OUR STORY
SWOP Minneapolis (Sex Workers Outreach Project) is a 501(c)(3) grassroots nonprofit dedicated to advocating for the rights, safety, and dignity of sex workers across Minnesota. Our work is deeply rooted in the community and guided by the lived experiences and voices of sex workers themselves, ensuring our efforts are both impactful and authentic.
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As a nonprofit, our 501(c)(3) status allows us to accept tax-deductible donations, secure essential grants, and build powerful partnerships. Every contribution directly supports our mission to create lasting change for sex workers and their communities.
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We envision a world where all sex workers can live and work without fear of violence, stigma, or criminalization. Through advocacy, education, and harm reduction, we strive to ensure access to resources, respect, and the autonomy every individual deserves.
OUR APPROACH
We are dedicated to harm reduction, human rights, and community empowerment. By centering the lived experiences of sex workers, we strive to challenge systemic injustices and amplify the voices of those most directly impacted. Guided by a belief in the strength of community, mutual aid, and collective action, we work to create meaningful, lasting change.
WHAT WE DO
At SWOP Minneapolis, we provide a variety of programs tailored to meet the needs of sex workers in our community:
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Outreach & Harm Reduction
We deliver safer sex supplies, Narcan, and other essential resources directly to sex workers. By building meaningful connections, we offer ongoing support and promote harm reduction practices.
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Health & Wellness Initiatives
Our programs improve access to healthcare and mental health services, giving sex workers the tools to prioritize their physical and emotional well-being.
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Advocacy & Education
We are committed to decriminalizing sex work, reducing stigma, and educating the public about the realities of the industry. Through workshops and training sessions, we empower sex workers with knowledge about their rights and advocate for systemic change.
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Community Building
We create safe spaces where sex workers can connect, share their experiences, and build solidarity. From events and support groups to social gatherings, we create a strong, united community.
WHY WE DO IT
The criminalization of sex work forces individuals into dangerous conditions, isolating them from safety, support, and community. At SWOP Minneapolis, we advocate for decriminalization to reduce harm, create connection, and ensure that all sex workers can live with dignity and security. We envision a future where sex workers can live authentically—free from the fear of arrest, violence, and discrimination.
Andi Snow
Executive Director
Andi Snow is a mother, artist, and dedicated activist based in Minneapolis. As the Executive Director of SWOP Minneapolis (Sex Workers Outreach Project), she is on the forefront of efforts to decriminalize sex work and unionize strippers, striving to create a city that is not only safer, sexier and more abundant for everyone.
With a strong commitment to social justice, Andi is deeply involved in the abolitionist coalition and actively participates in queer liberation initiatives. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Gender, Women’s, and Sexualities Studies from the University of Minnesota, equipping her with the knowledge and skills to be an effective advocate.
Before her role at SWOP, Andi spent two decades working in the Adult Entertainment Industry where she also redistributed funds to support crucial movements within the community. Her experiences have shaped her understanding of the complexities surrounding sex work and have fueled her advocacy.
In her personal time, Andi loves to dance, immerse herself in music, create art with her child, travel and read. With a blend of creativity and activism, Andi continues to make a positive impact in her community, championing the rights of those often overlooked and creating pathways for empowerment and change.
Athena
Chief Operations Director
Athena is a passionate advocate, organizer, and strategist with over a decade of experience in the adult industry. As the Chief Operations Director of SWOP Minneapolis, she dedicates herself to advancing the rights, safety, and well-being of sex workers while building a community rooted in empowerment and autonomy.
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Athena’s leadership focuses on education—empowering sex workers with knowledge about their rights and inspiring confidence to live authentically without shame. She is equally committed to dismantling stigma and reshaping public perceptions of sex work through bold advocacy and outreach initiatives. As a long-time activist for Black liberation and a supporter of families impacted by police brutality, Athena brings a deep understanding of systemic injustice to her work, ensuring that SWOP’s mission addresses intersecting oppressions within the community.
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In her role, Athena strengthens connections with donors and partners, securing resources that directly benefit participants and programs. She also oversees the volunteer program, cultivating a team dedicated to creating safe, inclusive spaces where connection and solidarity thrive.
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Outside of her advocacy, Athena is deeply passionate about health and wellness, viewing self-care as both a personal and revolutionary act. She finds joy in creating art that speaks to her experiences and loves traveling to new places, where she can recharge and gather inspiration. Whether she’s lifting weights, practicing mindfulness, or simply taking a moment to breathe, Athena believes these small, intentional acts of care are essential for fueling the fight for justice and liberation.
Mila
Public Relations Manager
Mila is a connector, advocate, and storyteller passionate about reshaping the narrative around sex work and building bridges between communities. As the Public Relations Manager for SWOP Minneapolis, Mila draws on over 13 years of experience in the sex industry and a gender studies background to elevate the voices of sex workers and create opportunities for empowerment and connection.
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Mila’s journey into sex work began as a club dancer, finding financial independence during a time of uncertainty. That experience gave her not only freedom but also a deep understanding of the systemic barriers sex workers face. Through her podcast, Other Words for Whxre, Mila challenges stereotypes and uplifts sex worker voices, showing the humanity behind the work and reminding others that “somebody you love is a sex worker.”
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At SWOP, Mila leads social media initiatives that amplify the organization’s mission, creates partnerships within the sex work community, and oversees volunteer efforts. From coordinating workplace-based outreach to curating online content, her work ensures that SWOP remains a trusted and vital resource for sex workers in Minneapolis and beyond.
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Outside of her advocacy, Mila is a lover of stories—whether through books, sci-fi, or mythology—and finds joy in exploring narratives that challenge perspectives and spark meaningful change.
