2024 Freedom From Slavery North America Regional Forum

March 11 – 13, 2024 in Miami, Florida.

Theme:

Mobilizing for Anti-Trafficking Action: Bridging the Gaps and Enabling Collective Awareness Through Technological Advancements

Over the last few years, there have been remarkable advancements in human rights and personal privacy. Technological advances have sparked new dynamics, prompting a need for policymakers to take action and help societies adapt to these advancements.

 It is time for the anti-modern slavery and anti-trafficking movements to acknowledge and engage with these technological advancements. It is essential for the movement to learn, adapt, and lead on how technology can be used in addressing modern slavery in local communities and globally.

The North America Regional Forum offered stakeholders the opportunity to develop a complex understanding of the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies, the public policy and human cost considerations of integrating emerging tech into the global workforce, and how organizations can use technological advancements to accelerate the accomplishment of strategic goals and objectives on the road to eradicating modern slavery.

A Few Memories from the North America Forum

MARCH 11 – 2024 North America Forum Opening Reception

LOCATION:  YOTEL MIAMI (Sky Vela Lounge)

227 NE 2nd St, Miami, FL 33132

Opening Remarks

Dr. Timothy Patrick McCarthy

Dr. Timothy Patrick McCarthy

Speaker

Board Chair
Free the Slaves
BIO

Timothy Patrick McCarthy is the chair of the board of directors. An award-winning historian, educator, and human rights activist, he has taught on the faculty at Harvard University since 2005, where he currently holds a joint appointment at the Graduate School of Education and John F. Kennedy School of Government. The adopted only son and grandson of public school teachers and faculty workers, Dr. McCarthy is also the Stanley Paterson Professor of American History and Academic Director emeritus in the Boston Clemente Course, a free college humanities course for lower income adults and co-recipient of the 2015 National Humanities Medal.

Twice named one of Harvard Crimson’s “Professors of the Year,” he is the recipient of many awards for his commitment to students, including the 2019 Manuel C. Carballo Award for Excellence in Teaching, the Kennedy School’s highest teaching honor. Dr. McCarthy has published five books and is a frequent media commentator whose work has been featured in Salon, Huffington Post, The Daily Beast, Pangyrus, The Nation, NPR, Al Jazeera, BBC, and several documentary films. In June 2019, he served as guest editor for The Nation’s historic “Reclaiming Stonewall 50” forum.

Inspired by the activism and organizing of his student years, he has devoted his life to public service and social justice. As founding director of Harvard’s Alternative Spring Break Church Rebuilding Program, he spent fifteen years organizing hundreds of students to help rebuild Black churches destroyed in racist arson attacks. A respected leader in the LGBTQ+ community, Dr. McCarthy was a founding member of Barack Obama’s National LGBT Leadership Council, gave expert testimony to the Pentagon Comprehensive Working Group on the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and was a member of the first-ever LGBTQ delegation from the United States to Israel/Palestine. He currently hosts and directs A.R.T. of Human Rights and Resistance Mic! through the Tony Award-winning American Repertory Theater, where he serves on the Board of Advisors.

Dr. McCarthy graduated with honors in History and Literature from Harvard College and earned his M.A., M.Phil., and Ph.D. in History from Columbia University.

(Twitter: @DrTPM)

Kate Price

Kate Price

Speaker

Executive DirectorAction Coalition on Human Trafficking (ACT) Alberta

BIO

Kate Price is the Executive Director of ACT Alberta, a seasoned fundraiser, and a non-profit strategist who is passionate about social impact work. Over the last fifteen years, she has worked at the intersection of altruism and innovation, raising critical funds for charities across Canada. She has held executive leadership roles with Discovery House Family Violence Prevention Society and Fort Calgary National Historic Site, led Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity’s flagship fundraiser, the Midsummer Ball Weekend, and sat on the Board of Directors of the National accessArts Centre, Canada’s largest disability arts organization.  

Kate holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Royal Roads University, her Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) designation, and is an MBA candidate with the University of Calgary. 

Sandra Christie Brown

Sandra Christie Brown

Speaker

National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) – Jamaica/USA
BIO

Sandra Christie Brown is a native Jamaican. Ms. Sandra has been a proud member of the National Organization of Black Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) since 2008, Executive Board Member of the Jamaican Diaspora Southern USA National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) National Human Trafficking Committee Chair, and NCNW Executive Board Member at Large. Ms. Sandra is currently a member of the Metropolitan Dade County Section NCNW, a Board Member of the Greater Miami Urban League, and an Executive Director of the People Profile Organization. She served two terms as President of the Metropolitan Dade County Section of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (MDCS-NCNW). As president of MDCS-NCNW, Ms. Sandra led the organization to new heights, not only in membership but also in developing scholarships, partnerships, and community awareness. NOBLE South Florida Chapter Sector Member of the year 2015, MDCS-NCNW awarded her the Dr. Dorothy Height Leadership Award in 2016, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Distinguished Award in 2018, National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s 2018 National Sojourner Truth Meritorious Service Award, Barbara Carey Shuler 2018 Human Rights Community Activist award, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Dade County Alumnae Chapter, Delta Honors 2019 Community Service in Political Awareness & Involvement, Live America Life Insurance Agent of the Year 2019, and People Profile Corporate Citizen of the Year 2020.

During her tenure as Section President, she was elected as the 2016-2018 National Executive Committee Member-at-Large, becoming the first elected official from the State of Florida to serve on the National Board. She was re-elected to serve a third term in 2022-2024.

Ms. Sandra worked with Florida legislators in proposing the Human Trafficking Education Bill 2019, a policy adopted by the department of education, making Florida the first state to teach Human Trafficking Education in school. In September 2020, Dr. Johnetta B. Cole, NCNW National President and Chair, appointed Ms. Sandra to the position of NCNW National Chair Human Trafficking Committee.

Brenda Mezick

Brenda Mezick

Speaker

Assistant State Attorney/Director of Human Trafficking

BIO

Brenda Mezick received her law degree from Georgetown University and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Maryland with a B.A. in English. She has been an Assistant State Attorney for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit for twenty-nine years. She has specialized in the prosecution of offenses involving homicide, cyber-crimes, capital sexual battery, human trafficking, and financial crimes against the elderly. She is currently the Chief of the Human Trafficking Unit and the attorney supervisor for the State Attorney’s Human Trafficking Task Force. She has participated in the drafting of several successful legislative initiatives to help improve Florida’s legal infrastructure for human trafficking victims and minors. She is a co-chair of the Elderly and Vulnerable Adult Work Group. She has taught for the American Bar Association’s Rule of Law Initiative, the Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association, the National District Attorneys Association, and the Miami-Dade Bar Association. She has presented at numerous law enforcement trainings, conferences, and community events and has served as an adjunct instructor for the Florida International University’s Criminology Department. She is the recipient of the Florida Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Prosecutor of the Year Award, the Women’s Fund Law Enforcement Visionary Award, the National Crime Victims’ Rights Committee Justice for All Award, the CABA Pro Bono Award, the Dade Chiefs of Police ASA Recognition Award, and the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Award of Distinction. 

MARCH 12 – Mobilizing for Anti-Trafficking Action: Bridging the Gaps and Enabling Collective Awareness Through Technological Advancements

MARCH 12 Outcomes

  • Explored the intersection of technology and human trafficking through critical discourse and the examination of case studies and research.  
  • Identified and strategized around the ways in which technology presents a threat to the prevention of human trafficking and the protection of victims/survivors. 
  • Generated strategies for leveraging the opportunties presented through technological advancements to create solutions for the prevention of forced labor, sex trafficking and other forms of modern slavery.  

OPENING REMARKS

Jose Alfaro, Lived Experience Expert

Jose Lewis Alfaro's Bio

Jose Lewis Alfaro is a lived experience expert, dynamic public speaker, accomplished author, and dedicated activist. He was recently appointed to the U.S. White House Advisory Council on Human Trafficking under the Biden Administration. His steadfast advocacy centers on spreading awareness on the domestic trafficking of minors, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, males, and highlights the importance of systemic change to prevent trafficking within marginalized communities.

Alfaro collaborates with anti-trafficking organizations from around the world, demonstrating his commitment to combating this pervasive issue. Currently serving on the board of directors for both the Human Trafficking Legal Center and Heal Trafficking, Alfaro plays a crucial role in shaping the initiatives of each organization in their engagement with lived experience experts and their work to eradicate human trafficking.

Alfaro’s extensive advocacy is featured in several media outlets including publications in Rolling Stone, Lifetime, the Boston Globe, PBS and National Public RadioHis insights and experiences provide a compelling narrative that sheds light on the complexities of human trafficking.

Alfaro has conducted numerous trainings on human trafficking for law enforcement, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and the UK Border Force. His involvement encompasses public speaking engagements, insightful lectures, public advocacy efforts, and consultation with attorneys and healthcare professionals.

Alfaro currently resides in Boston, Massachusetts, where he began his career in the beauty industry. He decided to make the shift to full time advocacy work after testifying in the  federal trial against his trafficker in Texas where he is from. Alfaro was recently appointed to the governors council where he is helping to create legislative and systemic change within the state of Massachusetts.

Keynote Speaker

Tanya Gould, Director of Anti-Human Trafficking for the Attorney General of Virginia

Tanya Gould's Bio

Tanya Gould is a solutionist fighting against human trafficking, striving to impact legislative policy and raise public awareness. She is the Anti-Human Trafficking Director for the Attorney General of Virginia and served on the Governor’s Commission on Human Trafficking Prevention and Survivor Support. Tanya recently has been appointed to the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) International Survivors of Trafficking Advisory Council (ISTAC).

In 2022, Tanya received the Presidential Award for Extraordinary Efforts to Combat Human Trafficking in Persons. She served two terms on the U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking. She is the first survivor of human trafficking to receive such an honor.

Tanya has given lectures and training at universities and has been interviewed on an array of podcasts, articles and PSAs. She also co-produced a documentary short film titled Groomed.

Tanya has served as keynote speaker at anti-human trafficking conferences and worked with faith communities to raise awareness both nationally and abroad. She has served as a consultant to various anti-human trafficking organizations, as well as U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime; U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign; Global Strategic Operatives for the Eradication of Human Trafficking, Inc.; and U.S. Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) office. She also serves on boards and organizations such as Polaris, Beloved Haven and Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum Task Force on Human Trafficking.

Tanya Gould also serves her community as needed. She served the city of Portsmouth as a Museum and Fine Arts Commissioner, started an after-school program and co-led the yearly Cradock Festival. Tanya also served families and their preborn at crisis pregnancy centers in Virginia. In 2021, Tanya was a candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates District 21 race.

In 2023, Tanya received the Attorney General Alliance Sword and Shield Award. She also had the honor of attending, on behalf of the Commonwealth of Virginia, the 11th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime as an official member of the U.S. delegation.

VIDEO PRESENTATION

 

What is AI and Virtual Reality? 

This brief video will lay the groundwork for the upcoming panel by explaining what is AI, VR/XR, types of AI, VR/XR, and how some aspects relate to trafficking, related crimes, and trauma.  

Produced by: James Yao 

James Yao

James Yao

Facilitator

Prosci Certified Change Practitioner and Instructor | Lean Six Sigma Black Belt | Federal Government Leadership Instructor.

James Yao's Bio

James Yao is a seasoned leader in change management, process improvement, and leadership development. With certifications in Prosci Change Management and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, he excels in driving organizational transformations and operational excellence. In his current role within the Federal Government, James is a leadership instructor, drawing from his extensive experience as a project director, cost estimator, contract officer, performance metrics lead, business consultant, and project manager. Before his government tenure, James worked as an engineer for Newell Rubbermaid and Owens Corning, holding a B.S. in Industrial Engineering with a minor in Management from Purdue University. Passionate about harnessing AI to enrich lives, James currently hosts a workshop “How to Work More Efficiently Leveraging AI,” guiding individuals on their transformative journey into the realm of AI.

Plenary Panel

AI, VR/ XR and Trafficking: Opportunities and Threats? 

This session will explore the opportunities and threats AI, VR/XR technologies pose to the prevention of human trafficking, what is being done to address these threats, what opportunities exist for utilzing this technology to address human trafficking and how can we leverage these opportunities.  

Dr. Brook Bello

Dr. Brook Bello

Moderator

Founder, More too Life.inc

BIO

Moderator: Dr. Brook Bello

Recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from President Barack Obama and the White House, Dr. Brook Parker-Bello is a resilient advocate against human trafficking. Drawing from her diverse experiences as an actress, justice advocate, and thought leader, she offers a critical perspective on the root causes of human trafficking, emphasizing avenues for prevention and victim services. In her commitment to ensuring survivors have a voice and a reliable source for help and healing, Brook founded More Too Life, Inc., an organization that has been a beacon of hope across America and around the world for 19 years.  

In addition to her work with More Too Life, Brook has developed digital and educational curriculum platforms dedicated to preventing sexual exploitation and gender-based violence. These platforms, including Legacy of The Father, RJEDE, and Live Until You Die, are integral to court-appointed courses in Miami/Dade County and Florida.  

Having ventured into the tech and copy world, Brook launched Eval, a groundbreaking mental healthcare tech, immediately chosen by Techstars Founders Catalyst. As an alumnus of the Master’s Series of Distinguished Leaders, she holds a US Patent in technology and is the creator of innovative software in mental healthcare, case management, AI, and machine learning virtual reality.  

 

Brook is also an accomplished author, with notable works such as “Living Inside the Rainbow: Winning the Battlefield of The Mind After Human Trafficking and Mental Bondage,” and “S+CxM=O,” an inspiring exploration of faith and destiny. Her recent releases include “Shame Undone,” a compelling story about a teenager escaping family abuse, and “Fine Heart Table Book,” supported by All for Humanity, showcasing paintings by survivors. The table book, championed by Marina Picasso and the Carlyle Group, launched at the Picasso Villa in Cannes and featured at special events in Monaco 2022, where Brook was a speaker at the Carlyle Global Summit.  

  

With a Ph.D. in Pastoral Clinical Counseling, Brook combines her academic background with determination to make a significant impact in the fight against human trafficking. Recognized globally, she has spoken at the United Nations, alongside presidents, prime ministers, and fellow change-makers in various forums, including universities, federal agencies, podcasts, and publications such as Yahoo Finance, Ebony, Essene, and digital platforms. Florida’s Attorney General Pam Bondi and Governor Rick Scott named her Advocate of the Year, and United Way Worldwide recognized her as a Hero on the Oprah Winfrey Network. Google also honored Brook as a Google Next-Gen Fellow for the years 2017-2024.  

Brook attended Seminary, studying behavior and faith, opening doors to collaborations with the FBI, DOJ, US HHS, Harvard, Georgetown Law School, and numerous for-profit and nonprofit entities in the US, Europe, Singapore, and the Caribbean. Her mission has consistently been to raise awareness and support initiatives addressing contemporary life-shattering issues. An inspiration and role model for individuals of all genders, Brook resides in South Florida with her husband and two pups, passionately collaborating with staff, colleagues, and partners worldwide. Her unwavering stance is, “I raise up my voice with love—not to shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard.” 

Rachelle Starr

Rachelle Starr

Panelist

Founder & President,
Freedom Signal, Scarlet Hope Inc.
BIO

Rachelle Starr is a visionary leader, entrepreneur, and pioneer in reaching exploited 

individuals. As the President of Freedom Signal, she leads efforts to leverage technology 

in combating human trafficking and exploitation. Rachelle is also the Founder of Scarlet 

Hope, a national organization with direct care services for women who are experiencing 

exploitation through the adult entertainment industry. A thought-leader, Rachelle shares 

her insights on technology, direct service and inspires audiences to join a redemptive 

impact in fighting for freedom for the rights of exploited individuals. 

Freedom Signal is an online app for service providers and advocates who specialize in 

reaching victims of online sex trafficking or sexual exploitation

Brenda Mezick

Brenda Mezick

Panelist

Assistant State Attorney/Director of Human Trafficking

BIO

Brenda Mezick received her law degree from Georgetown University and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Maryland with a B.A. in English. She has been an Assistant State Attorney for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit for twenty-nine years. She has specialized in the prosecution of offenses involving homicide, cyber-crimes, capital sexual battery, human trafficking, and financial crimes against the elderly. She is currently the Chief of the Human Trafficking Unit and the attorney supervisor for the State Attorney’s Human Trafficking Task Force. She has participated in the drafting of several successful legislative initiatives to help improve Florida’s legal infrastructure for human trafficking victims and minors. She is a co-chair of the Elderly and Vulnerable Adult Work Group. She has taught for the American Bar Association’s Rule of Law Initiative, the Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association, the National District Attorneys Association, and the Miami-Dade Bar Association. She has presented at numerous law enforcement trainings, conferences, and community events and has served as an adjunct instructor for the Florida International University’s Criminology Department. She is the recipient of the Florida Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Prosecutor of the Year Award, the Women’s Fund Law Enforcement Visionary Award, the National Crime Victims’ Rights Committee Justice for All Award, the CABA Pro Bono Award, the Dade Chiefs of Police ASA Recognition Award, and the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Award of Distinction. 

Robert Beiser

Robert Beiser

Panelist

Technical advisor for Justice Reform Initiative, Microsoft

BIO

Robert Beiser is the technical advisor for Justice Reform Initiative at Microsoft which aims to empower communities and drive progress towards a more equitable justice system in the United States. The initiative focuses on public safety, alternatives to incarceration, policing, and prosecution reform. Robert was previously the Strategic Initiatives Director for Sex Trafficking at Polaris and the Executive Director of Seattle Against Slavery. 

Robert holds a master’s degree in public Affairs from the University of Washington, served on the Washington State Task Force on Human Trafficking, and speaks domestically and internationally on technology for public safety, AI for social justice, and human trafficking prevention. Robert has appeared on the BBC, CNN, and NPR, as well as in USA Today, Wired, the Guardian, and the New York Times. 

Rosemary Mann

Rosemary Mann

Panelist

Director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships, Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center

BIO

Moderator: Dr. Brook Bello

Recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from President Barack Obama and the White House, Dr. Brook Parker-Bello is a resilient advocate against human trafficking. Drawing from her diverse experiences as an actress, justice advocate, and thought leader, she offers a critical perspective on the root causes of human trafficking, emphasizing avenues for prevention and victim services. In her commitment to ensuring survivors have a voice and a reliable source for help and healing, Brook founded More Too Life, Inc., an organization that has been a beacon of hope across America and around the world for 19 years.  

In addition to her work with More Too Life, Brook has developed digital and educational curriculum platforms dedicated to preventing sexual exploitation and gender-based violence. These platforms, including Legacy of The Father, RJEDE, and Live Until You Die, are integral to court-appointed courses in Miami/Dade County and Florida.  

Having ventured into the tech and copy world, Brook launched Eval, a groundbreaking mental healthcare tech, immediately chosen by Techstars Founders Catalyst. As an alumnus of the Master’s Series of Distinguished Leaders, she holds a US Patent in technology and is the creator of innovative software in mental healthcare, case management, AI, and machine learning virtual reality.  

 

Brook is also an accomplished author, with notable works such as “Living Inside the Rainbow: Winning the Battlefield of The Mind After Human Trafficking and Mental Bondage,” and “S+CxM=O,” an inspiring exploration of faith and destiny. Her recent releases include “Shame Undone,” a compelling story about a teenager escaping family abuse, and “Fine Heart Table Book,” supported by All for Humanity, showcasing paintings by survivors. The table book, championed by Marina Picasso and the Carlyle Group, launched at the Picasso Villa in Cannes and featured at special events in Monaco 2022, where Brook was a speaker at the Carlyle Global Summit.  

  

With a Ph.D. in Pastoral Clinical Counseling, Brook combines her academic background with determination to make a significant impact in the fight against human trafficking. Recognized globally, she has spoken at the United Nations, alongside presidents, prime ministers, and fellow change-makers in various forums, including universities, federal agencies, podcasts, and publications such as Yahoo Finance, Ebony, Essene, and digital platforms. Florida’s Attorney General Pam Bondi and Governor Rick Scott named her Advocate of the Year, and United Way Worldwide recognized her as a Hero on the Oprah Winfrey Network. Google also honored Brook as a Google Next-Gen Fellow for the years 2017-2024.  

Brook attended Seminary, studying behavior and faith, opening doors to collaborations with the FBI, DOJ, US HHS, Harvard, Georgetown Law School, and numerous for-profit and nonprofit entities in the US, Europe, Singapore, and the Caribbean. Her mission has consistently been to raise awareness and support initiatives addressing contemporary life-shattering issues. An inspiration and role model for individuals of all genders, Brook resides in South Florida with her husband and two pups, passionately collaborating with staff, colleagues, and partners worldwide. Her unwavering stance is, “I raise up my voice with love—not to shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard.” 

WORKSHOP A1

Technology & Forced Labor: Emerging Threats and Potential Solutions

This workshop will focus on the ways in which technology is being used to facilitate forced labor, and how it can be used to exarcerbate the issue, and current approaches to addressing these threats.  

Kate Price

Kate Price

Facilitator

Executive DirectorAction Coalition on Human Trafficking (ACT) Alberta

BIO

Kate Price is the Executive Director of ACT Alberta, a seasoned fundraiser, and a non-profit strategist who is passionate about social impact work. Over the last fifteen years, she has worked at the intersection of altruism and innovation, raising critical funds for charities across Canada. She has held executive leadership roles with Discovery House Family Violence Prevention Society and Fort Calgary National Historic Site, led Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity’s flagship fundraiser, the Midsummer Ball Weekend, and sat on the Board of Directors of the National accessArts Centre, Canada’s largest disability arts organization.  

Kate holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Royal Roads University, her Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) designation, and is an MBA candidate with the University of Calgary. 

WORKSHOP B1

Innovative Practices: Leveraging Technology in the Prevention of Sex Trafficking

This workshop will feature case studies and lessons learned from organizations currently employing technology in the prevention of sex trafficking. 

Melissa Yao

Melissa Yao

Facilitator

Executive Director Executive Director, National Trafficking Sheltered Alliance

BIO

Melissa YAO is the Executive Director of the National Trafficking Sheltered Alliance. Melissa has her master’s degree in international development from Eastern University and has worked in the anti-trafficking field for over ten years at both the local and national level. For nearly eight years, Melissa worked in a direct service role at a long-term restoration home for survivors, where she noticed firsthand how service providers often felt siloed in their work. It was through this experience that Melissa realized the importance of building bridges and cultivating collaboration- forming a national community led by the belief that we rise by lifting others. As the Executive Director of NTSA, Melissa has had the opportunity to see the diversity of programs supporting survivors across the US and share with the service providers on the ground about the needs, challenges, and wins they experience for survivors in their programs. Before joining the anti-trafficking field, Melissa worked in advocacy and policy, supporting issues related to hunger and poverty. 

Rachelle Starr

Rachelle Starr

Facilitator

Founder & President,
Freedom Signal, Scarlet Hope Inc.
BIO

Rachelle Starr is a visionary leader, entrepreneur, and pioneer in reaching exploited individuals. As the President of Freedom Signal, she leads efforts to leverage technology in combating human trafficking and exploitation. Rachelle is also the Founder of Scarlet Hope, a national organization with direct care services for women who are experiencing exploitation through the adult entertainment industry. A thought-leader, Rachelle shares her insights on technology, direct service and inspires audiences to join a redemptive impact in fighting for freedom for the rights of exploited individuals. Freedom Signal is an online app for service providers and advocates who specialize in reaching victims of online sex trafficking or sexual exploitation

Panel Discussion

Tech-Facilitated Service Provision: Emerging Practices

This discussion will feature lessons learned and emerging opportunities for technology-enhanced service provision in North America. 

Ana Cutter Patel

Moderator

Washington D.C. Liaison for the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights

BIO

Ana Cutter Patel is the Washington D.C. Liaison for the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights (UN Human Rights), bringing 25 years of experience in international peacebuilding, gender empowerment, and human rights to this new role. Previously, she served as the U.S. Representative for Front Line Defenders, leading the U.S. advocacy and representation for human rights defenders at risk.  Among other prior professional roles, Ana has served as the executive director of Outward Bound Center for Peacebuilding, the Deputy Director for the International Policymakers Unit at the International Center for Transitional Justice, a lecturer at Columbia University, and worked as a consultant with the UN Development Programme and the UN Department of Peacekeeping.  Ana has co-edited two publications “Disarming the Past: Transitional Justice and Ex-combatants” in January 2010 and “Experiential Peacebuilding” in September 2019. Ana initiated her career as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in the Dominican Republic. Patel holds a master’s in international affairs from Columbia University and graduated from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon. She earned a graduate certificate in peacebuilding from the Rotary Peace Center at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand. 

Dr. Brook Bello

Dr. Brook Bello

Panelist

More too Life

BIO

Recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from President Barack Obama and the White House, Dr. Brook Parker-Bello is a resilient advocate against human trafficking. Drawing from her diverse experiences as an actress, justice advocate, and thought leader, she offers a critical perspective on the root causes of human trafficking, emphasizing avenues for prevention and victim services. In her commitment to ensuring survivors have a voice and a reliable source for help and healing, Brook founded More Too Life, Inc., an organization that has been a beacon of hope across America and around the world for 19 years.  In addition to her work with More Too Life, Brook has developed digital and educational curriculum platforms dedicated to preventing sexual exploitation and gender-based violence. These platforms, including Legacy of The Father, RJEDE, and Live Until You Die, are integral to court-appointed courses in Miami/Dade County and Florida.  

Having ventured into the tech and copy world, Brook launched Eval, a groundbreaking mental healthcare tech, immediately chosen by Techstars Founders Catalyst. As an alumnus of the Master’s Series of Distinguished Leaders, she holds a US Patent in technology and is the creator of innovative software in mental healthcare, case management, AI, and machine learning virtual reality

Brook is also an accomplished author, with notable works such as “Living Inside the Rainbow: Winning the Battlefield of The Mind After Human Trafficking and Mental Bondage,” and “S+CxM=O,” an inspiring exploration of faith and destiny. Her recent releases include “Shame Undone,” a compelling story about a teenager escaping family abuse, and “Fine Heart Table Book,” supported by All for Humanity, showcasing paintings by survivors. The table book, championed by Marina Picasso and the Carlyle Group, launched at the Picasso Villa in Cannes and featured at special events in Monaco 2022, where Brook was a speaker at the Carlyle Global Summit.  

  With a Ph.D. in Pastoral Clinical Counseling, Brook combines her academic background with determination to make a significant impact in the fight against human trafficking. Recognized globally, she has spoken at the United Nations, alongside presidents, prime ministers, and fellow change-makers in various forums, including universities, federal agencies, podcasts, and publications such as Yahoo Finance, Ebony, Essene, and digital platforms. Florida’s Attorney General Pam Bondi and Governor Rick Scott named her Advocate of the Year, and United Way Worldwide recognized her as a Hero on the Oprah Winfrey Network. Google also honored Brook as a Google Next-Gen Fellow for the years 2017-2024.  

Brook attended Seminary, studying behavior and faith, opening doors to collaborations with the FBI, DOJ, US HHS, Harvard, Georgetown Law School, and numerous for-profit and nonprofit entities in the US, Europe, Singapore, and the Caribbean. Her mission has consistently been to raise awareness and support initiatives addressing contemporary life-shattering issues. An inspiration and role model for individuals of all genders, Brook resides in South Florida with her husband and two pups, passionately collaborating with staff, colleagues, and partners worldwide. Her unwavering stance is, “I raise up my voice with love—not to shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard.” 

 Rochelle Keyhan

Rochelle Keyhan

Panelist

CEO, Collective Liberty

BIO

Rochelle Keyhan is a distinguished leader in the fight against human trafficking, currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Collective Liberty and recognized as the 2018 Thomson Reuters Foundation Stop Slavery Hero. With a track record, Rochelle’s accomplishments include being a finalist at SXSW’s 2020 Pitch event, securing victories in MassChallenge and Innovate4Good competitions, and pioneering a technical solution to the nation’s data-collection approach to combat human trafficking. This innovative, tech-driven solution was described as the Washington Post  in March 2020 as a “21st-century solution to an age-old problem.” Her expertise is sought by government officials, financial institutions, and both for-profit and non-profit corporations nationwide. Keyhan extends her impact globally, providing technical assistance to organizations in Europe. 

Boasting a decade of experience in government and non-profit advocacy for vulnerable populations, Rochelle focuses on gender-based violence issues, including domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking. In her role as CEO at Collective Liberty, she leads the strategic direction and collaborations aimed at disrupting specific types of human trafficking. Keyhan excels in building collaborative networks of law enforcement, agency stakeholders, and service providers, forging relationships and coalitions to drive public policy initiatives for systemic change. 


Under Rochelle’s leadership, Collective Liberty has played a pivotal role in supporting the passage of over 30 laws across the United States. Her team has trained over 12,000 police officers, detectives, and financial crimes investigators, resulting in the arrest of hundreds of traffickers and the closure of over 1,000 trafficking venues. This impact is from over 450 agencies, working to increase support for victims, and shifting criminal energy toward exploiters and away from the potential victims. 


A sought-after speaker at national and international conferences, Rochelle advises on global policies and criminal justice best practices for supporting survivors of human trafficking while dismantling criminal networks. Her team’s comprehensive analysis of national trends and best practices informs the creation of training programs and resources, contributing to the effective and systemic eradication of trafficking in the United States. 

Cheryl Perera

Cheryl Perera

Panelist

Founder and President of OneChild

BIO

Cheryl Perera is the Founder and President of  OneChild, the first organization in the world empowering children and youth to combat the sexual exploitation of children (SEC) through prevention education, advocacy, survivor care, and survivor empowerment, benefiting over 118, 000 in 16 countries and millions through the media. 

Distinguished as a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader and a recipient of an Honorary Doctorate LLD (honoris causa) from the University of Windsor; Cheryl Perera is a multiple-award winning international children’s rights advocate, a social entrepreneur and an acclaimed public speaker.  

She is the Founder and President of OneChild, the first organization in the world empowering children and youth to combat the sexual exploitation of children (SEC) through prevention education, advocacy, survivor care, and survivor empowerment, benefiting over 118, 000 in 16 countries and millions through the media.  OneChild is a recipient of the World of Children Founder’s Award, dubbed the “Nobel Prize for Children’s Rights.” 

Cheryl has received over 30 international and national awards for advocacy against the sexual exploitation of children, and her work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, CNN International, Al-Jazeera, CBC, and others. 

At age 16, Cheryl learned about SEC in high school and was filled with anger and passion to eradicate this crime. At 17, she embarked on a solo, fact-finding mission to Sri Lanka where she visited the streets, slums, and brothels to meet with child victims, NGO workers, and law enforcement to learn how she—as a teenager– could help. Wanting to obtain an insider’s look into the child sex trade, she partnered with the National Child Protection Authority and played the main role of the “DECOY”—a 15year old child sex trade victim– in a STING operation that resulted in the successful apprehension of a child sex perpetrator. For her bravery and achievement, Cheryl was offered a placement at the Presidential Secretariat as the Sri Lankan President’s Nominee on Child Protection. 

She holds an Executive master’s degree in children’s Rights, University of Geneva, Switzerland and a B.A.(Hons) in Ethics, Society, and Law, Political Science and Women’s Studies, University of Toronto. She has also completed Harvard University and the University of Oxford’s Executive Education Programs in Transformational Leadership and Public Policy and Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok’s Program in Peace and Conflict Resolution. 

Rushan Abbas

Rushan Abbas

Panelist

Founder and Executive Director, Campaign for Uyghurs (CFU)

BIO

Rushan Abbas’s activism started in the mid-1980s as a student at Xinjiang University, co-organizing pro-democracy demonstrations in Urumchi in 1985 and 1988. Since her arrival in the United States in 1989, Ms. Abbas has been an ardent campaigner for the human rights of the Uyghur people. Ms. Abbas is the founder and executive director of Campaign for Uyghurs (CFU) and became one of the most prominent Uyghur voices in international activism for Uyghurs following her sister’s detainment by the Chinese government in 2018. Ms. Abbas has spearheaded numerous campaigns, including the “One Voice One Step” movement, which culminated in a simultaneous demonstration in 14 countries and 18 cities on March 15, 2018, to protest China’s detention of millions of Uyghurs in concentration camps. 

  

Ms. Abbas frequently briefs global lawmakers and officials on the Uyghur genocide and provides testimonies at legislative bodies worldwide, such as the U.S. Congress, and other parliaments. She advocates for raising awareness and engaging in discussions on policy options to address the challenges posed by the Chinese Communist Party and halt the ongoing Uyghur genocide. She also serves as the Chairperson for the Advisory Board of the Axel Springer Freedom Foundation and as a board member of the Task Force on Human Trafficking within the Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum. 

  

In 2019, Ms. Abbas received the Freedom Fighter Award, and her work was recognized at the National Prayer Breakfast in February 2020. Under her leadership, CFU published the ‘Genocide in East Turkistan’ report in July 2020, leading to the organization receiving the World Democracy Courage Tribute in 2021 and a Nobel Peace Prize nomination in 2022. 

Workshop A2

Data-Driven Policies and Security for Survivors 

This workshop will examine the importance of safeguarding survivors’ data when implementing AI technologies,  best practices for ensuring privacy, consent and secure data storage in AI applications within anti-trafficking organizations. 

Megan Lundstrom

Megan Lundstrom

Facilitator

Expert consultant 
Social Systems Consulting
BIO

Megan Lundstrom is currently the Director of The Resilience Fund at Polaris, a brand new direct cash assistance pilot for survivors of trafficking in the US. Ms. Lundstrom holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a Master’s in Sociology from the University of Northern Colorado.  Initially driven from a personal interest in the intersection of financial crimes and human trafficking as a survivor of both herself, Megan has provided significant contributions to the anti-trafficking field’s body of knowledge on this topic.  Starting in 2016, Megan developed and published the only financial wellness curriculum for survivors of commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking, the Survivor’s Guide to Money, which is in its 3rd edition and available to purchase today.  Megan initially collaborated with Polaris in 2020 to analyze a portion of her bank statements from the time of her trafficking, and the findings can be read in the co-authored publication: How Survivor-Led Collaborations Can Lead Anti-Money Laundering Efforts.  Since that time, Megan has provided  Polaris’ Financial Intelligence Unit real-time intelligence on how sex trafficking presents on social media, and how the pandemic shifted sex trafficking operations and cash flows.  Additionally, Megan has been a Network Consultant through the Office for Trafficking in Persons since 2019 and has had the honor of contributing to projects such as the Department of Treasury’s Report to Congress on An Analysis of Anti-Money Laundering Efforts Related to Human Trafficking.  Most recently, Megan has published a series of survivor-driven reports documenting the sex and labor trafficking occurring on the video content platform OnlyFans.  Megan also completed the Human Trafficking Leadership Academy through the National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Center, working with a team of survivors and allies to produce the recommendations for Financial Stability of Trafficking Survivors Through a Social Capital Lens.  Megan is passionate about increasing identification of sex trafficking operations utilizing financial intelligence as a means of harm reduction to survivors through the investigation and prosecution processes. 

Workshop B2

Assessing the Risks: Addressing the Inherent Risks and Barriers of Greater Reliance on Technology in Trafficking Prevention. 

In this workshop participants will engage in a risk assessment of the threats and inherent risks of a greater reliance on technology in trafficking prevention.

Robert Beiser

Robert Beiser

Facilitator

Technical advisor for Justice Reform Initiative, Microsoft

BIO

Robert Beiser is the technical advisor for Justice Reform Initiative at Microsoft which aims to empower communities and drive progress towards a more equitable justice system in the United States. The initiative focuses on public safety, alternatives to incarceration, policing, and prosecution reform. Robert was previously the Strategic Initiatives Director for Sex Trafficking at Polaris and the Executive Director of Seattle Against Slavery. 

Robert holds a master’s degree in public Affairs from the University of Washington, served on the Washington State Task Force on Human Trafficking, and speaks domestically and internationally on technology for public safety, AI for social justice, and human trafficking prevention. Robert has appeared on the BBC, CNN, and NPR, as well as in USA Today, Wired, the Guardian, and the New York Times.

Facilitated Discussion: Building a Movement Narrative 

Dr. Brook Bello

Dr. Brook Bello

Facilitator

Founder
More Too Life, Inc
BIO

Recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from President Barack Obama and the White House, Dr. Brook Parker-Bello is a resilient advocate against human trafficking. Drawing from her diverse experiences as an actress, justice advocate, and thought leader, she offers a critical perspective on the root causes of human trafficking, emphasizing avenues for prevention and victim services. In her commitment to ensuring survivors have a voice and a reliable source for help and healing, Brook founded More Too Life, Inc., an organization that has been a beacon of hope across America and around the world for 19 years.  

In addition to her work with More Too Life, Brook has developed digital and educational curriculum platforms dedicated to preventing sexual exploitation and gender-based violence. These platforms, including Legacy of The Father, RJEDE, and Live Until You Die, are integral to court-appointed courses in Miami/Dade County and Florida.  

Having ventured into the tech and copy world, Brook launched Eval, a groundbreaking mental healthcare tech, immediately chosen by Techstars Founders Catalyst. As an alumnus of the Master’s Series of Distinguished Leaders, she holds a US Patent in technology and is the creator of innovative software in mental healthcare, case management, AI, and machine learning virtual reality.  

Brook is also an accomplished author, with notable works such as “Living Inside the Rainbow: Winning the Battlefield of The Mind After Human Trafficking and Mental Bondage,” and “S+CxM=O,” an inspiring exploration of faith and destiny. Her recent releases include “Shame Undone,” a compelling story about a teenager escaping family abuse, and “Fine Heart Table Book,” supported by All for Humanity, showcasing paintings by survivors. The table book, championed by Marina Picasso and the Carlyle Group, launched at the Picasso Villa in Cannes and featured at special events in Monaco 2022, where Brook was a speaker at the Carlyle Global Summit.  

  With a Ph.D. in Pastoral Clinical Counseling, Brook combines her academic background with determination to make a significant impact in the fight against human trafficking. Recognized globally, she has spoken at the United Nations, alongside presidents, prime ministers, and fellow change-makers in various forums, including universities, federal agencies, podcasts, and publications such as Yahoo Finance, Ebony, Essene, and digital platforms. Florida’s Attorney General Pam Bondi and Governor Rick Scott named her Advocate of the Year, and United Way Worldwide recognized her as a Hero on the Oprah Winfrey Network. Google also honored Brook as a Google Next-Gen Fellow for the years 2017-2024.  

Brook attended Seminary, studying behavior and faith, opening doors to collaborations with the FBI, DOJ, US HHS, Harvard, Georgetown Law School, and numerous for-profit and nonprofit entities in the US, Europe, Singapore, and the Caribbean. Her mission has consistently been to raise awareness and support initiatives addressing contemporary life-shattering issues. An inspiration and role model for individuals of all genders, Brook resides in South Florida with her husband and two pups, passionately collaborating with staff, colleagues, and partners worldwide. Her unwavering stance is, “I raise up my voice with love—not to shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard.” 

MARCH 13 – Mobilizing for Anti-Trafficking Action: Bridging the Gaps and Enabling Collective Awareness Through Technological Advancements

March 13 Objectives

  • Explored the various ways in which technology has positively and negatively impacted the prosecution of human trafficking cases in North America.  
  • Built and enhance the capacity of stakeholders to integrate technological advancements in their work by leveraging cross-sector partnerships.  
  • Galvanized the North American anti-trafficking movement toward greater data-driven, tech-facilitated solutions to addressing human trafficking.

OPENING REMARKS

Ronny Marty

Ronny Marty's Bio

Mr. Ronny Marty is an independent anti-human trafficking consultant, survivor leader, former member of ISTAC International Survivor of Trafficking Advisory Council, and former member of the US Advisory Council on Human Trafficking that served for two terms. He has worked and provided recommendations to federal and state agencies, the private sector, and NGOs on how to combat Trafficking in Persons.
Mr. Ronny is a Certified Public Accountant, hospitality manager, CEO of Marty Professional Cleaning Services in Florida.

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Timothy Patrick McCarthy, Harvard Professor and Board Chair, Free the Slaves

Keynote Speakers Bio

Dr.Timothy Patrick McCarthy is the chair of the board of directors. An award-winning historian, educator, and human rights activist, he has taught on the faculty at Harvard University since 2005, where he currently holds a joint appointment at the Graduate School of Education and John F. Kennedy School of Government. The adopted only son and grandson of public school teachers and faculty workers, Dr. McCarthy is also the Stanley Paterson Professor of American History and Academic Director emeritus in the Boston Clemente Course, a free college humanities course for lower income adults and co-recipient of the 2015 National Humanities Medal.

Twice named one of Harvard Crimson’s “Professors of the Year,” he is the recipient of many awards for his commitment to students, including the 2019 Manuel C. Carballo Award for Excellence in Teaching, the Kennedy School’s highest teaching honor. Dr. McCarthy has published five books and is a frequent media commentator whose work has been featured in Salon, Huffington Post, The Daily Beast, Pangyrus, The Nation, NPR, Al Jazeera, BBC, and several documentary films. In June 2019, he served as guest editor for The Nation’s historic “Reclaiming Stonewall 50” forum.

Inspired by the activism and organizing of his student years, he has devoted his life to public service and social justice. As founding director of Harvard’s Alternative Spring Break Church Rebuilding Program, he spent fifteen years organizing hundreds of students to help rebuild Black churches destroyed in racist arson attacks. A respected leader in the LGBTQ+ community, Dr. McCarthy was a founding member of Barack Obama’s National LGBT Leadership Council, gave expert testimony to the Pentagon Comprehensive Working Group on the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and was a member of the first-ever LGBTQ delegation from the United States to Israel/Palestine. He currently hosts and directs A.R.T. of Human Rights and Resistance Mic! through the Tony Award-winning American Repertory Theater, where he serves on the Board of Advisors.

Dr. McCarthy graduated with honors in History and Literature from Harvard College and earned his M.A., M.Phil., and Ph.D. in History from Columbia University.

(Twitter: @DrTPM)

PANEL DISCUSSION

Panel 2: Utilizing Cross-Sector Partnerships to Enhance Technological Capacity. 

This plenary session will explore the various ways in which organizations have built their technological capacity through partnerships.  

Karen Stauss

Karen Stauss

Moderator

Director of Strategic Engagement, Transparentem

BIO

Karen Stauss is the Director of Strategic Engagement at Transparentem where she oversees the organization’s engagement with the private sector to remedy labor and environmental abuses connected to global supply chains. Prior to that, Karen served as senior policy counsel for the U.S. Department of Justice’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit (HTPU) from 2016 to 2023. She worked on legislative and executive branch policy proposals affecting the capacity of the unit and of U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to prosecute trafficking, and supports building capacity among HTPU’s enforcement partners.

Ms. Stauss was previously the director of programs for Free the Slaves from 2010 to 2016, where she was responsible for overseeing the organization’s policy advocacy work and its partnerships with community-based organizations in eight countries. She was managing attorney and policy counsel at Polaris Project, a national anti-trafficking organization, from 2006 to 2010. From 2003 to 2006, Ms. Stauss was an Africa researcher with Human Rights Watch, where she operated the field office in Democratic Republic of the Congo after holding a yearlong fellowship conducting human rights research in Nigeria. She investigated war crimes and other human rights abuses, conducted advocacy, and strengthened human rights group networks.

Ms. Stauss holds a bachelor’s from Duke University and her law degree from Columbia Law School. Karen is fluent in French and speaks basic Spanish and German. She is a lecturer at the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University.

*Organizational affiliations are for ID purposes only.

Sara Woldehanna

Sara Woldehanna

Panelist

Managing Director of Data, Strategy and Impact

BIO

Sara Woldehanna social science researcher and evaluator with more than 20 years of experience in the design and implementation of social science research. At present, Sara is the Managing Director of Data, Strategy, and Impact. She leads a team of researchers and analysts to support Polaris’s mission of dismantling systems that enable human trafficking. The team produces the largest data set on trafficking in the USA through the operation of the National Human Trafficking Hotline. In 2023, Sara led a team with diverse lived and technical experience to deploy the National Survivor Study (NSS), developed in full partnership with survivors of human trafficking. Sara has a Master’s degree in Applied Anthropology, a Masters in Mechanical Engineering, and a B.A. in Physics.

Alex Nguyen

Alex Nguyen

Panelist

Director of Product & Analytics, Ulula

BIO

Ms. Alex Nguyen is currently a Director of Product & Analytics at Ulula, a Canadian company founded in 2013. Ulula has been an award-winning, global leader in accessible digital engagement technology to capture human and labor rights risks in global supply chains. Ulula has a broad diversity of projects with clients and partners around the world, in multiple sectors including mining, manufacturing, agriculture, construction, etc. Industry associations such as amfori and Sedex, as well as many multinational companies, have used Ulula’s suite of tools to measure, monitor, and improve labour conditions to mitigate human rights risks in their global supply chains.  Before joining Ulula in 2021, Ms Nguyen worked in the UN systems, including at the International Labour Organisation and the Office of the UN Secretary-General

Joanna Ewart-James

Joanna Ewart-James

Panelist

Co-Founder and Executive Director, Freedom United

BIO

Joanna is Co-Founder and Executive Director of Freedom United, a digital-based global community against modern slavery powering action for change. Joanna is also a trustee at Labour Behind the Label Trust – campaigning for workers’ rights in the clothing industry. At the end of 2021 she completed her term as Chair of the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative UK, during which she received an innovation award for the newly created Commonwealth 8.7 Network on modern slavery. Joanna was previously with Walk Free and Anti-Slavery International, where she developed and directed their work on business engagement, including coordinating the Cotton Campaign in Europe. Joanna is a contributing author to books including Vulnerability, exploitation and migrants: Insecure work in a globalised economy (Palgrave, 2015), and The SAGE Handbook of Human Trafficking and Modern Day Slavery. (SAGE, 2018). Her international human rights experience spans the UK diplomatic service, academia, and philanthropy, managing multi-million dollar budgets. Joanna holds a Masters in Understanding and Securing Human Rights from the University of London. 

Dan Emr

Dan Emr

Panelist

Founder and Executive Director, Worthwhile Wear

BIO

As Founder and Executive Director of Worthwhile Wear, Dan Emr’s 12+ years of experience working with survivors of human trafficking both in India and in the US has sharpened his ability to craft effective programs and deliver inspirational talks influenced by the survivors he serves. Dan’s upbringing in Ukraine and previous background in the business world uniquely equip him to provide oversight and vision for an organization that is addressing a broad and challenging issue. In his role, Dan has built groundbreaking initiatives, partnered and worked alongside over 250+ social service agencies, reached over 750,000 individuals through national awareness campaigns and speaking engagements, and today leads an organization that offers the most comprehensive services to survivors of trafficking in the state of Pennsylvania. 

Workshop A3

Case Studies/Research: The Use of Digital Evidence in Trafficking Cases 

This workshop will feature the lessons learned from case studies of the instances wherein digital evidence and technology has been employed in the the investigation and successful prosecution of human trafficking cases. 

Workshop B3

Evolving Investigative Techniques using AI: A Law Enforcement Perspective

In this workshop we will explore the integration of AI technology in law enforcement approaches to investigating human traffickin cases. 

In this workshop we will explore the integration of AI technology in law enforcement approaches to investigating human traffickin cases. 

Kate Price

Kate Price

Facilitator

Executive Director, ACT Alberta
BIO

Kate Price is the Executive Director of ACT Alberta, a seasoned fundraiser, and a non-profit strategist who is passionate about social impact work. Over the last fifteen years, she has worked at the intersection of altruism and innovation, raising critical funds for charities across Canada. She has held executive leadership roles with Discovery House Family Violence Prevention Society and Fort Calgary National Historic Site, led Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity’s flagship fundraiser, the Midsummer Ball Weekend, and sat on the Board of Directors of the National accessArts Centre, Canada’s largest disability arts organization.   

Kate holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Royal Roads University, her Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) designation, and is an MBA candidate with the University of Calgary. 

  Cst. Mark MacDonald

Cst. Mark MacDonald

Facilitator

Royal Canadian Mounted Police
BIO

Constable Mark MacDonald has been a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for the past 23 years.  He is currently stationed in Calgary, Alberta as a member of the Integrated Border Enforcement Team, responsible for international and transnational crime investigations. His career has been focused on investigating persons crimes including homicide, sexual assault, kidnapping, robberies and most recently, all forms of human trafficking.  For the past six years, he has been responsible for providing education and investigational guidance to members of the law enforcement community in Alberta.  Cst. MacDonald has also partnered with ACT Alberta to provide education and victim support throughout the communities they both serve.

Workshop A4

Digital and Organizational Literacy: Identifying Barriers to Survivors Integration and Strategies for Improving Opportunities

This workshop aims to increase awareness of the challenges survivors face in acquiring digital and organizational literacy and the importance of these literacies for the economic and professional development and reintegration of survivors. It will also facilitate the collaborative identification of resources and development of strategies across civil society, NGOs, businesses, and government entities.

Bryon Lippincott

Bryon Lippincott

Facilitator

Head of Communications and Digital Engagement, Free the Slaves.
BIO

Bryon Lippincott is the Head of Communications and Digital Engagement for Free the Slaves. 

He is passionate about helping people experiencing marginalization or vulnerability access safegy and belonging within healthy communities, as well as helping organizations represent these communities and individuals in ways that honor their dignity and respect their value as human beings. 

He holds an M.A. in Strategic Communication from California Baptist University and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Peacebuilding at Payap University in Chiang Mai, Thailand. His research focuses on the role of rhetoric and mass communication in the development of conflict and the opportunities they present for catalyzing and maintaining peace. 

Prior to working for Free the Slaves, Bryon ran a creative agency specializing in strategic communications and media production for NGOs in Asia. He has partnered with more than 100 organizations and individuals in 13 countries. In this role, he partnered with organizations working with child vulnerability, anti-trafficking, HIV/AIDS, refugees and asylum seekers, agriculture, poverty alleviation/community development, and education. 

Though Bryon was born and raised on a family farm in Nebraska, USA, his love for intercultural and humanitarian causes brought him to Asia, where he has lived and worked for over ten years. He lived in China and Cambodia before moving to Chiang Mai, Thailand, where he lives now with his wife, two children, and two cats. 

Sandra Christie Brown

Sandra Christie Brown

Facilitator

National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) – Jamaica/USA
BIO

Sandra Christie Brown is a native Jamaican. Ms. Sandra has been a proud member of the National Organization of Black Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) since 2008, Executive Board Member of the Jamaican Diaspora Southern USA National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) National Human Trafficking Committee Chair, and NCNW Executive Board Member at Large. Ms. Sandra is currently a member of the Metropolitan Dade County Section NCNW, a Board Member of the Greater Miami Urban League, and an Executive Director of the People Profile Organization. She served two terms as President of the Metropolitan Dade County Section of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (MDCS-NCNW). As president of MDCS-NCNW, Ms. Sandra led the organization to new heights, not only in membership but also in developing scholarships, partnerships, and community awareness. NOBLE South Florida Chapter Sector Member of the year 2015, MDCS-NCNW awarded her the Dr. Dorothy Height Leadership Award in 2016, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Distinguished Award in 2018, National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s 2018 National Sojourner Truth Meritorious Service Award, Barbara Carey Shuler 2018 Human Rights Community Activist award, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Dade County Alumnae Chapter, Delta Honors 2019 Community Service in Political Awareness & Involvement, Live America Life Insurance Agent of the Year 2019, and People Profile Corporate Citizen of the Year 2020.

During her tenure as Section President, she was elected as the 2016-2018 National Executive Committee Member-at-Large, becoming the first elected official from the State of Florida to serve on the National Board. She was re-elected to serve a third term in 2022-2024.

Ms. Sandra worked with Florida legislators in proposing the Human Trafficking Education Bill 2019, a policy adopted by the department of education, making Florida the first state to teach Human Trafficking Education in school. In September 2020, Dr. Johnetta B. Cole, NCNW National President and Chair, appointed Ms. Sandra to the position of NCNW National Chair Human Trafficking Committee.

Workshop B4

Overcoming Barriers to Accessing Technological Solutions

While technology offers great opportunities, it remains largely inaccessible to grassroots level organizations. This workshop will highlight the barriers organizations face and explore various ways in which organizations can overcome these barriers. 

Melissa Yao

Melissa Yao

Facilitator

Executive Director, National Trafficking Sheltered Alliance
BIO

Melissa YAO is the Executive Director of the National Trafficking Sheltered Alliance. Melissa has her master’s degree in international development from Eastern University and has worked in the anti-trafficking field for over ten years at both the local and national level. For nearly eight years, Melissa worked in a direct service role at a long-term restoration home for survivors, where she noticed firsthand how service providers often felt siloed in their work. It was through this experience that Melissa realized the importance of building bridges and cultivating collaboration- forming a national community led by the belief that we rise by lifting others. As the Executive Director of NTSA, Melissa has had the opportunity to see the diversity of programs supporting survivors across the US and share with the service providers on the ground about the needs, challenges, and wins they experience for survivors in their programs. Before joining the anti-trafficking field, Melissa worked in advocacy and policy, supporting issues related to hunger and poverty 

Facilitated Discussion

The Future of the Anti-Trafficking Movement in North America: Where Do We Go from Here? 

This plenary discussion will summarize the discussions of the two days and generate concrete next steps for the North American anti-trafficking movement. 

Dan Emr

Dan Emr

Facilitator

Founder and Executive Director, Worthwhile Wear

2024 North America Forum Planning Committee

Dr. Brook Parker-Bello

Dr. Brook Parker-Bello

Founder

More Too Life, Inc

Dr. Brook Parker-Bello Bio
Dr. Brook Parker-Bello, honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from President Barack Obama, is a dedicated advocate against human trafficking. With a background in acting, justice advocacy, and leadership, she founded More Too Life, Inc., a beacon of hope for 19 years.
Brook’s impact extends to digital education platforms addressing sexual exploitation. She launched Eval, a mental healthcare tech, chosen by Techstars Founders Catalyst. A Master’s Series alumnus, she holds a US Patent, creating innovative software in mental healthcare, AI, and machine learning.

An accomplished author, Brook’s works include “Living Inside The Rainbow” and “S+CxM=O.” Recent releases, “Shame Undone” and “Fine Heart Table Book,” showcased at special events in Monaco, reflect her commitment.

With a Ph.D. in Pastoral Clinical Counseling, Brook is a global speaker recognized by the United Nations and a Google Next-Gen Fellow. An advocate of the Year in Florida, she collaborates with entities like the FBI, DOJ, and Harvard. An inspiration to all genders, Brook, with her unwavering stance, resides in South Florida, amplifying voices for a better world.

Melissa Yao

Melissa Yao

Executive Director

National Trafficking Sheltered Alliance

Melissa Yao's Bio

“Melissa is the Executive Director of the National Trafficking Sheltered Alliance. Melissa has her master’s degree in international development from Eastern University and has worked in the anti-trafficking field for over ten years at both the local and national level. For nearly eight years, Melissa worked in a direct service role at a long-term restoration home for survivors, where she noticed firsthand how service providers often felt siloed in their work. It was through this experience that Melissa realized the importance of building bridges and cultivating collaboration- forming a national community led by the belief that we rise by lifting others. As the Executive Director of NTSA, Melissa has had the opportunity to see the diversity of programs supporting survivors across the US and share with the service providers on the ground about the needs, challenges, and wins they experience for survivors in their programs. Before joining the anti-trafficking field, Melissa worked in advocacy and policy, supporting issues related to hunger and poverty.”

Kate Price

Kate Price

Executive Director

ACT Alberta

Kate Price Bio

Kate Price is the Executive Director of ACT Alberta, a seasoned fundraiser, and a non-profit strategist who is passionate about social impact work. Over the last fifteen years, she has worked at the intersection of altruism and innovation, raising critical funds for charities across Canada. She has held executive leadership roles with Discovery House Family Violence Prevention Society and Fort Calgary National Historic Site, led Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity’s flagship fundraiser, the Midsummer Ball Weekend, and sat on the Board of Directors of the National accessArts Centre, Canada’s largest disability arts organization. 

Kate holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Royal Roads University, her Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) designation, and is an MBA candidate with the University of Calgary. 

Krystal Snider

Krystal Snider

Executive Disruptor

Collaborative Community Solutions

Krystal Snider Bio

Krystal Snider, the Executive Disrupter at Collaborative Community Solutions, is a passionate advocate with over a decade of experience in feminist agencies. As a human trafficking survivor, she’s committed to addressing systemic barriers and root causes. Krystal has worked with 5 school boards to complete their anti-trafficking policies and procedures, the Human Rights and Equity Department at Brock University, and Women at the CentrE and many more agencies. Krydtal has recently focused her efforts on community mobilization and survivor engagement. She has co-facilitated workshops worldwide. Her impactful work has earned her accolades, including the Niagara Top 40 Under 40 award in 2020. She’s pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Women’s Studies, holds certifications in Trauma-informed Counseling for Front Line Workers and Crisis Intervention, and is a dedicated mom, sister, daughter, student, traveler, and nature lover. In her downtime, she enjoys camping, reading, and planning murder mystery dinners.

Bukeni Waruzi

Bukeni Waruzi

Executive Director

Free the Slaves

Bukeni Waruzi's Bio

Bukeni Waruzi is the Executive Director of Free the Slaves. He has documented human rights abuses, implemented advocacy campaigns, conducted training workshops, and made public presentations in 40 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, his home country, he formed the grassroots nonprofit group AJEDI-KA/Child Soldiers Project to confront armed militias’ widespread enslavement of children. He videotaped evidence that led to the imprisonment of a notorious warlord. In Kenya, Waruzi served as a program manager for the Porticus Foundation, overseeing human rights, civic engagement, education, and climate change projects. He served as executive director of Watchlist in New York, an organization that protects children in conflict zones. And he has served as a senior program manager in New York for WITNESS, a group that empowers victims worldwide to collect evidence that brings perpetrators to justice. Waruzi has made presentations to the United Nations Security Council, the International Criminal Court, and the Children’s Caucus of the U.S. Congress.

 

Event Resources