Irina Sorrels

Irina Sorrels is a renowned advocate, mentor, and leader in the field of domestic and sexual violence prevention and survivor empowerment. As the Founder and CEO of Tu Refugio Seguro, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Latino survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking in Indiana, Irina has made a profound impact on individuals and communities by providing culturally sensitive resources, education, and advocacy.

A bestselling author, international speaker, and neurocoach, Irina is committed to equipping women with the tools to heal, rebuild their lives, and turn their pain into purpose. She is the visionary behind the International Heroines Academy, where she trains and certifies women as Mentoras de Heroínas, professional mentors who empower survivors through intervention, healing, and advocacy.

Irina's journey is deeply personal. Originally from Santa Marta, Colombia, she immigrated to the United States 21 years ago, carrying the scars of childhood abuse but also a deep calling to serve others. She holds a degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Human Resources, a Master’s in Psychotherapy, and multiple certifications, including Chaplancy, Neurocoaching, and Trauma-Informed Advocacy. Her faith has been a cornerstone in her mission, and for the past 20 years, she and her husband, a pastor, have served rural churches in Southeast Indiana.

Her passion for helping survivors was ignited during a mission trip to Amsterdam, where she worked with women involved in prostitution. That experience led her to volunteer with nonprofits in Indiana, assisting women in the sex industry and later co-founding a sexual assault program with Safe Passage, a nonprofit that serves survivors in Southeast Indiana. Through Tu Refugio Seguro, she continues to bridge the gap in services for the Latino community, ensuring that survivors receive the support they need to break the cycle of violence and reclaim their lives.

Through her academy, books, conferences, and advocacy, Irina is building a global movement of women committed to making a difference. Whether mentoring survivors, training professionals, or speaking on international stages, her mission remains clear: to empower, restore, and lead women toward healing and purpose.