Lanai Moliterno is the owner and founder of Sozy, a female-founded clothing brand based in Encinitas, California, that supports and empowers women in every part of the business. Sozy donates 10% of profit supporting survivors of sexual violence and an additional 10% of profit supporting other charitable and environmental initiatives. Lanai is also a member of RAINN’s National Leadership Council, a group of dedicated individuals who have shown their commitment to RAINN’s mission of supporting survivors and ending sexual violence.
What inspired you to become part of RAINN’s National Leadership Council?
I wanted to be in a position to inspire people to also make a difference. I believe it’s difficult to make a difference alone, but by choosing to make a difference, we inspire others to do so as well.
What do we need to do as a country to prevent sexual violence?
Be transparent and open about our experiences. I know it’s easier said than done, but more people than you think might have similar experiences to yours, and they never felt comfortable enough to talk about it. The more awareness, the more ways we’ll establish prevention. I also think creating a safe environment in which your kids feel comfortable talking to you about anything and educating them about what’s okay and what is not in terms of sexual experiences.
Your company has a special dedication to making a difference in the world by having 10% of the profit at Sozy supporting survivors of sexual violence and 10% towards supporting charitable and environmental initiatives. Why did you decide to give to these causes?
We all have the opportunity and power to make a difference and a ripple effect on those around us. I want to help make the world a better place. Sexual violence has affected me personally throughout my life, and it’s been my mission to make sure it does not happen to others, people have the support they need, and perpetrators are brought to justice. As for the environmental charities, I want my kids, grandkids, and future generations coming to this world to have all the environmental resources, beauties, and health I grew up with. We have only one planet, and we need to take care of it cause, without it, we are nothing. Life is a give and take, and I try to make sure that Sozy put more back into the world than it took on the balance sheet of life.
How can we all be better supporters and advocates for survivors in our lives?
Share your experiences and what helped you. Make sure everyone you know knows about RAINN. Provide whatever support you can to RAINN to continue to make a difference and help people in need.
What is your message to survivors?
You’re not alone. I will personally do everything in my power to continue increasing awareness and resources, so everyone in need has the support to get through their experience and thrive.