worthy² Team
Leadership
Kathryn Guthrie
Founder
Victim/Survivor Advocate
Kathryn Guthrie has always had a heart for the “underdog”. As early as elementary school she can recall defending the kid everyone picked on- to the point of spending time in the principal’s office for her “intervention” efforts.
In 2008, Kathryn spent two months in Vietnam finalizing the adoption of her daughter. While there, she saw firsthand the devastation of commercial sexual exploitation, or sex trafficking. Once home, she began researching the issue. Kathryn quickly discovered that human trafficking, specifically sex trafficking, was also a sad reality in the U.S., including in her home state of Alabama. This form of modern-day slavery spoke to her heart and a lit a fire of outrage in her spirit.
Kathryn began volunteering with Redeem, an anti sex trafficking organization based in Columbus, GA. There was a need for this type of organization in Alabama and the decision was made to launch Redeem Alabama in January 2017 where Kathryn served as Director until December 2020. In March of 2021 Kathryn founded worthy2 (worthy squared), a ministry dedicated to advocating for those who have been exploited through commercial sex or sex trafficking. God’s purpose was clear- walk alongside survivors on their journey to true freedom and advocate to break the chains of modern-day slavery…become an ABOLITIONIST.
Sara Riesing
Executive Director
Sara Riesing is the Executive Director at worthy2. In this role, she is responsible for the development and implementation of the organization’s mission and strategic priority of Prevention and Awareness.​
Prior to worthy2, Sara worked with the statewide victim service agency for child victims of sex trafficking in Georgia as the Outreach Coordinator. She also volunteered with a partner organization where she participated in fundraising efforts and worked with adult victims of sex trafficking in Atlanta.
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Sara previously worked for the City of Kennesaw, GA as an Events Coordinator where she hosted several events for the City’s museum, including the most successful event in its 44 year history. She has also worked for a top Atlanta radio station, 104.7 The Fish, where she served as an integral part of the promotions team. The most notable event served in her role being Celebrate Freedom- the largest one-day, free, outdoor Christian music festival in the United States.
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She graduated from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Communications with a focus in Public Relations and a Minor in Business Law.
At worthy2, Sara is able to combine her communications background and her passion to see sex trafficking eradicated from our state by engaging the community in prevention and awareness.
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Development
Olivia Philips
Intern
Olivia is a student at Auburn University and will graduate in August of 2024 with a B.S in Global Studies and a minor in Business. She has had the opportunity to intern in the nonprofit sector, which has not only deepened her passion for the field but also confirmed her desire to make a meaningful impact. Watching others grow in life excites her and she strives to be a person that can facilitate that growth for them. Working with Worthy 2 has allowed her to be a part of tangible change in the community.
Ashley Johnston
General Coordinator
Ashley serves as a general coordinator. She assists with various projects that the ministry is working on. She has been involved in human trafficking outreach in some form since 2015. She prefers to be behind the scenes and will typically be found with a book and a chai in hand.