, educators, and parents alike…

• Become inspired by Cheryl's remarkable tale of heroism and her challenging road to youth leadership and philanthropy, as she walks you through her moment of obligation that began with a simple high school project; and how she founded the non-profit organization OneChild to reach out to the world's most vulnerable youth.

• Learn how to navigate through a labyrinth of causes, find your passion, and turn creative thinking into positive social action.

• Discover the rewards of investing yourself in an altruistic cause and learn about tangible actions that you can take in your community and in your world

• Get tips on cultivating an interest in social activism among the young people in your life and supporting them on their journey as changemakers.
Unsung heroes: Taking Advantage of Girl Power

The girl child is the future mother nurturer, the first educator, and the woman who can impact the destiny of civilization. Such an irony then, that when proven that entire societies develop when girls and women are empowered to contribute fully as community members; ensuring the wellbeing of the girl child remains one of the greatest challenges facing humankind. Through global statistics and moving stories of girls emerging as heroes and change agents, Cheryl will spotlight the low status afforded to girls today and despite this, the courage, strength and leadership they have shown in the face of hardship; and the necessity of investing in girl power.

OTHER TOPICS CHERYL ADDRESSES ARE:

  • Commercial sexual exploitation of children
  • Child sex trafficking
  • Child – safe Tourism Information Technology and child abuse images
  • Child rights Child youth activism


WHO SHE IS GREAT FOR:

  • Corporate
  • Schools
  • Women's Girls gatherings / events
  • Youth Adult Conferences
  • NGO's and Government

Related Speakers

Hortense le Gentil keynote speaker

Hortense le Gentil

Executive Leadership Coach

Chris Gabriel

Chris Gabriel

Wealth Management Advisor

Sara Blakely, Speaker

Sara Blakely

Founder and Executive Chairwoman of SPANX

Scott McKain, Speaker

Scott McKain

Internationally Renowned for Distinctive Business Performance

Chad Foster keynote speaker

Chad Foster

Harvard-educated Executive Dealmaker

Ritu Bhasin

Ritu Bhasin

CEO of bhasin consulting inc.

Peter Hinssen keynote speaker

Peter Hinssen

Serial entrepreneur

Olga Loffredi, speaker

Olga Loffredi, PhD

CEO

Brittany Hodak

Brittany Hodak

Author

Robert Wachter Speaker

Robert Wachter

One of the 50 most influential physician executives in the U.S. 

David Burkus Speaker

David Burkus

Organizational Psychologist and Leadership Expert

Becky Blalock, Women in Business Speaker

Becky Blalock

Author of "Dare" and Women in Business Advocate

Reviews

Testimonials

Everyone on the ESB team has been great to work with for our events. Looking forward to keep working with ESB!

Plexus Worldwide

We had a positive experience with ESB. Matt Meyer is a great communicator and easy to get a hold of. His helped us through the process to mak..

BNSF

ESB was patient, thorough, and responsive during the planning process. Thank you for making this such a great experience for us!

ConnectWise

ESB supported our needs and the needs of our speaker throughout the entire process. I highly recommend working with ESB to find your next spe..

DogWatch

"It's always a pleasure to work with ESB. Very professional and personable staff. Thanks!"

Testimonial | Texas Society of Architects

"Excellent! Thank you for being a true partner to our organization and its development."

HCA Healthcare

"They are the only speakers bureau I will even consider using!"

Testimonial | Youth Villages

A wonderful bureau to work with! Big ups to everyone who helped make our event a success. Fingers crossed we get the chance to collaborate fo..

MDRT | Testimonial

"As always, you are the best most responsive speaker bureau I've ever worked with!"

Image Media

Angela Schelp was a great partner in finding the right kick-off speaker for our conference. This was my first conference identifying the keyn..

CubeSmart
Need Suggestions? Have Questions?

Need Suggestions? Have Questions?

Call to discuss how we can you help find the right speaker(s) for your organization.

© 2024 Executive Speakers Bureau. All Rights Reserved.

Design and Developed by eBiz Solutions

Get Ideas in 1 hour or less

Executive Speakers Bureau consistently receives praises about our speed and efficiency. From the beginning of your event planning, our extensive online speaker database and resourceful staff allow us to quickly equip you with the best speaker for your event.

Need a last minute speaker? No worries. Our speed and efficiency help us give you ideas for speakers in one hour or less.

Please fill in information below