The Collective
Akynos | Founder
Strategic Committee
Erika Smith
Erika Smith is an African American woman who grew up in Washington DC being raised by a single dad, who taught her to stand up and fight for what she believes in. She Started working with the BSWC in December of 2021, Helping out with the Mutual Aid project. She has been a Harm reduction, sex worker rights, trans rights, lgbtq and women rights of color activist for 18 years. Helping others is a passion that she has had since she was a child.
Dr. Penelope Saunders | Mentor Consultant
Penelope Saunders, PhD, is the coordinator of the Best Practices Policy Project, a national policy dedicated to the health and rights of sex workers. She has established numerous organizations nationwide focusing on sex worker rights, HIV and rights, as well as having worked in Latin America and Australia.
Bebe Bardot | Committee Member
Bebe Bardot is a Washington, D.C. based law librarian and burlesque performer. Bebe started her advocacy journey as a law student volunteer in 2009 with Kristi House Child Advocacy Center in Miami, and has 10 years of experience researching legal issues related to sex worker rights. During law school, she co-founded a law student sex worker rights pro bono project. Most recently, she completed advocacy training with HIPS and continues to volunteer in Washington, D.C.
AM Davies | Volunteer
AM Davies is an amputee, ex-stripper, labor organizer and Secretary of Strippers United. They started their advocacy work in 2018, shortly before a motorcycle accident that resulted in amputation of their lower left leg. After healing and no longer able to work in the clubs, AMD poured their heart, time and energy into advocating for labor rights for strippers and sex workers. They have worked with the BSWC since 2020 helping wherever help is needed most, including letter campaigns to politicians, assisting in virtual events and updating the website.