IT TAKES A TEAM.

CEO & Founder | Chaplain

I’m Gilbert “Gilrilla” Acevedo III, a youth mentor and founder of Modern Abolition, using art & creativity to create social change. With 20+ years in youth ministry, I help young people grow spiritually, develop life skills, and lead creative projects that make a lifelong impact.

Team Member

I’m Stacy Acevedo—a wife, mother, businesswoman, and hairstylist passionate about wellness. I empower others to look and feel their best through beauty, health, and balanced living.

Sales & Media Manager

I'm Shaelyn Saraceni, an author, a musician, and a creative. My passion is to always empower and come alongside those who don't have the means or ability to do so themselves, whether that be youth, young adults, or any marginalized group. As a follower of Christ, I know God has empowered me only to love other by first receiving His love, grace, compassion, and mercy that I do not deserve and could never earn. Everyone deserves love.

Community Impact Officer | Chaplain

I’m Hillary Gaines, a devoted advocate with over 20 years of experience in several different roles supporting children and families through youth advocacy, mental health, and juvenile justice. As a follower of Christ, I strive daily to walk in God’s purpose for my life—serving others with compassion, integrity, and love. I believe in being the hands and feet of Jesus, meeting people where they are, and loving them into the Kingdom. My hope is that when others encounter the light in me, they ultimately see Him. I use both my lived and professional experience to create inclusive, student-centered programs that reflect grace, dignity, and the power of restoration.

A Modern Abolitionist...

Exists to inspire others and create movements of change that bring help, hope, healing, and health to those in need. It is estimated that every 3 seconds a child dies of a preventable circumstance (disease, poverty, hunger, lack of education, etc) and children (especially young girls) all over the planet are being sold as slaves for sex, labor, and having their childhood stolen. This is not ok with me. We can make a difference...we will be different.

"Don't be a slave to the status quo" - This is Modern Abolition.

The conviction to use all that I am & to do all that I can to make a positive impact in the world, and literal change, is the life blood of Modern Abolition.

WALK WITH US

If our story resonates with you, there are many ways to be part of it.

  • Support the work through giving
  • Serve alongside us as a volunteer
  • Partner with us as a church or organization

Together, we can continue building something rooted in hope, faith, and lasting impact.

Let’s go!