Miss San Pedro 2014/2015 Michelle Nuñez was recently in Charlotte, North Carolina to represent On Eagles Wings Ministries (OEWM) Belize. Not only is Nuñez the beauty ambassador for the island, but she is also the director of Shaping Healthy Identities through Nurturing and Empowerment (SHINE) and a board member for the OEWM Belize Chapter. Her visit was from Wednesday, March 25th to Sunday, March 29th. The purpose of the trip was for Nuñez to familiarize herself with OEWM and to learn valuable knowledge and tactics that can be implemented in San Pedro.
Nuñez toured the OEWM Hope Home, a safe home for under-age victims of sex trafficking. She also met several residents living in the Hope Home and shared on her work in San Pedro with the SHINE members. She also participated in a leadership conference for Charlotte area business leaders, a human trafficking awareness event, and a fundraiser for OEW Hope House. “Everything I learned was very enlightening and has provided me with the basics to improve my work in San Pedro,” said Nuñez.
In addition, Nuñez spent time with the OEWM Prevention Director, Autumn Hanline, to discuss the curriculum development and future activities for SHINE. She also attended a dinner with OEWM Founder, Emily Fitchpatrick, and a Charlotte based Ministry called Finish the Wall to discuss a potential construction partnership for the SHINE center in San Pedro. “I am thankful for the opportunity that has been given to me. This experience was life changing and will only serve to enrich my life,” said Nuñez.
On her last day Nuñez visited the North Carolina Mountains where she saw snow for the first time.
SHINE is an empowerment program for teenage girls in San Pedro, led by Michelle Nuñez, sponsored by OEWM. The SHINE center is a project of OEWM and will offer a community center for girls. OEWM Belize and SHINE will be hosting a Maya themed fundraiser on Saturday, May 16th at Ramon’s Village Resort. Additional details will be given as the event date draws near.
To learn more about SHINE and On Eagles Wings Ministries, please visit www.OnEaglesWingsMinistries.org.
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