Stranded Survivor Advocate Trying to Get Home from Austria

Hi, my name is Ashley.

I never imagined I would be writing something like this from another country—alone, trying to figure out how to get home.

Just days ago, I was in Vienna, Austria, representing survivor voices on a global stage at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and INTERPOL Global Fraud Summit. As a survivor of human trafficking and the Founder of We Are One, Inc., I’ve dedicated my life to helping others escape exploitation and rebuild their lives.

I worked hard to get here. My travel was not funded by my nonprofit—I raised the money myself through a private donor because I believe so deeply in this mission.

⸻

What Happened

Due to what Condor Airlines has described as a technical issue, my return flight information from my round-trip ticket was effectively “lost” in their system.

As a result:

• My paid return flight cannot be located

• I have not been rebooked

• And I am currently being refused a replacement flight

This has left me stranded in a foreign country, trying to navigate a situation I did not cause.

⸻

Why This Is Urgent

I need to get home.

Not just because I’m alone—but because I have responsibilities waiting for me:

• Survivors who rely on me for support

• Ongoing advocacy work in Connecticut and New York

• My daughter, who I am fighting every day to protect and be present for

Being stuck here has been overwhelming. At one point, I nearly lost my passport from the stress of trying to manage everything alone.

⸻

What This Feels Like

I now understand, on a deeper level, how terrifying it can be to be displaced in another country.

As someone who works with survivors and refugees, I’ve always had empathy—but living even a small piece of that fear is something else entirely.

Not knowing how you’re getting home…

Not having control…

Feeling vulnerable in a place that isn’t yours…

It’s scary.

⸻

The Bright Side — Humanity Exists Everywhere

Despite everything, I want to say this:

The people of Austria have been incredible.

From strangers offering kindness, to guidance when I didn’t know where to go—they showed me compassion when I needed it most.

They helped me while I was here.

And now I’m asking—let’s show them who we are too.

⸻

How You Can Help

I am trying to raise funds to secure a flight home safely.

If you can give:

• $5

• $10

• Anything at all

It truly makes a difference.

Every share, every donation, every bit of support helps bring me one step closer to getting home.

⸻

Why This Matters

I didn’t come to Vienna for myself.

I came to represent survivors who don’t have a voice in rooms like that.

Now, I’m asking for help so I can get back home—and continue that work.

⸻

From Me, Personally

As someone who has survived so much and built a life helping others, this is not easy to ask.

But right now, I need help.

And I believe in the power of people showing up for each other.

⸻

Please donate if you can. Share if you’re able.

Let’s bring me home.

—Ashley Phan

Founder, We Are One, Inc.