Join Melissa Dewar as she shares her powerful story of being abducted by her mother at the age of 8 and enduring months of physical and emotional abuse. Guided by an unwavering belief to "never give up," she overcame trauma, pursued education, and found purpose in helping others affected by abduction. Her inspiring journey is a testament to resilience, forgiveness, and using adversity as a tool for growth. Melissa is an entrepreneur and philanthropist, leveraging her expertise in luxury architecture and design to create transformative platforms that bridge exclusivity with social impact. As the founder of The Modernists, she has revolutionised the hospitality industry, curating a vetted “Class Pass inspired” experience for inspiring spaces and fostering a community of discerning individuals. This innovative platform facilitates connections between luxury brands and an influential clientele. Parallel to her work in the luxury sector, Melissa’s compassionate spirit drives her non-profit initiative, Rescued. This new platform supports families affected by abduction, with a focus on Parent-Child Abduction cases. By connecting victims with volunteers who have overcome similar experiences, Rescued offers empathy and practical support. Her commitment to social causes led to her selection as a finalist in Miss Universe GB, where she advocated for families impacted by abduction. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx