MEET THE board
MIRIAM BELLOWS
BOARD MEMBER
Miriam (she/her) is an advocate for empowerment, leveraging her experience to drive positive change. She joins the board after a year and half of dedication volunteering on The Cupcake Girls’ Events team, hosting, fundraising and championing for TCG, working hard, while having fun. Miriam’s background is in biomed, doing infectious disease research as she wrapped up her Masters of Science in Bioinformatics. From here she translated these analytical research skills to Marketing, working with agencies and in house, all industries. Honing in on this decade of experience to focus on strategy, analytics, and Project Management has propelled her work as a Business and Marketing Consultant. She’s experienced with guiding organizations towards growth and transformation, strategic decision-making and driving impactful outcomes. Her commitment to collaboration, holistic balance, and innovation is evident in every endeavor she undertakes.
When she is not working on fun projects or people, you can find her outside enjoying patios, kayaking, adventuring around the PNW or abroad! Where to next?
Barb Brents
BOARD MEMBER
Barb (she/her) is a Sociology professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, with over 35 years of experience in teaching and researching politics, sex, and gender, focusing on sexual commerce. She holds a PhD in Sociology from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from the Missouri Journalism School.
Barb's extensive research on sex work in various legal systems has established her as an international expert in the field. In addition to lots of research articles, her books include the co-authored "The State of Sex," a study of Nevada’s legal brothels (2010) and "Paying for Sex in the Digital Age" (2020), which compares client surveys in the US and UK. She is a co-editor of "Sex Work Today: Erotic Labor in the 21st Century" (2024). Barb has been instrumental in making UNLV's Sociology Department a leader in sex work research at the PhD level. Her work has received numerous awards and has been featured in a wide variety of media.
Barb believes in using research for social change. She is passionate about promoting evidence-based reforms to prostitution laws, advocating for healthy sexuality, and championing sex workers’ human rights. Over the last three decades, Barb has been involved in various peace and justice movements, including serving as Nevada ACLU Board President and an ACLU national board member.
TRINA BROWN
BOARD MEMBER
Trina (she/her) currently lives in Idaho, by way of Nevada, Connecticut and California. She attended California State University Long Beach and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice in 2002. She spent many years working in social services in Nevada, assisting with delivery of self-reliance programs. While in Nevada she connected with The Cupcake Girls and spent 5 years volunteering and working for them in multiple capacities
prior to moving out of state. Trina moved to Idaho and pursued her Masters in Social Work from Boise State University which she completed in 2019. She currently works at a local hospital providing mental health and substance use assessment, and coordinates care for her clients in the community. She also provides EMDR, a trauma therapy in the community
to first responders.
Trina is passionate about The Cupcake Girls and their vision to provide resources, advocacy and support. She believes the clients served by TCG deserve the support of others and the community, as we all do. As humans it is our calling to be there for each other, and take steps to better understand each other through connection.
In her free time, Trina enjoys spending time with her husband, 5 kids, and foster children on their small acreage farm. She loves exploring the Pacific Northwest in their travel trailer, drinking coffee, having dance parties, spending time in the garden and taking care of livestock and other animals on the property.
MELODIE GARCIA
BOARD MEMBER
Melodie (she/her) is a published author, speaker, and activist with over 12 years of experience leading social justice projects ranging from direct services to advocacy to philanthropy. Currently, Melodie is the Co-Director for New Moon Network, an intermediary funder and capacity-building organization advancing sex workers' rights in the USA; she is also a board member of SWOP Behind Bars, inc. Melodie is also a public sector consultant and founder of Orange Cap Consultation, where she helps institutions connect with underserved & marginalized communities through engagement design, facilitation, and analysis. Melodie holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and a Professional Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Washington. Shaping her work is important lived experience as a queer woman of color, sex worker, and first-generation college graduate.
POMMA GRANET
BOARD MEMBER
Pomma Granet (They/Them) is a passionate advocate and informal educator on topics related to sex workers rights, digital discrimination, and the necessity for intersectional approaches to advocacy. They use their personal experiences from being a sex worker for over nine years to help communicate the urgency of these issues and spread awareness, particularly in larger conversations surrounding civil rights, human rights, and legislation.
On various social media platforms, including TikTok and Instagram, they create short-form video and textual content. Much of their content revolves around advocating for the decriminalization of sex work. In addition to this and other relevant topics, they also work to offer alternative perspectives for their audience so they can better humanize sex workers within a society that often overlooks their needs. Throughout all of the content they create and share with the community, Pomma does their best to uplift the perspectives of marginalized voices to ensure that everyone “has a chip to dip” in conversations. They hope that by creating content surrounding these issues, their audience will feel more comfortable— and have helpful language to refer to— when advocating in their own personal lives and communities.
In their free time, Pomma enjoys streaming video games, traveling to anime conventions/expos, and expressing themselves through alternative fashion. Pomma loves spicy food and their two fluffy cats. Their favorite Girl Scout cookie is the caramel delight!
MISTRESS MEI
BOARD MEMBER
Mistress Mei (They/Them) is a pioneering advocate with over 12 years of experience as a sex worker. As the founder of Decrim 305, they've been at the forefront of the sex worker rights movement, striving for the decriminalization of sex work to ensure safety and human rights.
Mistress Mei's influence extends to founding Miami's inaugural Slut Walk Miami in 2020, a powerful platform for promoting sex work decriminalization. They also contribute their harm reduction expertise as a board member of The Cupcake Girls, furthering the organization's support for individuals in need.
Art is an integral part of Mistress Mei's impactful journey. They skillfully fuse advocacy with creativity, offering a distinct and captivating perspective that deeply resonates. Through their unwavering commitment, Mistress Mei envisions and works tirelessly towards a world where stigma and discrimination against sex workers are eradicated, allowing all individuals the freedom to live and work securely and without fear.
Ash Miller
BOARD MEMBER
Ash Miller (she/they) currently splits her time between Las Vegas, NV (75%), Los Gatos, CA (25%), and adventures around the world whenever they make it on the schedule. A former primary educator (pre-k-8th grade) for 11 years, that world was swapped for the adult industry in 2013. Since then they have navigated life as a solopreneur, dancer, content creator, social media marketing maven, and general creatrix. With a major passion for learning this babe holds certifications ranging from Film & Television studies through NYU to 300 hour CYT (Certified Yoga Training), Senior Drumming specialized fitness to Sacred Courtesan, to their current work towards their Modern Journalism certification. Ash is excited to be re-entering the work and space towards Sex Worker Included Sexual Health and Wellness Education and is so excited to bring their energy, drive, and funky spirit to TCG. She believes strongly in building bridges between communities and working to make sure more people are included in the rooms/conversations where decisions are being made. Her lifelong lived-in experiences as a disabled queer femme from a multi-generational activist and advocacy-focused family bring passion and experience in what it is like navigating a world often inaccessible while living in a body often treated as invisible.
Happily married with 2 cats at home, she and her spouse also enjoy off-roading in their Jeep Wrangler, eating their way around the world, and supporting living artists whenever possible. You may catch Ash out on the town at burlesque and cabaret shows, cooking classes, art shows, or making magic happen in the company of friends.
Danielle Miller
BOARD MEMBER
Danielle (she/her) is a personal injury attorney based in Las Vegas. Born to a Central American mother and an African American father who served in the U.S. Air Force, Danielle spent her early years living throughout the United States and overseas, exposing her to different races, languages, cultures, traditions, and perspectives. These experiences instilled in her a sense of empathy, integrity, and service to others, which continue to shape her life.
Danielle's involvement with The Cupcake Girls reflects her belief in providing unwavering support and empowerment to those in need, aligning perfectly with her legal practice's mission to secure justice for those who have been wrongfully injured. Through her legal expertise and her deep commitment to service, Danielle embodies the spirit of advocacy and empowerment that defines the Cupcake Girls' mission.
Outside of being a busy attorney and Board Member, Danielle enjoys working out, cooking, traveling, watching football (go Broncos!), playing with her dog, and spending quality time with family and friends.
SOFIA ROSE
BOARD MEMBER
The oldest of 10 children, Sofia Rose (she/her) is a natural leader and self-driven individual. Being raised in a humble environment taught her to be resourceful, have faith, and be driven to acquire what she seeks in life. Sofia is a multi-award winning performer, with a plethora of prestigious awards to her name since her career unexpectedly took off in 2006. Sofia is a respected trailblazer, championing marginalized communities and advocating for inclusion and diversity.
She has been featured in many notable podcasts and interviews, including the New York Times. She has been published in both Print and online and featured internationally.
Sofia has worked with many nonprofit organizations specifically in the adult industry, and is passionate about making change for the greater good of her peers, and community. She has served her community and fellow performers as a coach, counselor, and mentor and is always finding ways to problem solve and improve and serve her community.
As an independent entrepreneur, Sofia is always seeking self-enrichment and refinement by reading, listening to podcasts, and taking educational courses such as Women in Leadership at Cornell University. Sofia believes, no matter how good you are, you can always improve, grow and find opportunities to learn and elevate.
In her free time, you can find her gaming, playing with her dog, or doing pilates. If you’re ever feeling down, you can always turn to Sofia for uplifting words of encouragement, a listening ear, and even a quick-witted joke. If you ever get a chance to spend time with Sofia, beware, not only will she show you love and compassion, she will have you believing in yourself.
CLARA TANG
BOARD MEMBER
Clara Tang (she/her) currently holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculptural Practices and is pursuing a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine. As a previous Junior Program Coordinator at The Cupcake Girls, she has worked directly with program participants and as a result, has gained a deep understanding of the population we serve. She is honored to bring this knowledge to the Board to ensure that participants have the best possible experience with the organization. Once she obtains her acupuncture license, she aims to partner with not only The Cupcake Girls, but other non-profits to provide affordable care to underprivileged populations.
Outside of being a student and Board Member, Clara is a music producer, DJ, loving cat mom, and a big advocate for staying hydrated.
Liliana Trejo-Vanegas
BOARD MEMBER
Liliana Trejo Vanegas was born and raised in Zacatecas, Mexico and now resides on Southern Paiute land. She is a photographer by trade who has been lucky to capture the work of countless nonprofits and mutual aid efforts in Las Vegas since 2013. She recently made a transition into organizing for a nonprofit that advocates for reproductive healthcare. Her passion for bodily autonomy for all has been a driving force for years and she is excited to bring this fight into her work with The Cupcake Girls. Having lived in Las Vegas for close to 20 years she has learned that our communities are made stronger by serving folks who are most overlooked and the work that The Cupcake Girls does for marginalized communities is absolutely necessary for our communities to not just survive but thrive.
Outside of work, she can be found volunteering locally with her amazing son, enjoying new and old food spots around town, or playing video games at home surrounded by her two rescue dogs.
Keke Walker
BOARD MEMBER
Keke Walker (she/they) is a dedicated community organizer, sex worker, and advocate based in Hawai'i. Originally from Oklahoma, Keke has lived in various places across the continent and abroad, enriching their work with diverse experiences. A graduate from Portland State University with a Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences, they are looking forward to their academic career after being recently accepted to a Masterʻs program for Public Health Policy & Management with University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
Keke's journey in community work began in 2018 as a housing retention case manager, building a strong foundation in housing advocacy and community engagement. Currently, Keke works as a Mental Health Educator for a local nonprofit and a Core Organizer with SWOP Hawai'i, where they work with a team supporting and empowering sex workers while addressing systemic oppression.
Keke's advocacy roles include being a fellow with Third Wave Fund’s Sex Worker Giving Circle (2024), co-leading the Equity Workgroup at HepFree Hawai'i, and volunteering on the Programs Committee of the Hawai'i Public Health Association. They are also a Coalition Member of the Oʻahu Reimagining Public Safety Coalition and a Council Member for PAIMI with the Hawai'i Disability Rights Center. Keke has also recently started a community group for sex workers who are interested in writing and peer engagement called BIPOC Sex Workers Writing Space. In her spare time you can find them at the library or at the beach with close friends. She loves being outdoors, writing and eating great food.
Kekeʻs work and life is driven by love for community, a commitment to equity, justice, and the empowerment of people in the sex trades and for survivors.
MADISON ZACK-WU
BOARD MEMBER
Madison (she/her) is a stripper, political community organizer, and researcher- focusing on social justice, labor, and sex workers' rights. She led Strippers Are Workers to the WA state legislative win that created the first-ever Strippers' bill of Rights. This historic bill won dancer workers' rights, addressed power differentials within the clubs that perpetuate exploitation, and decriminalized nudity and alcohol within WA strip clubs. Her article “Undue Harms Against Adult Dancers: Regulation of Strip Club Labor Based on Spurious Claims, Research, and Stigma” is published in Wiley’s Sexuality, Gender & Policy journal, and addresses systemic oppression and its manifestations within the regulation of strip clubs. Additionally, Madison guest lectures at local universities and community colleges regarding intersectional social justice, grassroots organizing, and sex work.
Madison is passionate about fighting for the liberation of all, and she fights for freedom through grassroots organizing and community power-building. She knows that shifting the systems of oppression and creating power in marginalized communities happens through the celebration and empowerment of impacted individuals. People in the sex trade face an incredible amount of disempowerment, stigma, and harm because of societal oppression. Madison is dedicated to securing agency and autonomy for people in the sex trade, because they are her siblings and community, and also because they simply deserve to be well and free.