Topic: The Impacts of COVID-19 on Human Trafficking
Speaker: US State Department Trafficking In Persons
Ambassador-At-Large John Cotton Richmond
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John Cotton Richmond serves as the United States Ambassador-at-Large to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. Ambassador Richmond comes to the highest position in the federal government dedicated to combating human trafficking after a distinguished career in the global battle for freedom. He co-founded the Human Trafficking Institute that exists to decimate modern slavery at its source by empowering police and prosecutors to use victim-centered and trauma-informed methods to hold traffickers accountable and ensure survivors are treated with respect and care.

Prior to the Institute, Ambassador Richmond served, for more than ten years, as a federal prosecutor in the U.S. Department of Justice’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit where he was named one of the “Federal Prosecutors of the Year” by the Federal Law Enforcement Foundation. He investigated and prosecuted numerous victim-centered labor and sex trafficking cases throughout the United States. Prior to this work, he lived in India for three years pioneering International Justice Mission’s anti-slavery work.

Ambassador Richmond’s work to combat human trafficking has earned numerous honors, including receiving the David Allred Award for Exceptional Contributions to Civil Rights, twice earning the Department of Homeland Security’s Outstanding Investigative Accomplishments in a Human Trafficking Award, as well as twice receiving the Department of Justice’s Special Commendation Award.

Topic: Growing a National Awareness Movement
Speaker: Deidre Pujols
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Founder of Strike Out Slavery, Deidre Pujols, is a driven philanthropist and dedicated entrepreneur with a passion for giving a voice to the voiceless and advocating for those in need. The United Nations Women for Peace Association (UNWFPA) recognized Albert and Deidre Pujols with the Humanitarian Award in February 2019 for their efforts to combat human trafficking.

Albert and Deidre Pujols created Strike Out Slavery in 2017 after learning that modern-day slavery is the fastest-growing criminal industry in the world, generating $150 billion USD annually. The Pujolses knew that if Major League Baseball teams, players, and fans joined them, Strike Out Slavery could spread awareness about modern-day slavery and help a global network of nonprofit organizations rally against it.

Topic: Stories from Uganda – Supporting Survivors of Human Trafficking
Speakers: Lillian Ayella Nalukwago & Jennifer Alum
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Lillian serves as Willow International’s Program Director. She graduated with a degree in social work from Ugandan Christian University and has 9 years of experience providing counseling and case management to survivors of trafficking. She is currently obtaining her MA in Counseling.

Jennifer serves as Willow International’s Assistant Program Director. She graduated with a degree in Social Work from Gulu University and has over 10 years of experience providing counseling and trauma-informed care to victims of trafficking and abuse.

These two women oversee Willow’s case management team and have provided thousands of hours of support helping victims heal from trauma and rebuild their lives. Their stories of hope, heartbreak, and resilience are awe-inspiring.

Topic: Investigating Human Trafficking Cases
Speaker: Dave Rogers
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Dave Rogers serves as the Director of Law Enforcement Operations for the Human Trafficking Institute. He previously served as the FBI’s National Program Manager for Human Trafficking within the Civil Rights Unit, overseeing the FBI’s anti-trafficking work across the United States. Prior to this, Dave was an Advanced Instructor at the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA, where he trained new agents to conduct criminal investigations. In addition, Dave has trained government units on human trafficking enforcement from Central and South America, Eastern Europe, and Asia. During his 23 years in federal law enforcement, he developed a broad range of investigative expertise, working organized crime, labor racketeering, asset forfeiture/money laundering and international terrorism cases.

Topic: The White House’s Public-Private Advisory Council to End Human Trafficking
Speaker: Dr. Sandra Morgan
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Dr. Sandra Morgan, an educator and nurse, is recognized globally for her expertise in combatting human trafficking and working to end violence against women. Dr. Morgan’s experience serving missing and exploited children includes direct care as a pediatric nurse, a volunteer with Doctors of the World (Athens, Greece), and as a past Administrator of the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force (OCHTTF). Her expertise is recognized locally, nationally, and internationally and includes such venues as Asia, Russia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. She serves the Orange County CSEC (Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children) Steering Committing partnering with Child Welfare and Juvenile Justice.

In her role as Faculty and Director of Vanguard University’s Global Center for Women and Justice, she has built capacity for research, education, and advocacy directly related to the exploitation of women and children. She consistently brings together diverse groups to collaborate during annual Ensure Justice conferences as well as special focus summits. Her Ending Human Trafficking podcast has been recommended by the National Administration of Youth and Family Services Clearinghouse and is a great way to get up to speed on the complex issues of combatting human trafficking.

Topic: Resiliency, Compassion Fatigue, and Caring for the Caregivers
Speaker: Dr. Sara Truebridge
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Sara Truebridge, Founder of EdLinks LLC, is a consultant, researcher, TED Talk presenter, educator, and author, specializing in the area of resilience, combining her experience and expertise in the areas of research, policy, and practice to promote success and equity for all. Truebridge collaborates with schools, businesses, organizations, and individuals addressing opportunities for learning and transformation. Truebridge has consulted and given numerous presentations, webinars, and workshops throughout the U.S. and abroad from a strengths-based perspective focusing on resilience and positive human development to enhance positive individual, school, and business climate/culture, teaching, learning, health, and well-being. In 2019, Truebridge was invited as faculty for Southern New Hampshire University’s summer doctoral residency program and led courses in the education and business departments.