Dr. Jesse E. Bach is the founder and CEO of the Imagine Foundation. He received a PhD in Urban Education from Cleveland State University and advocates to end all forms of forced labor.
Read MoreStacey Diane A. Litam is a doctoral candidate at Kent State University, mental health counselor, and adjunct faculty at NEOMED. Her client populations include trafficked survivors, persons with addictions, and sexual minorities. She conducts research on topics related to sex trafficking, LGBT populations, and creative interventions with diverse populations.
Read MoreJohn Vanek helps law enforcement agencies, victim services providers, and others enhance their response to human trafficking. John consults for a variety of federal and state agencies, and is the author of “The Essential Abolitionist: What You Need to Know About Human Trafficking & Modern Slavery.”
Read MoreJohn Vanek helps law enforcement agencies, victim services providers, and others enhance their response to human trafficking. John consults for a variety of federal and state agencies, and is the author of “The Essential Abolitionist: What You Need to Know About Human Trafficking & Modern Slavery.”
Read MoreChristina Melander, a social worker, is a Research Fellow at the University of Minnesota’s Urban Research Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC). She comes from a diverse background including sexual assault/domestic violence advocacy, homelessness, and community organizing. Christina is interested in doing community-based and action-oriented research as a macro practice social worker.
Read MoreTony Talbott is a nationally-recognized anti human trafficking researcher, advocate, and educator. He teaches at the University of Dayton and directs their anti-human trafficking Initiatives. He earned an MA in International Affairs from Ohio University and studied for a PhD in Political Science at Arizona State University.
Read MoreVanessa Soma is a social justice attorney and ardent advocate for the rights of people impacted by discrimination and violence based on sex, gender, and sexuality, having worked or volunteered with the Sex Workers Project, Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking, Gender Rights Asylum Project, Los Angeles LGBT Center, and ACLU of Southern California, among others. Soma graduated from University of California Los Angeles, and is barred as an attorney in California.
Read MoreDr. Einat Peled is an Associate Professor in the Bob Shapell School of Social Work at Tel Aviv University and the Chair of "Women's Spirit" an NGO seeking to advance the economic independence of women victims of violence. Her research focuses on gendered aspects of social work and, in particular, on aspects of violence against women and girls, prostitution, and mothering and fathering.
Read MoreKeri Black is the Volunteer Coordinator and Victim Advocate at the YWCA H.O.P.E. Rape Crisis Center of Northwest Ohio. Keri received her MLS in Women and Gender Studies from the University of Toledo in 2013. Keri has been a Victim Advocate for the H.O.P.E. Center since November of 2011.
Read MoreKeri Black is the Volunteer Coordinator and Victim Advocate at the YWCA H.O.P.E. Rape Crisis Center of Northwest Ohio. Keri received her MLS in Women and Gender Studies from the University of Toledo in 2013. Keri has been a Victim Advocate for the H.O.P.E. Center since November of 2011.
Read MoreMagesa Rehema is a lecturer at the Community Development Institute in Arusha Tanzania. She has experience in development studies, completed research, and published articles in journals about women and girls. Magesa has experience consulting with different developmental organizations within the country. She has an advanced Masters in Development Evaluation and a Master of Science in Agriculture. She is currently a PhD student.
Read MoreSuzanne is the Executive Director of Athena’s Children, an organization that helping victims of sexual abuse. She has master’s degrees in sociology and psychology. Her counseling career has focused on trauma and addictive behaviors as she worked for Hazleden-Betty Ford, the Grammy’s and Clinical Director of the Lawyers’ Assistance Program.
Read MoreAnn Marie Babb is a survivor that holds a bachelor’s degree in Business, from the University of Cincinnati. She currently works for New Life Community Church of Middletown and the WCWT Center.
Read MoreJack Alferio is openly transgender and bisexual and works towards making the world a more affirming and liberating space for LGBTQ identifying people. He was president of Spectrum UT and is a board member of Equality Toledo, an organization that works to eliminate discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identify, and gender expression.
Read MoreSteve Feazel has served as a pastor and college professor. He is an award winning video producer and his film "Every Young Man's Battle" focuses on the dangers of pornography sold over 40,000 copies. He has a book on the cultural war entitled "Abduction," releasing this fall.
Read MoreSarah Ladd, JD is a licensed attorney and former Skadden Fellow. She is the Executive Director of Light of Hope Kenya, an organization that provides shelter, education, and accompaniment to girls after abuse. Sarah works in Minnesota as an anti-trafficking consultant and also teaches Human Trafficking & the Law, an online course through the UT Human Trafficking and Social Justice Institute.
Read MoreMarcel is a lecturer at the University of South Africa. He gained international recognition for his work in counter human trafficking as police investigator and was awarded a position in the Young Professionals in International Affairs (YPIA) Top 35 under 35 Africans for 2014.
Read MoreKristin M. McBride, LLMSW is the Human Trafficking Program Coordinator for the Genesee County Medical Society. Kristin has been a member of the Genesee County Human Trafficking Task Force for more than two years and was hired to work in the field before graduating with her MSW from University of Michigan.
Read MoreLauren Martin (PhD) is Director of Research at the University of Minnesota’s Urban Research Outreach-Engagement Center and affiliated faculty at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. She is nationally recognized for her community-based action research on sex trading and sex trafficking that she started with community partners in 2006.
Read MoreManville has presented at 70 trainings: father’s rights, unwed parents, custody & HT issues && was an intensive FC therapist & family therapist. He retired after 22 years as a custody evaluator in Detroit. David is the BSW Advisor & Professor for SWRK School at EMU. Manville developed & teaches 1 of the only HT class in MI which is now be all year. He runs a field unit at EMU focusing on HT issues; has been called to Court as an expert witness in HT & is the advisor for student led UNMASKED HT group.
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