Our Team

Linda Smith is a leader in the global movement to end sex trafficking. In 1998, while serving in the U.S. Congress, Linda traveled to a notorious brothel district in India where the hopeless faces of women and children forced into prostitution compelled Linda to found Shared Hope International. Linda is the primary author of From Congress to the Brothel and Renting Lacy and co-author of The National Report on Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking and the DEMAND. Report. Linda has testified before Congress, presented at national and international forums, and has been published in news outlets and journals. Linda served as a Washington State legislator (1983-93), before she was elected to the U.S. Congress in 1994.

Linda Smith is a leader in the global movement to end sex trafficking of women and children around the world and in the United States. In 1998, while still a member of the U.S. Congress, Linda traveled to Falkland Road in Mumbai, India—one of the worst brothel districts in the world. The hopeless faces of desperate women and children forced into prostitution compelled Linda to found Shared Hope International (SHI). SHI was established to support shelter and service creation for sex trafficking survivors using a comprehensive model for restoration. By partnering with local organizations, SHI provides restorative care, shelter, and education and job skills training through the Women’s Investment Network (WIN) at Homes and Villages of Hope where women and children can live without time limit. Today, Shared Hope provides leadership in education and training, prevention strategies, research, and policy initiatives.

Linda founded the War Against Trafficking Alliance (WATA) in 2001, coordinating regional and international efforts necessary to combat sex trafficking. In 2003, WATA co-sponsored the World Summit with the U.S. Department of State, uniting leaders from 114 nations that demonstrated sustained commitment to protect the vulnerable from the sex trade. Six international summits followed, leading governments in under-achieving nations to pass human trafficking laws and plan for enforcement. In 2006, SHI spearheaded the U.S. Mid-Term Review on the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC)—bringing together leaders from across the United States to assess progress made in combating the sexual slavery of children in America. The U.S. Mid-Term Review on CSEC in America was the basis for a United States – Canada Regional Consultation in preparation for the 2008 World Congress III Against CSEC, where the report was presented by Shared Hope as part of the U.S. delegation.

Under a grant from the U.S. Department of State, Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, Linda and her team conducted field research in Jamaica, the Netherlands, Japan, and the U.S. to investigate the business model fueling the sex industry. These findings were compiled in the 2007 publication of the DEMAND. report and the production of the DEMAND. documentary.

Since 2006, Linda and SHI have worked in partnership with human trafficking task forces in cities across the U.S. to provide research, training, and technical assistance. With funding from the U.S. Department of Justice, SHI conducted four years of research on Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking (DMST)—the exploitation of American children through prostitution, pornography or sexual performance. In 2009, Linda presented the findings in The National Report on Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking: America’s Prostituted Children to Congress. By examining the governmental and nongovernmental efforts and gaps in addressing child sex trafficking in the U.S., this research pioneered today’s movement against child sex slavery in America. Both DEMAND. and the National Report have been entered into the Congressional Record. Using this research as a platform, Linda is an advocate for a strengthened response at the federal level, and has been instrumental in helping states design legislative frameworks to protect the innocence of America’s children.

In 2011, Linda commissioned a landmark initiative to assess every state’s laws as they relate to or impact domestic minor sex trafficking. This project, the Protected Innocence Challenge, is a strategy to comprehensively combat child sex trafficking by identifying gaps in state laws and providing a blueprint for legislative action. Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna spoke in support of this initiative, stating that the attention it draws to the issue is necessary to create effective change. Additionally, Linda designed an integrated training and awareness model, Do You Know Lacy?, aimed at educating a variety of audiences using a multi-dimensional approach.

As a foremost expert on international and domestic trafficking, Linda has spoken out against the trafficking of women and children in numerous Congressional hearings and in national and international forums, such as the World Conference on Trafficking and the U.S.-Russia Bilateral Presidential Commission on the Protection of Children. Linda has participated in more than 300 media interviews, and has appeared on CNN, MSNBC, USA Today, Dan Rather Reports, ABC News, the Dr. Phil show, O’Reilly Factor, and CBN. Linda received the 2009 Soroptimist Making a Difference for Women Award and the 2010 Soroptimist Ruby Award: For Women Helping Women. Linda has been published in news outlets and journals around the world; including The New York Times, the Fletcher Forum of World Affairs, the International Review of Penal Law, and the Regent University Law Review.

Linda’s political career began in 1983 as a Washington State legislator. From 1983 to 1993, Linda served as a member of the Washington State House of Representatives (1983-86) and State Senate (1987-93). During her time as Senator, Linda chaired the State Senate Children and Family Services Committee, overseeing programs related to issues of children and families with a focus on protection, restoration, adoption, child welfare, drug rehabilitation, and homeless children. While in office, Linda drafted a package of foster care bills that provided greater permanency for foster youth by limiting the number of times they could be moved. In 1994, she was elected to the U.S. Congress following a remarkable grassroots write-in campaign where she defeated the only Republican candidate listed on the primary ballot.

While in Congress she became known for her stand against taking special interest money and served on the Human Rights Caucus, a position that provided her initial exposure to the horror of sex slavery. Her compassionate and uncompromising belief that every individual has dignity has carried her from advocating for permanent safe homes for children as the State Senate chair of the Children and Family Services Committee, to the halls of Congress, and ultimately to searching out victims in red light districts around the world. Linda and her husband, Vern, reside in Vancouver, Washington and are the proud parents of two and grandparents of six.

Email: Linda.Smith@sharedhope.org

Samantha Vardaman started her work in anti-trafficking as the director of the American Bar Association Central European and Eurasian Law Initiative’s Moldova office implementing a rule of law program that included anti-trafficking legislation development and facilitating the provision of pro bono legal services for the public. She joined Shared Hope International in 2005 to undertake comparative research of sex trafficking markets in certain cities in Jamaica, Japan, the Netherlands and the United States resulting in the DEMAND report and documentary for the U.S. Department of State, Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons.

Focusing on domestic trafficking, Samantha co-authored The National Report on Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking: America’s Prostituted Children based on research for the U.S. Department of Justice. The National Report and DEMAND were admitted into the Congressional Record in October 2009 and are the foundations for ongoing advocacy for stronger legislation to provide protection, justice, shelter and services for victims of domestic minor sex trafficking at the federal and state levels.

Samantha leads the development of the annual JuST Conference program and advises on policy strategies. Currently, Samantha leads the campaign to identify and reopen cases of survivors of child sex trafficking incarcerated in adult prisons for offenses related to their trafficking. She is a graduate of Boston College and the University of Miami School of Law.

Email: Samantha@sharedhope.org

Rebecca Adams became the Director of Accounting/HR at Shared Hope in January 2021, leveraging more than 25 years of experience in the private sector. She earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s degree in Accounting from Western Governors University. Her awareness of sex trafficking began in 2009 after listening to Linda Smith speak at her local church. Inspired by the book “Renting Lacy,” authored by Linda Smith, she acquired crucial insights that ultimately enabled her to rescue a family member from being trafficked at the age of 15.

Email: Rebecca@sharedhope.org

Maurane Aneck is the Training Programs Manager at Shared Hope International, where she helps promote and expand educational initiatives that raise awareness and equip people to fight sex trafficking. With a background in project management and a deep passion for advocacy, she ensures that training opportunities reach the right audiences and make a lasting impact. Before joining Shared Hope, Maurane worked as a Project Coordinator in the private sector and interned at the United Nations Pulse Lab Kampala, where she contributed to data-driven humanitarian projects. A confident and engaging public speaker, she loves connecting with people and using her skills to inspire action in the fight against trafficking.

Maurane Aneck is the Training Programs Manager at Shared Hope International, where she focuses on promoting and expanding educational programs that empower individuals and communities to take a stand against sex trafficking. She works to make sure that training resources reach the right people: whether professionals, service providers, or community advocates; so they have the tools they need to make a difference.

With a background in project management and organizational leadership, Maurane brings a strategic mindset and a people-first approach to her work. Before joining Shared Hope, she worked as a Project Coordinator in the private sector, managing relationships with stakeholders and streamlining processes to improve efficiency. She also interned at the United Nations Pulse Lab Kampala, contributing to research-driven projects that used data to tackle humanitarian challenges.

Passionate about advocacy and raising awareness, Maurane is a natural communicator and public speaker. She enjoys breaking down complex ideas, engaging diverse audiences, and inspiring action through meaningful conversations. Whether in front of a crowd or one-on-one, she’s dedicated to using her voice to elevate the fight against trafficking.

Maurane earned her Bachelor’s degree in Project Management from Arizona State University, where she built a strong foundation in leadership, risk assessment, and process optimization. She’s committed to using her skills to create positive change, foster collaboration, and help build a world where trafficking is no longer a reality.

Email: Maurane@sharedhope.org

Sarah joined Shared Hope in 2016 to support the organization’s state legislative advocacy work and State Report Card project.  Sarah focuses her advocacy efforts and research on strengthening statutory and practice-based responses to child sex trafficking, striving to support the design and implementation of trauma-informed service responses for child and youth survivors. In her role as Director of State Legislative Advocacy, Sarah provides technical assistance, subject matter expertise, and bill drafting support to state legislators, survivors, ally NGOs, and advocates.

Prior to joining Shared Hope, Sarah worked with several child protection and women’s rights NGOs in Kenya, Senegal, Zambia, and the U.S., advocating for stronger legal protections and responses for survivors of all forms of sexual and gender-based violence. Sarah earned her undergraduate degree from Webster University and her law degree from DePaul University College of Law.

Email: Sarah@sharedhope.org

Maria Campoli joined Shared Hope International in 2006. As the Donor Receivable Manager, her attention to detail, dedication, and precise processes impact all aspects of fundraising and donor relations. Her commitment to excellence ensures that every transaction is handled with the utmost care, fostering trust and reliability among our donors.

In addition to her role in donor receivables, Maria serves as the WIN Program Manager. In this capacity, she skillfully and compassionately mentors our WIN Interns. The WIN training program provides opportunities for women to learn job skills, enabling them to enter or re-enter the workforce and support themselves and their families. Typically, our WIN interns are women who have faced significant challenges, including domestic abuse, childhood abuse, commercial sexual abuse, drug addiction, and time in correctional facilities.

Maria’s mentorship goes beyond job skills. She helps our interns develop the confidence and self-esteem necessary to thrive in a professional business environment. By teaching them essential personal life skills, Maria empowers these women to build a brighter future for themselves and their families. Her dedication to their growth and success is evident in the transformative impact she has on each intern she guides.

Email: Maria@sharedhope.org

Beth Cross is the Senior General Accountant at Shared Hope International, bringing over a decade of experience in nonprofit accounting and financial management. She began her career at Shared Hope as an intern in the WIN Program in 2013 and was offered a staff position in accounting in 2014. Since then, Beth has taken on increasing responsibilities, including managing all accounts payable functions and overseeing compliance reporting to ensure adherence to financial regulations and nonprofit standards.

With a strong foundation in nonprofit accounting, Beth has been instrumental in helping Shared Hope achieve its mission to prevent the trafficking and exploitation of women and children around the world.

Email: beth@sharedhope.org

Elizabeth Freisinger is the Senior Growth Strategies Manager at Shared Hope International, where she leverages her fundraising and community engagement expertise to fight sex trafficking. She implements comprehensive growth plans to raise awareness and inspire support for the organization’s vital mission. Elizabeth plays a key role in planning major annual events, engaging with the community, and shaping marketing and messaging across the organization.

Elizabeth earned her B.A.’s in Biology and Sociology from Gonzaga University where she developed a passion and skill for protecting youth and inspiring communities to action. Since joining Shared Hope, Elizabeth has channeled this passion into her work in the fight to end sex trafficking. She has spearheaded the planning and execution of successful events like Shared Hope’s 25th Anniversary Gala, which have significantly increased fundraising and community engagement. As a passionate and articulate public speaker and communicator, she has represented Shared Hope in her local community raising awareness, galvanizing support, and fostering strong relationships with key partners. Dedicated to developing the next generation of advocates, Elizabeth also oversees the Vision and Call Intern Program.

Email: elizabeth@sharedhope.org

John Lang is the Director of Marketing and Development at Shared Hope International, where he leads strategic initiatives to grow the organization’s reach and engage new audiences in the fight against sex trafficking. With over 15 years of experience in digital marketing, brand strategy, and audience development, John is passionate about using compelling storytelling and innovative outreach to elevate awareness and inspire action.

Before joining Shared Hope, he led marketing efforts at a global Christian nonprofit, helping expand children’s Bible literacy programs in 139 countries and 64 languages. He also developed marketing campaigns that raised awareness and support for humanitarian initiatives including clean water wells, life-saving medical care, disaster relief, and programs providing food, shelter, education, and Christian discipleship for at-risk children worldwide. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from Washington State University. Outside of his work, John is active in his local community as a youth baseball coach, investing in the next generation with the same commitment he brings to advancing Shared Hope’s mission.

Email: John@sharedhope.org

Prior to joining Shared Hope, Sidney was Staff Attorney & Policy Counsel at Amara Legal Center, where she provided free legal services for those involved in commercial sex primarily in family law and post-conviction relief matters. Sidney also served as Board President for the Virginia Coalition Against Human Trafficking (VCAHT), an alliance seeking to remove barriers to trafficking survivors by passing survivor-centered legislation, from 2019-2025. Ms. McCoy holds her J.D. from Penn State Law School and is licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the District of Columbia.

Email: Sidney@sharedhope.org

Sarah Roberts joined Shared Hope’s Policy Team in 2016 and oversees our Policy Program. Sarah focuses on research for our State Reports, which provide an advanced analysis of state laws related to child and youth sex trafficking. She drafts comprehensive reports and recommendations used to support state and federal efforts to counter demand, increase survivor protections, and provide for effective prosecutions. Additionally, Sarah monitors legislation in all 50 states and D.C. to ensure research materials reflect the latest legislative advancements, and she directs Shared Hope’s Law and Policy Fellowship Program, preparing the next generation of policy advocates to tackle cutting edge legal issues.

Sarah is a licensed attorney and obtained her J.D. from Regent University School of Law where she assisted with Shared Hope’s Report Cards project through the Center for Global Justice, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law. It was this work that inspired Sarah to obtain her LL.M. in international human rights law and to join the fight to end child sex trafficking.

Email: roberts.sarah@sharedhope.org

Lilli Seale is the Growth Strategies Coordinator at Shared Hope International. Her creative and strategic approach has helped cultivate a dynamic and engaging social media presence, strengthening connections within the community. Lilli first joined Shared Hope as a Vision and Call Intern in the Vancouver, WA office, where she developed a deep appreciation for the organization’s mission, history, and learned the operations of SHI. With a passion for advocacy and innovative communication, she continues to amplify Shared Hope’s impact, fostering awareness and engagement in the fight against trafficking.

Email: Lilli@sharedhope.org

Mikayla Simeral is the Director of Training Advancement at Shared Hope International. She comes with a wealth of knowledge and experience from her previous position as Victim Services Coordinator with More Too Life operating out of the Suncoast region of Florida. Before working directly with survivors of domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST), she was a Local and Global Outreach Director for a church in the Washington DC area which allowed her to develop a passion for social justice issues on a domestic and international level.

Mikayla continues to apply her micro-level experience in the field to impact educators, parents, and professionals as they navigate the modern realities of DMST on a macro-level. She has an MA in Ethnomusicology which provides a unique lens in developing culturally competent training and compliments her Masters in Social Work which she obtained from the University of South Florida.

Mikayla currently resides in San Diego, California with her husband, their two energetic kids, and a shaggy black labradoodle.

Email: Mikayla@sharedhope.org

Nancy is a Senior Director and member of Shared Hope’s Emeritus Board. She received her Master’s in Social work from the University of Maryland in 2014. She has long been active in the movement against sex trafficking and has worked alongside Linda Smith, founder of Shared Hope International, since 2002. Nancy’s diverse responsibilities include speaking, writing, training, donor interactions, restorative shelter initiatives, survivor support, and partner relationships. While living in the DC area she was a member of the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force Victim Services Committee and served as chair of the task force’s Legislative Committee in 2012 and 2013. In 2021 she relocated to South Carolina where she continues to work remotely.

Nancy has served as an integral part of Shared Hope since its inception. In the early days of Shared Hope, Nancy hosted President and Founder Linda Smith during her travel to Washington, D.C. and served as a local volunteer. As Shared Hope grew, so did Nancy’s position within Shared Hope and she was elected to sit on the Shared Hope International Board of Directors, a position she held for six years. During this time, Nancy assisted in organizing the War Against Trafficking Alliance in 2002. She participated in the Path Breaking Strategies Conference in Washington, DC in 2003 and in the Next Steps Conference in Mumbai in 2004, as well as the Justice Department Domestic Trafficking and Prostitution conference in Tampa in 2004 and the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children Mid Term Review in DC in 2006. She represented Shared Hope at the White House Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives in 2007 and 2008. In 2008, she left her career in healthcare information technology at Cerner Corporation to begin a second career with Shared Hope International.

Today, Nancy is a Senior Director whose diverse responsibilities include speaking, writing, training, donor relations, restorative shelter initiatives, and partner relationships. Since 2008, she has been a member of the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force Victim Services Committee. She served as chair of the task force’s Legislative Committee in 2012 and 2013 and received the Governor’s Service Award for Volunteerism in 2013 for her leadership in that role. As a task force member and a Shared Hope employee, she provides expert testimony at committee hearings in the Maryland legislature in support of legislation that would toughen the state’s anti-trafficking laws. Nancy earned a B.S. in Biology from Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, IN. She recently completed a Masters of Social Work at the University of Maryland in Baltimore, MD.

Email: Nancy@sharedhope.org

As a young girl, Yvonne endured unimaginable trauma and injustice at the hands of those who should have protected her. She was labeled a prostitute and ultimately served a total of 9 years in adult prison as a teenager. Her story is a stark reminder of the failures of our system to protect vulnerable children from exploitation and abuse. But amidst the darkness, Yvonne’s story is one of hope and transformation. Her life is a testament to resilience and strength.

In 2010, Yvonne entered the WIN Program (The nine-month WIN training program offers women the opportunity to develop job skills and gain practical experience, enabling them to enter or reenter the workforce and support themselves and their families.) and, upon graduation, was hired full-time as the bookkeeper and volunteer and resources coordinator.

In 2015, Yvonne was called to move to SE Texas to assist in starting a new church and she used her skills from the WIN Program to assist the church including prison ministry. Yvonne has the skills to see the ‘Overcomers’ in the lives of the individuals she interacts with. Her leadership and mentoring skills help build others up so they can grow and, in turn, go help the next ‘Overcomer.’

In 2019, Yvonne returned to Shared Hope International as a paid consultant to research for the opening of the Justice Institute in Washington, D.C. Yvonne has always dreamed of a world where victims like herself would receive care, not prison. Yvonne shares her story of survival to lead others, so they do not have to endure what she did. She has turned her life around. Through Yvonne’s unwavering belief in God, her love for family, and her heart of gold. Organizations like Shared Hope International played a crucial role in her journey of healing and empowerment.

Today, Yvonne is a loving daughter, wife, and mother to two young ladies and her son. She and her husband are homeowners and run a small business that turns territories into small businesses for others to run independently. She is an active and passionate leader in her church and community. Yvonne is a seasoned presenter and advocate, featured and interviewed on national news segments, presented to hundreds during JuST Training Conferences, and featured at different Shared Hope events. Yvonne is a Subject Matter Expert to the Founder, Board of Directors, and Agency including leading the way in our national Just Like Me campaign. She began the campaign to see victims’ lives restored.  She had re-joined our team full-time as the Grants, Foundations, and Donor Relations Specialist. And is now the Senior Manager of National Survivors Outreach. Her dedication and expertise are invaluable as we continue to fight for the rights and well-being of survivors.

Email: Yvonne@sharedhope.org

Jon McDermott with Chehalem Consulting Group focuses on helping non-profits maximize success with patron data management, fundraising insights and integration of related technologies.

Email: Jon@sharedhope.org

Ernie Allen is a global expert on the digital economy; the dark side of the internet; public-private partnerships and child protection including the issues of child abduction, sexual exploitation, sexual violence, human trafficking and modern slavery. He frequently speaks to global audiences on these issues and serves as an advisor to governments, law enforcement, technology companies and nonprofit organizations. In 2015, Mr. Allen was appointed by UK Prime Minister David Cameron to serve as Chairman of a global initiative to combat online child abuse and exploitation.

Thirty years ago the problem of child abduction and victimization was unrecognized and unreported. Mr. Allen led the effort to create a comprehensive response to address the problem. Mr. Allen was the architect and a founder of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, served as the first Chairman and then as President and CEO for 28 years where the organization grew to $50 million in annual revenues. During his tenure, more than 180,000 missing children were recovered and the recovery rate increased from 62% to 97%. He created the national 24-hour missing children hotline, brought age progression and other forensic resources to law enforcement and provided training for more than 300,000 police officers. He established the CyberTipline for reporting child sexual exploitation; the Child Victim Identification Program to analyze millions of child pornography images to rescue victims; and helped U.S. Marshals track 100,000 fugitive sex offenders.

To extend the effort to protect children globally Mr. Allen founded the International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children and served simultaneously as its President and CEO for 16 years. He built a global missing children’s network that included 23 nations, trained law enforcement in 121 countries and worked with parliaments in 100 countries to enact new laws.

Mr. Allen brought global attention to the risks of unregulated virtual currencies and the anonymous “Dark Web” and created a task force whose policy recommendations are being implemented worldwide. He chaired a coalition of the world’s leading financial institutions which reduced commercial child pornography from a $30 billion industry to virtually zero; involved leading technology companies to address child victimization; and led an effort involving major pharmaceutical and health care companies to address child sexual exploitation as a public health crisis.

His work has been widely recognized and he is the recipient of numerous awards. Mr. Allen was called “one of America’s foremost social entrepreneurs” by President George W. Bush, named “Executive of the Year” by NonProfit Times and named one of the “Most Influential People in Security” by Security Magazine. During his tenure NCMEC was named one of America’s 100 Best Charities by Worth Magazine.

Dr. Jay A. Barber, Jr. is President Emeritus of Warner Pacific College in Portland, Oregon, after retiring following a twelve year stint as president.

In 1964 he received his baccalaureate degree from the college and later served on the Board of Trustees.  Jay received his master’s degree from the University of San Francisco and the Doctor of Laws Degree (Hon.) from Anderson University.  Jay also served as senior pastor of the Red Bluff, California First Church of God for 16 years, during those years Jay also served two terms as the mayor.

In 1981 he came to the administrative staff of Warner Pacific College, serving for eight years as Vice President for College Advancement and, then, as Executive Vice President. Barber returned to the college as president in 1996..  After 12 years of leadership of the institution the college for the first time in its history was debt free, had grown from 325 students to more than 1500 and was in good standing with the accrediting body.

Prior to returning to the College as president in 1996 he served as the Director of the Oregon Health Sciences University Foundation, overseeing fund raising programs for the Foundation, the largest university foundation in Oregon, including its three schools and a number of research programs.  Barber directed the development of corporate, foundation and major gifts fund raising programs as well as the oversight of estate planning and planned giving.

Active in the community, Barber served as a director for 15 years and 2 years as chair of the Board of Directors of Mercy Corps, a relief and disaster organization based in Portland.  In addition he served as chair of the Responder Life Board of Directors, a Portland based not-for-profit serving the needs of first responders and their families. In 2008 Barber was appointed the first Senior Fellow with the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, Vancouver, WA.  Recently Jay was appointed to serve as Mayor of Seaside, Oregon where earlier he had been elected to a second four-year term on the Seaside, OR City Council where Jay and his wife Jan currently reside.

Jay is an ordained minister (1967, Church of God, Anderson, Indiana) and has served in interim pastoral roles for a number of congregations during times of pastoral leadership transition.

Barber currently provides consultation services to a wide range of not-for-profit organizations in the Northwest assisting with strategic planning, fund raising strategies, board development, staff recruitment and coaching with new and emerging leaders.  His special interest is in providing coaching with CEOs, Presidents and Executive Directors of not-for-profit organizations based on his 40 years of experience in those challenging roles.

Nann S. Philips, CMP, CMM, DES is an accomplished event industry leader with more than 25 years of experience producing world-class conferences, meetings, and tradeshows for organizations across the country.

As the Founder and CEO of Scurry Street Meetings & Events (scurrystreet.com), an
independent, woman-owned firm based in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, Nann brings a full suite of event management expertise to every client engagement. Scurry Street specializes in working with associations and nonprofits, integrating seamlessly with staff and volunteers to create meaningful experiences that embody each organization’s mission.

When not serving her clients, Nann volunteers her time and talent with several professional organizations, including as a contributing member of the Alliance of Meeting Professionals (AMP), along with affiliations with Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), and the Texas Society of Association Executives (TSAE). Outside of work, Nann is a shameless foodie and enthusiastic traveler. She shares her home with her husband and their two rescue pups, Marshy and Freddie.

Email: Nann@sharedhope.org

Jarrett Haas is the founder of Palm Tree Content, a Tampa-based media and marketing company that helps businesses grow through strategic video content, storytelling, and personal branding. Jarrett specializes in turning expertise into content that builds trust, generates opportunities, and drives growth. With a background in video production and a passion for authentic storytelling, he helps clients create content systems that work long after the camera stops rolling.

Email: Jarrett@sharedhope.org

Tiffany is a survivor leader, speaker, advocate, and lived experience professional committed to empowering survivors and advancing efforts to end child sex trafficking. Drawing from her personal journey of resilience and restoration, Tiffany uses her voice to educate communities, support survivor engagement, and inspire meaningful change. After serving 11 years of a 30-year prison sentence stemming from circumstances connected to her own victimization and exploitation, she now works to ensure that survivors are met with dignity, understanding, and opportunities for healing.

Through her work with Shared Hope International and as a leader within the Just Like Me movement, Tiffany helps equip survivors to use their voices, develop their leadership, influence systems, and create lasting impact in their communities. She is passionate about fostering survivor-led change and building pathways for others to transform their experiences into purpose and advocacy.

Tiffany believes that no survivor’s past should define their future and that every survivor deserves the opportunity to heal, lead, and thrive.

John-Michael Lander is a survivor leader, author, speaker, advocate, and lived experience professional with Shared Hope International. A survivor of child sexual abuse and human trafficking, he is passionate about educating organizations, professionals, and communities on prevention, intervention, and healing.

As a leader within the Just Like Me movement, John-Michael works to elevate survivor voices, equip survivor leaders, and advance survivor-informed solutions that protect children and support healing. He developed the Predatory Grooming Trifecta©, Predatory Internet Grooming (PIG)©, and PIG Patrol© to provide individuals, professionals, and organizations with tools to recognize and prevent exploitation.

Through his advocacy, training, and leadership, John-Michael helps strengthen multidisciplinary responses to trafficking while inspiring others to transform lived experience into purpose and impact. He is the author of Surface Tension and Cracked Surface, with a new book forthcoming this summer.

Sequoia is a survivor leader, speaker, advocate, and lived experience expert with Shared Hope International. Inspired by her own journey of resilience and healing, she is passionate about protecting children and supporting survivors of trafficking. Sequoia works to educate communities, to promote trauma-informed care, and advance survivor-informed solutions that create lasting change. Through her leadership and advocacy, she helps amplify survivor voices, foster hope, and encourage others to transform their experiences into purpose and impact.

Rev. Dr. Marian Hatcher is a Policy Analyst, Survivor Leader, and Lived Experience Expert with Shared Hope International. She retired from the Cook County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), where she served for 18 years.

She coordinated several of CCSO’s anti-trafficking efforts, including the “National Johns Suppression Initiative,” a nationwide effort with over 100 arresting agencies and more than 200 total partners targeting the buyers of sex as the driving force of sex trafficking and prostitution, resulting in the arrest of more than 10,000 sex buyers. She also coordinated and provided direct services for victims of human trafficking 24/7.

As a national expert on combating demand, she has served on numerous boards and facilitated trainings on trafficking and prostitution for the F.B.I., U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and U.S. Department of State.

She has traveled nationally and internationally, speaking at events and conferences, shedding light on the prevalence of trafficking while sharing her own story as a survivor of sex trafficking and domestic violence.

She is the recipient of numerous awards, including the 2014 Shared Hope International Path Breaker Award, presented to individuals who have dedicated themselves to tackling the demand that drives domestic minor sex trafficking. She was awarded the 2016 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President Barack Obama and was honored on the Congressional Record by Senator Richard Durbin during Black History Month in 2018.

Kim Figueroa is a nationally recognized survivor advocate, human trafficking expert, and Lived Experience Expert with Shared Hope International. Having endured childhood trauma, foster care, and nearly 13 years of exploitation, Kim has transformed her lived experience into actionable leadership in victim advocacy and law enforcement collaboration.

As a leader within the Just Like Me movement, Kim is committed to empowering survivors, elevating survivor voices, and advancing survivor-informed solutions that create lasting change. She helps equip survivors to step into leadership, advocate for reform, and use their experiences to strengthen communities and systems of support.

She has assisted the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, FDLE, and local law enforcement on complex cases and has led multi-jurisdictional missing children and sting operations in partnership with federal, state, and local agencies. Kim’s work spans judicial advocacy, policy reform, survivor leadership, and direct victim care, making her a trusted leader in the fight against human trafficking.

Kim has been honored with numerous awards, including a Special Service Award from the U.S. Marshals Service, the 2023 Survivor Advocate of the Year Award from the Florida Attorney General’s Office, the Evelyn Memorial Award from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and NCMEC, the Pasco Sheriff’s Special Service Award, the Lightning Community Hero Award, and many others recognizing her impact and dedication to survivors.

She serves on 10 human trafficking boards and advisory councils and has spent the last nine years providing frontline support through More Too Life (MTL). Through her work with Shared Hope International, the Just Like Me movement, and partners across the country, Kim continues to advance victim rights, strengthen multidisciplinary responses, and advocate for systemic change.

Kim’s mission is clear: to create systemic change, advance victims’ rights, and eradicate human trafficking through advocacy, education, and collaborative action.

Robin Miller is an advocate, speaker, and lived experience expert with Shared Hope International. For more than 13 years, she has provided direct services to commercially sexually exploited youth, young adults, and adult women, helping individuals navigate pathways toward safety, healing, and empowerment.

Drawing from her experience in the anti-trafficking field, Robin educates diverse audiences on the complex realities of exploitation, including legislators, law enforcement, criminal justice professionals, educators, healthcare providers, faith communities, students, and social service professionals. She is passionate about advancing survivor-informed approaches, strengthening community responses, and creating opportunities for lasting change.

Today, Robin serves as the Intake Manager with Empowered Network. She is an active member of the Trafficking Task Force of Clark County, Washington, and the Human Trafficking Advisory Committee for the Oregon Department of Justice. Robin also serves on the boards of the EPIK Project and the Northwest Collaborative (The SHOPP–Portland, Oregon).

Robin holds a bachelor’s degree from Portland State University and remains committed to building collaborative solutions that support survivors and prevent exploitation.

Charrita Ernewein, PhD, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, SANE-A, FAANP, is the Assistant Professor of Nursing at The University of Tampa and works for the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. She was recently inducted as a Fellow for the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Charrita has over 34 years of nursing experience, including 11 years as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), 26 years as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), and serves as the Community Education Director for the Free Network.

Charrita’s doctoral dissertation and thesis have provided much needed research and analysis of healthcare providers and their role in the recognition, referral, and treatment of human trafficking survivors. This research also integrated the survivors’ voices while focusing on the experiences of survivors as they exited trafficking and reintegrated into society. Charrita has provided over a hundred trainings and presentations as a Human Trafficking subject matter expert both for national and international organizations to include: the Nurse Practitioner Associates for Continuing Education (NPACE), the Association of Operating Room (OR) Nurses, the National Association of Pediatric Nurses, the Global Strategic Operatives, the International Association of Forensic Nurses, the Veteran’s Administration, and the Florida Nurse Practitioner Network (FNPN). These training courses have reached thousands of individuals. Charrita has also published several journal articles and book chapters on this topic.

Charrita is a supporter in the fight against human trafficking through community education, awareness and advocacy. “My goal is to increase awareness and comfort on this sensitive topic “Human Trafficking” in all communities with a focus on healthcare arenas, reinforcing the importance of providing culturally sensitive, trauma-informed care. This can be done through education, training, advocacy, funding, and changes in policy”. Charrita’s passion and life-long mission is to integrate the survivor’s voice into the development of high-quality trauma informed trainings and the integration of these trainings at local, state, national and international levels.

Charrita has been married to her husband Ken (A retired Air Force Pilot) for over 30 years and is the proud mother of 4 spectacular children.

Butch Yarnell retired from fifty plus years in the Construction Industry involved specifically in the Wood Component Industry. From starting in 1967 in a small truss plant in Vancouver, WA as a saw operator, to managing many truss plants on the West Coast, to finally working as a Software Product Manager for the world’s largest truss plate supplier. Working with people as a trainer, teacher, and presenter were the highlights of his work tasks.

Working with and helping people be all they can be has been the goal of wherever Butch has been whether with the family, at church, or at work. Coming from a strong Bible-based Christian faith, Butch wants everyone to know how valuable they are. Valuable enough for the Creator of all that we know to give up everything to die for each of us.

Butch has supported Shared Hope financially but only in the last few years has become really personally involved. Butch considers it an honor being elected to the board but no less an honor is serving as a volunteer making Thank You Calls, being active in Defenders, and doing prevention education as an Ambassador of Hope.

Donna O’Bryant began her career as a financial advisor with Edward Jones in 1983 and retired from her Colorado Springs practice in 2019. She stepped down from general partnership with the firm in 2013, having served 14 years as Regional Leader for the firm’s Southeast Colorado branches expanding from 21 branches to nearly 70. After a multi-year plan to transition her practice to the next generation of Financial Advisors, she left her clients in the care of her son, Shaun O’Bryant and daughter, Kelli Phifer.

Donna and her husband of five decades, Dan, are supporters in the fight against human trafficking and pornography through support and involvement in Shared Hope International and the National Center on Sexual Exploitation.  In their local community they actively support the Springs Rescue Mission, New Life Downtown church, the Pikes Peak Community Foundation, Sertoma International, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the US Air Force Academy Foundation.

They are parents of three (Kelli, Shaun, and son Collin, a US Air Force officer), all USAF Academy grads.  They enjoy domestic and international travel, skiing the Colorado Rockies and their roles as “Gigi and Boompa” to eleven grandchildren.  In retirement, Donna has been reviving her latent musical interests, accompanying eight of her grandchildren to introductory music classes, and is also rediscovering her golf game.

Bill Dunning provides over 30 years of business leadership experience to the Board. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Old Dominion University. In 1994, Bill co-founded a civil engineering firm in Seattle which then grew to 8 offices throughout Washington, Oregon and California providing land development consulting services in 7 states.

He has worked alongside domestic and international non-governmental organizations in 18 countries, supporting their efforts to establish programs and facilities that care for their communities in many ways, such as establishing churches, caring for children, preventing sexual exploitation and restoring those who have been victimized. Bill has specialized in providing assistance with facility planning and mobilizing ministry and construction teams.

Bill has served as a Director on both non-profit and for profit Boards. He and his wife Kathi have six young adult children and one grandson on the way!

Jennifer Cox serves as the System Director for CommonSpirit Health’s Physician Enterprise, Medical Safe Haven program.

Jennifer has been a leader in the healthcare industry for over 25 years, including 5 years as an Executive Director for a non-profit resource center and clinic, and 12 years as an ICCE. Health Educator. Jennifer also served 21 years as a women’s and community outreach minister in Davis, Ca.

Jennifer’s professional passion is developing programs that create equitable access to healthcare services for identified victims and survivors of human trafficking. In 2015, Jennifer co-developed and now leads replication strategy for a unique model of care, known as the Medical Safe Haven. This embedded clinic program trains Internal, OB and family medicine residency physicians to provide trauma-informed care best practices for victims and survivors of human trafficking. Currently, there are six Medical Safe Haven clinics across the State of California.

Jennifer is a lead developer for trauma-informed training curriculum for healthcare teams, and as a survivor and subject matter expert on trauma, Jennifer has provided local and national presentations for over 15,000 individuals including healthcare, law enforcement, educational institutions; including law schools and medical schools, and has been honored to speak for numerous faith-based and social service organization forums. She was first introduced to Shared Hope by attending a conference in 2017, and has since presented at four Shared Hope Conferences.

Jennifer has served on 8 community non-profit boards, and currently serves on two national boards. Jennifer has led global humanitarian efforts serving refugees in Kosovo, and the underserved communities in Brazil. Jennifer has professional degrees in Business Leadership and Communications. Her pride and joy is having raised three amazing children.

Jason has almost 30 years of experience in the church and nonprofit worlds, concentrating on teaching, coaching, and developing leaders, and helping people and organizations understand and fulfill their calling and purpose.  He utilizes those same skills now at Ignite Engagement Consulting, where he equips people to know themselves and each other better so that they can accomplish more together. Church ministry continues to be a significant part of his life, chiefly through his current role as Transitional Pastor for Intown Church, Portland, OR.  Prior to these current roles, he worked in church settings and in academia as a pastor, professor, and executive director.

He also had the privilege of pursuing masters and doctoral level degrees in theology, both here in the U.S. and abroad in Edinburgh, Scotland. Throughout his time in both religious and non-religious settings, he has always been passionate about unlocking personal potential and helping people thrive.  As a leader in any organization, his approach is to connect deeply with people and think in innovative ways as to how to solve problems, create new pathways for growth or success, and focus on the most important matters at hand.

Deborah Bell is a small town native of Garfield, WA. She graduated from Washington State University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. She is married to Stoner Bell and, together, with his brother and his wife started Bell Design Co. in 1994, a small civil engineering firm serving communities in the Columbia River Gorge. Deborah has served as the CFO throughout the history of the company and has also assisted with marketing, operations, and human resources. The Bells also started and helped direct Mid-Columbia Ministries for over 20 years, focusing on bringing evangelistic events, classes, and retreats to our local communities. In 2002, they founded Real Life Ministries, expanding their ministry efforts to include missionary support services, marriage and family resources and activities, retreats and classes, ministry support, and discipleship programs. They continue as active board members for Real Life Ministries. They have been supporting Shared Hope International since inception in 1998, having met Linda Smith at a local church.

Deborah and Stoner have four grown children who are actively serving the Lord with their families. They are blessed with six grandchildren (so far). They enjoy teaching marriage classes, traveling, spending time with children and grandchildren, skiing, walking on the beach, and serving in their local church and community.

Donna Lancaster is a graduate of Emory University.  After living in Atlanta for seven years, having her husband finish graduate school, working at Southern Bell and having a baby, the family moved to Cincinnati, OH, where another wonderful son was born.  After another seven years and the blizzard of 1978, the family moved to Clearwater, FL. There they started Johnson-Lancaster and Associates, Inc. which has been nurtured from a small woman-owned business to a nationally recognized food service equipment dealer which has revenue in excess of $100,000,000.

Both of Donna’s sons play important roles in the business.  She continues to be active in the financial and accounting challenges of the business.  She enjoys participating in the community as a board member of the Int’l Association of Human Trafficking Investigators, a board member of Zonta Club of Pinellas, a board member of the FREE Network – Community Campaign against Human Trafficking-West Florida, Inc, as well as in Countryside Youth Soccer, Countryside Little League, Elementary and High School PTA’s, community fundraisers and service projects.  Donna and Jerry have five wonderful grandchildren who light up their life.

Dr. Christine Harmon has had a long medical career working first in Pediatric/Adolescent Medicine as a Physician’s Assistant, then receiving her MD degree from the University of Colorado, and completing Family Medicine Residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

She practiced Family and Urgent Care Medicine for over 30 years in Tacoma, Washington, with an emphasis on Pediatric/Adolescent Medicine, Women’s Health, and Mental Health.  She has enjoyed teaching and mentoring many young doctors, PAs and ARNPs.  She is currently a Medical Consultant to the Social Security Administration.

Dr. Harmon began training and volunteering with Shared Hope International in 2010.  She has served on
the SHI Board of Directors since 2015, and as the Chair of the Board of Directors since 2018.

Marjorie Austen is a retired Physical Therapist Assistant, grassroots political organizer and master gardener from Vancouver, Washington. She has raised four spectacular children with her husband David, and thoroughly enjoys her thirteen grandkids.

A founding board member of Shared Hope, Marjorie joined the fight against sex trafficking in 1998 and remains an advocate of life giving Christian focused groups and pro-life organizations. Marjorie has traveled around the world with Shared Hope and has been privileged to work alongside many wonderful people in providing restoration for survivors of trafficking.  She is an avid quilter, sewer and gardener, and is proudly married to her husband for 39 years.

Nick Lembo is a powerful motivational speaker for all ages, especially speaking directly to men, to change the culture, and together firmly believes that ending demand and bringing awareness will make the world much smaller for those who buy and sell our children in the sex trade.

As a former Secretary/Treasurer of Shared Hope’s Board of Directors, and co-chair of the Defenders USA/the Men of Shared Hope, Nick has become networked across the nation with anti-trafficking organizations.  He speaks to advocates at Shared Hope’s national conferences, across the US and in Washington and Arizona, where he’s resided since becoming engaged in the fight.

Nick is a founding board member on Rebecca Bender Initiative’s Board of Directors, the largest faith-based survivor-led organization in the nation.  He serves as the Just Men Arizona /AATN statewide coordinator…and recruits men as volunteers to engage buyers through the cyber patrols to disrupt demand.  Nick also serves as the Executive Director of the Cyber Teams for Street Grace.  His energy and enthusiasm flourishes when building volunteer teams and supporting and equipping men as they seek to end demand in the US.

Dan O’Bryant of Colorado Springs, CO holds a Juris Doctor degree from Drake University, and served as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) in the United States Air Force. He served as a prosecutor then later as an Area Defense Counsel. He was also a Law Professor at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. His past experience also includes 10 years as a financial advisor with Edward Jones Investments.

In 2003-4 he was a candidate for the US Senate from Colorado. Most recently, from 2004 to 2013, he served as one of 3 principals in the The Eickmann Group, a defense consulting firm. O’Bryant was the Administrative Pastor of The Gathering, a non-denominational congregation in Colorado Springs, in 2010-2011.

He has served on numerous not-for-profit boards throughout his career. He represented SHI at the 2013 Conference on Crimes Against Children in Dallas, TX. In April, 2014, O’Bryant spoke on behalf of SHI at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University. Dan was a Fellow at the Weatherhead Center for the 2015-16 academic year.

Michelle Guymon, MSW is the Executive Director of Paths to Becoming, an advocate- and survivor-founded nonprofit dedicated to supporting youth impacted by sexual exploitation and those who serve them. The organization develops trauma-informed curriculum, including Becoming Me, provides facilitator trainings, and offers grants and scholarships to support healing and growth.

A nationally recognized expert in child trafficking prevention and youth justice reform, Michelle retired after 34 years with Los Angeles County, where she spent the last 15 years as Director of the Child Trafficking Unit. She currently serves as Director of Aftercare and Community Engagement for Finding Kids and has more than a decade of national training experience on the commercial sexual exploitation of children.

In 2015, Michelle was selected to join the Shared Hope International Experts Council, contributing to national efforts to strengthen laws, systems, and services for youth impacted by trafficking.

Terry Forliti is a survivor of sexual exploitation. She works diligently to create social justice for those who have experienced such trauma.

As former Chief Executive Officer of Vednita Carter founded Breaking Free, Terry’s contributions include, providing permanent supportive housing, a drop-in shelter and Safe Harbor Youth shelter for hundreds of exploited individuals doing direct service.

Nationally, Terry as a Fellow in the in initial cohort of World Without Exploitation’s Stand program, now supporting sisters in all three cohorts; Shared Hope International’s JustUS Advisory Committee and consults with NCOSE, the National Coalition on Sexual Exploitation while advancing policy.

Globally, she was a subject matter expert on the International Survivors of Trafficking Advisory Committee (ISTAC) for the Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights at the OSCE- the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe as an Advisory Member elected for the Second Cohort.

Today, Terry is a research analyst with the HART Team – Human Action Research Team funded by a grant to the University of Minnesota/Clemson University/Northeastern University. Our current project is on disrupting models of exploitation to reduce demand using Markov Chain Modeling and creating tool kits for effective academic collaboration. In December of 2025, ‘You Are An Expert’ Research Collaboration for Survivors was published as a toolkit created by a survivor centered research team supported by the United States National Science Foundation. She has four peer related published documents co-created by this team.

As a member of Women’s Graduates-USA, STSC and GAHTS, the Sex Trade Survivor Caucus and Global Anti-Human Trafficking Scholars she participates in advancing solutions and networking to build a better paths to eradicate harms caused by exploitation.

Today her focus is on SPACE, International. It makes sense that the dozens of years of culminating knowledge with experience and observing core values in NGO’s and organizations committed to ending prostitution is at the center of her trajectory as an abolitionist. Connecting people and passion to make a tangible difference in this world is her mission.

Shea M. Rhodes, Esq. has dedicated her career to combating violence against women, protecting the rights of those who are oppressed or exploited, and championing human rights. She is a national expert on laws related to sex trafficking, commercial sexual exploitation, and prostitution policy. As the Co-Founder and Director of the Institute to Address Commercial Sexual Exploitation (CSE Institute) at Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law, Ms. Rhodes works with and on behalf of victims and survivors of commercial sexual exploitation and human trafficking. Additionally, the CSE Institute serves as the data and information clearinghouse for Pennsylvania stakeholders working to implement Pennsylvania’s comprehensive human trafficking statute enacted in 2014.

Ms. Rhodes’ work at the Charles Widger School of Law also includes teaching the course Human Trafficking, which seeks to address human trafficking from the legal and policy perspectives. This course explores the laws related to the various needs of human trafficking survivors, rhetoric, and popular culture perceptions of human trafficking, and how to respond to the diverse physical, emotional, and psychological needs of survivors through trauma-informed lawyering skills.

Ms. Rhodes was awarded a 2021-2022 U.S. Fulbright Scholar grant for the Fulbright-Schuman European Union Affairs Program by the U.S. Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board to conduct research in Austria and Sweden. Her research, titled “Discouraging the Demand that Drives the Exploitation of Persons that Leads to Human Sex Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation,” looks at whether Austria and Sweden have successfully implemented a directive from the United Nations’ Palermo Protocol to Prevent, Suppress, and Punish Trafficking in Persons Especially Women and Children.  The directive calls on all States Parties to take legislative or other measures to discourage the demand that fosters all forms of exploitation of persons, especially women and children, that leads to trafficking.

Ms. Rhodes is also a member of several anti-trafficking initiatives, locally and internationally, including Philadelphia’s Anti-Trafficking Coalition, the Pennsylvania Anti-Human Trafficking Advocacy Work Group (PAHTAWG), Shared Hope International’s JuST Response Council. She is a founding Steering Committee member and is currently on the Executive Committee for World Without Exploitation (WorldWE). She also sits on the Board of Directors for Dawn’s Place, a residential treatment program for women who are victims of commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking. In May of 2019, Shea was inducted as a fellow into The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, which is a not-for-profit medical, educational, and cultural institution that serves to advance the cause of health and upholds the ideals of the heritage of medicine.

Prior to forming the CSE Institute in 2014, Ms. Rhodes served the Philadelphia community as an Assistant District Attorney. During that time, she helped found Project Dawn Court and develop a Law Enforcement Working Group to facilitate effective handling of human trafficking cases. Before joining the District Attorney’s Office, Ms. Rhodes served as a staff attorney for the Crime Victim’s Law Project where she represented victims of sexual violence.

Ms. Rhodes regularly conducts trainings and presentations throughout the Commonwealth and nationally. Ms. Rhodes’ written materials, including policy papers, legal resources, and newsletters, can be found on the CSE Institute website.  She is a graduate of Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law and the University of Kansas.

Shamere McKenzie is a distinguished international anti-trafficking strategist, systems leader, and consultant to the United Nations and various U.S. government agencies, with more than 15 years of cross-sector impact. A passionate activist and internationally recognized speaker, she leverages her lived experience with sex trafficking to transform adversity into advocacy, driving systemic change and advancing policies that promote justice, protection, and meaningful survivor inclusion on both national and global stages.

As the CEO of Sun Gate Foundation, an anti-trafficking organization, Shamere passionately channels her commitment to education and policy into providing survivors of human trafficking with essential educational opportunities. Her influential role extends to the Maryland State Human Trafficking Task Force, where she co-chairs the Victim Services Committee, leading cross-sector collaboration to improve services for survivors.

Beyond her impact in the United States, Shamere responded to a call from the Ministry of Justice in her birthplace, Jamaica, and holds the distinguished title of the first appointed Anti-Human Trafficking Ambassador for Jamaica since 2018.

Drawing on her experiences as a former Program Director, Shamere authored a groundbreaking anti-trafficking program and oversaw an emergency residential program for adult survivors. She is a sought-after resource, having trained various professionals, including the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Diplomatic Security, prosecutors, judges, faith leaders, hotel and airline staff, in identifying and responding to human trafficking victims, both in the U.S. and globally.

Her compelling narrative and leadership have been featured in several books, documentaries, and media outlets, serving as an impactful educational tool. Her most recent documentary, “False Promises,” released in 2018 on the island of Aruba, specifically addresses sex trafficking awareness among Caribbean youth.

Shamere holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Loyola University Chicago and actively serves on various boards, advisory groups, and speakers bureaus. She has garnered numerous awards in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the anti-trafficking movement.

A faith-driven leader, Shamere draws strength from her unwavering belief in Jesus Christ. Refusing to be labeled a victim or survivor, she proudly identifies as a liberator— one who has broken free from the chains of her past, determined to pave the way for others who have endured enslavement. Her voice, vision, and leadership continue to shape a global movement toward justice, dignity, and systemic transformation.

Audrey Morrissey is the Executive Director of My Life My Choice, a Program of the Justice Resource Institute. As a local and national leader in the field of exploitation, Ms. Morrissey has shaped policy and service provision for survivors of commercial sexual exploitation across Massachusetts and beyond. She founded My Life My Choice’s Survivor Mentoring program in 2004 when she became the first Survivor Leader to mentor adolescent girls in Massachusetts. She serves as a lead trainer for My Life My Choice and oversees My Life My Choice’s national survivor leadership efforts. She uses her voice to advocate for policy change for survivors on a national level and is currently advocating for the Sex Trade Survivors Act in Massachusetts. Her work and leadership have been widely recognized: in 2008 she was the recipient of the prestigious Petra Foundation Fellowship, in 2012 the recipient of The Philanthropic Initiative’s Boston Neighborhood Fellows Award, in 2019 a Elizabeth Stone House Giving Voice to the Voiceless Awardee, in 2020 received the Massachusetts Office of Victims Assistance Special Recognition Award, in 2021 received the Heroes Award Honoree from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, and in 2022 received the World Without Exploitation Guiding Light Award. Ms. Morrissey lends her expertise as a Board Member for World Without Exploitation, Safe Exit Initiative, and the Massachusetts Office for Victims Assistance. Ms. Morrissey was appointed to the U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking by Former President, Joe Biden, and also serves on Shared Hope International’s JUST Response Council, and the Massachusetts Governor’s Council to Address Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, and Human Trafficking and their Survivor Advisory Group.

Bethany Gilot is the founder of BGilot Consulting, a firm providing consulting services on human trafficking (HT) initiatives that range from training and program development to state and federal policy recommendations. In her consulting work, Ms. Gilot pulls on 15 years of experience working in the anti-trafficking field. Prior to consulting, she served as the Statewide Human Trafficking Prevention Director for Florida’s state child welfare and juvenile justice agencies. In these roles, she developed and oversaw projects that strengthened systems of care for youth who had experienced, or were at risk for, sex and labor trafficking. She also regularly met with human trafficking service providers to provide high-level support around specialized services, program evaluation, funding diversification, collaborative partnerships, legislative and community advocacy, and sustainability.

In addition to state-level roles, Ms. Gilot also worked at community-based organizations serving survivors in the United States and India in both front-line and leadership positions. She has direct care, program development, and program management experience working with adults and children who have experienced sex trafficking on multiple levels of the continuum of care—from community-based services to long-term residential care. She has co-authored resources such as the Guiding Principles for Agencies Serving Survivors of HT, Identifying and Addressing HT in Child Welfare Agencies, Toolkit for Responding to Human Trafficking Through the Child Welfare System, and Human Trafficking Community Readiness Guide.

Bethany currently sits on two national advisory groups on human trafficking and is the Chair of the National Child Welfare Anti-Trafficking Collaborative. She has a Master’s in Criminology as well as Bachelor’s in Psychology and Criminology from Florida State University.

With 20 years of nonprofit experience, including almost 15 years of experience leading policy reforms addressing protections for child trafficking survivors, Christine is a dedicated advocate and expert on issues impacting young people at risk of exploitation. As President and CEO of Uplift Strategies, a consulting firm specializing in children’s rights and youth justice, Christine employs her skills to support clients through legal and policy analysis, strategy development, coalition building, meeting facilitation, training, research, and project management.

Throughout her career, Christine has played a key role in advancing survivor-centered legislative frameworks, shaping state policy work to prioritize the rights and needs of trafficking survivors. She has authored and led groundbreaking research on critical issues such as the unjust criminalization of survivors, victim-offender intersectionality, Safe Harbor policies, and community-driven approaches to preventing and responding to trafficking.

Committed to primary prevention, Christine focuses on policy reforms that improve outcomes for children and families, working toward solutions that keep youth within their communities and prevent punitive or otherwise harmful responses. Through strategic guidance and collaborative leadership, she helps organizations, agencies, policymakers, and advocates develop impactful, sustainable approaches to ending trafficking and supporting vulnerable youth.

Dr. Johnson has served as trainer, counselor, consulting psychologist, clinical director and aftercare director for numerous anti-trafficking and child abuse organizations. Becca provides support, training and consultation on trauma-sensitive, trauma-focused care and recovery.

Dr. Johnson has been a licensed psychologist for over 30 years, with a focus on “helping the hurting heal”. She also has a passion to equip others to help the hurting on their journey of healing.

Becca has served as the Clinical Director for Engedi Refuge, a residential recovery home for women victims of domestic sex trafficking, overseeing individual and group therapy. She has also been actively involved with Agape International Mission (AIM), as Director of Aftercare Programming, and continues as consulting psychologist for Agape Restoration Center, a residential program for young girls removed from the sex trade in Cambodia. She also served as International Program and Training Director for Atlas Free (formerly Rescue:Freedom International) and currently serves as a Strategic Advisor.

Becca consults and provides training for those working with victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Dr. Johnson has provided trauma recovery workshops to over 250 non-profit organizations for victims of sex trafficking in the USA and in over 25 countries.

Becca presented a TEDx Talk,  Becoming Trauma Sensitive with the Trauma Dance, to help people better understand the effects of trauma on victims.

Dr. Becca has authored books on helping victims of abuse (The Journey to Hope – Overcoming Abuse), empowering victims of sexual exploitation (Leaving The Life – Embracing Freedom from Exploitation, co-authored with survivor-leader Jessa Crisp), trauma recovery (TRACTS – Trauma Recovery Activities), guilt (Good Guilt, Bad Guilt), anger (Overcoming Emotions that Destroy with Chip Ingram) and child abuse (For Their Sake).

Brandi Little is a human trafficking survivor, music artist, and advocate based in Macon, Georgia. Her journey is one of resilience and transformation, turning unimaginable hardship into a powerful voice for healing and hope. Through her music, Brandi blends raw storytelling and soulful sound, creating songs that speak to pain, perseverance, and the possibility of renewal.

As a survivor, she uses her platform to raise awareness about human trafficking and to support others who are reclaiming their lives. Her artistry is deeply rooted in her lived experience, and her performances are not only expressions of creativity but also acts of empowerment and testimony.

Brandi has become a recognized voice in her community, sharing her story at events, collaborating with local organizations, and inspiring others through her art. Whether on stage or in advocacy spaces, she embodies strength, courage, and the transformative power of music.

Dr. Yolanda Graham is a child psychiatrist and academic leader based in Toronto, where she serves as Medical Head of the Amani Program and the Concurrent Disorder Youth Inpatient Unit. She is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto, and previously held faculty positions at Emory University and Morehouse School of Medicine. Dr. Graham recently relocated from the United States, where she held senior executive roles including Chief Medical Officer and Chief Clinical Officer at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, leading innovative, trauma-informed residential treatment programs for children and adults. Dr. Graham’s clinical and scholarly work focuses on complex trauma, peer supports, childhood sex trafficking, psychopharmacology, and addictions, with a strong emphasis on vulnerable youth populations. She developed multiple clinical programs for victims of sex trafficking across the U.S.—including the first program in the southeastern U.S. for victims of sex trafficking—and consults with other providers around program design and training. In addition to her clinical and academic leadership, Dr. Graham contributes to national and international initiatives through her service on the councils of Shared Hope International and the National Board of Medical Examiners.

Eliza Reock is Vice President & Chief Impact Officer at Uplift Strategies LLC, where she partners with nonprofits and government agencies to strengthen strategy, expand community impact, and build systems that advance social and youth justice. She previously served as Deputy Director at youthSpark, guiding youth empowerment programs and shaping policy initiatives, and as Director of Programs at Shared Hope International, where she co-founded the JuST Response Council. Eliza also served as Executive Director of the HKA Family Foundation and as Strategic Advisor on Child Sex Trafficking at the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), where she launched the organization’s first Survivor Advisory Council. A frequent speaker and subject matter expert, she has testified before Congress, trained thousands of professionals, and contributed to national conversations through outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, NPR, and the Netflix documentary I Am Jane Doe.

Erin Williamson serves as the Chief Programs Officer for Love146. She is responsible for leading the development, implementation, and operation of Love146’s US Survivor Care and Prevention Education programs.

Erin has over 20 years of direct service, program management, and applied research experience in the fields of social service and criminal justice, with particular expertise in the areas of human trafficking and child sexual exploitation. Prior to joining Love146, Erin worked at ICF and Polaris

She has a Masters in Public Administration and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Erin also sits on several state and national policy and advocacy committees, including the US Department of Health and Human Services National Advisory Committee on the Trafficking of Children & Youth in the United States.

Kate Walker Brown is an attorney and Senior Director at the National Center for Youth Law, where she has spent 15 years working to end the commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) of children and youth. She and her team unite communities, transform systems, and center survivor leadership to reshape responses that promote healing rather than criminalization. Kate’s work has helped drive landmark change, including California’s SB 1322, which established that no child can be arrested for prostitution offenses and that exploited youth are recognized as survivors, not criminals. She founded the first-of-its-kind Advisory Board of lived experience experts and co-chairs the statewide CSEC Action Team, both of which have shaped policy and practice in California and nationally. She has published more than 20 works — including peer-reviewed research, policy reports, and a nationally recognized advocacy toolkit — and delivered written testimony before the U.S. House Judiciary Committee. She also serves as a founding member of the JUST Response Council through Shared Hope International and as an advisor to the National Center on Child Trafficking. In 2020, she received an award from the California Department of Social Services for her leadership in the field.

Kate holds a law degree from the University of Iowa College of Law and a bachelor’s degree from Pomona College.

Lisa Goldblatt Grace serves as the Statewide Human Trafficking Director for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, where she is leading the implementation of a comprehensive five-year plan to address trafficking across the state.

She is the co-founder and former Co-Executive Director of My Life My Choice, a groundbreaking initiative founded in 2002 to combat the commercial sexual exploitation of adolescents. The organization delivers a survivor-led, evidence-based continuum of services, including prevention education for youth at disproportionate risk, direct services for survivors, professional training, and legislative advocacy. Its model has been widely recognized and replicated nationally.

Lisa brings more than three decades of experience working with marginalized young people across systems including juvenile justice, mental health, public health, and residential care. Her work has included directing a long-term shelter for teen parents and developing a juvenile court diversion program.

A respected field leader, Lisa regularly advises legislators, policymakers, funders, law enforcement, and nonprofit organizations. She is known for her expertise in policy development, program design, and cross-sector collaboration, as well as for her compelling public speaking.

She has served as a Senior Advisor to the U.S. Office on Trafficking in Persons and was a lead researcher on a national study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services examining programs serving trafficking victims. She currently co-chairs the Human Trafficking Subcommittee of the Massachusetts Governor’s Council to Address Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, and Human Trafficking,  and serves on several state and national advisory boards.

Lisa is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and holds master’s degrees in social work and public health.

Shelia McClain serves as the Director of Residential Services at Thistle Farms; a nonprofit
social enterprise committed to supporting women survivors of commercial sexual
exploitation in their recovery and healing journeys. Drawing from her own lived experience
as a trafficking survivor, Shelia is deeply dedicated to supporting others who have endured
similar hardships.
She is a member of the Human Trafficking Advisory Council for the State of Tennessee and
has served as a survivor advocate for Grace Empowered, a court-ordered prostitution
intervention program operated by the Nashville-Davidson County Office of the District
Attorney General. Shelia is also an alumna of the Human Trafficking Leadership Academy
fellowship program.
Shelia holds a Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) with a concentration in
Organizational Leadership from the University of Tennessee–Knoxville.