Lisa – CSEC survivor (Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children)

«« Please drag the arrows to see before & after underwater transformation »»

My name is Lisa Diaz-McQuaid. I am 51 years old. I was born and raised in Santa Rosa, California.

I am a lead human trafficking caseworker with Verity~Sonoma County’s Sexual Assault Prevention, Intevention and Healing Center. I am also the co-founder and co-executive director of Redemption House of the Bay Area an organization that supports and assists survivors of human trafficking.

I am a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, CSEC – Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children, as an adult a survivor of domestic violence, incarceration, human trafficking and in recovery from drug abuse addiction. In November of this year I will celebrate 9 years of recovery and healing. Today I give back to my community and survivors of sexual violence. I have found my purpose—to inspire, encourage, and help guide others to transform their trauma into healing, and reclaim their voice, power, and self-worth.

Redemption House of the Bay Area

In 2018, I was a student at Santa Rosa Junior College when I met my classmate, Elizabeth Quiroz, in one of my drug and alcohol studies classes. Elizabeth gave a presentation on human trafficking and courageously shared her own story as a survivor. Hearing her story helped me recognize and understand that what I had experienced in my own past was human trafficking.

Elizabeth and I connected through our shared experiences, and that connection became the foundation for Redemption House of the Bay Area. We co-founded RHBA with a vision of creating a safe, supportive space where survivors could feel heard, valued, and empowered. We wanted to walk alongside other survivors as they found healing, reclaimed their lives, and discovered that they could move beyond the trauma of their past and into a future of freedom and hope.

What inspired you to be involved in the Underwater Transformation Project?

What inspired me to be part of the Underwater Transformation Project was the opportunity to step outside of the identity of being a survivor and embrace the woman I have become through my healing journey.

As a survivor leader and advocate, I spend so much of my time supporting others, sharing my story, and helping survivors find their voices, healing, and freedom. When I learned about this project and the vision behind it, I was deeply moved by the idea of using art and photography to show the beauty, strength, and transformation that can come from surviving trauma.

I wanted to participate not only for myself, but for the women and survivors who may still be struggling to see their own worth. Being underwater felt symbolic to me letting go, surrendering, facing something unfamiliar, and trusting myself enough to rise again.

I hope my participation reminds other survivors that our trauma does not define us. We are more than what happened to us. We can heal, transform, reclaim our bodies and our stories, and emerge stronger, powerful, and free.

What were your goals for the photo shoot?

My goal was to allow myself to feel free underwater! Yes, I believe I reached my goal.

How was the experience of an underwater portrait session?

The experience was both beautiful and challenging. Being underwater felt peaceful and freeing at times, but it was also very unfamiliar—I had to learn to control my breathing, movement, and body while letting go of my normal instincts. The silence underwater was surprisingly powerful, and there were definitely some funny moments trying to get the poses right! Overall, it pushed me outside my comfort zone and reminded me of the strength it takes to surrender, trust, and transform.

How was your mood after you finished?

I felt empowered, grateful, and proud after the session. It pushed me outside my comfort zone, and completing something so challenging reminded me of my strength, resilience, and how far I’ve come in my healing journey.

What does WATER mean to you?

Water represents healing, renewal, and freedom to me. It reminds me that I can release what no longer serves me, transform through the process, and continue moving forward stronger and renewed.Water is life!

Do you think this experience could help people with trauma/disabilities/illness?

Yes. I believe experiences like this can help people reconnect with their bodies, build confidence, and experience a sense of freedom. My tip is to go at your own pace, breathe, trust yourself, and don’t be afraid to try something outside your comfort zone. Most importantly, be gentle with yourself and celebrate every small step!

Would you go back to the water to do a photo shoot again?

Yes! I absolutely would go back again! Next time I would practice the breathing tricks so I can remain underwater longer and go deeper.

How did you sleep the night of the photo shoot?

I slept like a baby! It was such a beautiful experience! I felt at peace!

How was Erena working with you?

Erena you are amazing! I appreciated the suggestions you shared with me on how to breathe before going underwater. You were so thoughtful, patient and very supportive while remaining professional! We had some great laughs during the photoshoot and I really appreciated that. Laughter is medicine!

What’s your dream?

My dream is to continue using my voice and lived experience to create hope, healing, and change for other survivors.To create a safehouse in Sonoma County for human trafficking survivors to heal. I want the world to know that my past does not define me! My resilience, purpose, and the life I’ve built do.

To my adult children and my grandbabies: I want you to know that you are one of my greatest reasons for healing and continuing to grow. I hope my journey shows you that no matter what life brings, you can break cycles, choose healing, and create a beautiful future.

To survivors: you are not alone, and healing is possible. To supporters: listen, believe survivors, meet us where we are, and walk alongside us with compassion.

Please reach out to Redemption house of the Bay Area if you or you know somebody who is struggling to get out from the violence.

328 South E Street, Santa Rosa, CA, USA

info@redemptionhouseofthebayarea.org