In honor of International Women’s Day, we are proud to spotlight Michelle Prince – a former prosecutor and HTI’s Country Director in Kenya, whose work reflects a commitment to justice and accountability. Through both her prosecutorial experience and her international program leadership, Michelle embodies what it means to lead with purpose.
We sat down with Michelle to learn more about her path, her passion for anti-trafficking work, and the mentors and motivations that continue to shape her career.
What motivated you to become a prosecutor?
I was drawn to the intersection of justice, accountability, and public service. Early in my career, I saw how the law could be used not only to respond to harm, but to protect those whose rights were often overlooked or whose experiences were not prioritized within systems designed to safeguard them.
My passion for advocating for vulnerable individuals made it impossible to remain at a distance. Prosecutorial work offered a way to stand in the gap – to use legal tools, evidence, and advocacy to center survivors’ needs, confront exploitation directly, and ensure accountability.
Over time, that commitment deepened into a vocation shaped by survivor-centered practice, collaboration, and a belief that justice systems fulfill their purpose when they uphold fairness and remain responsive to all who depend on them.
Why did you decide to work in the anti-trafficking space?
I kept encountering a truth I couldn’t ignore: exploitation frequently goes unrecognized. Even in well-established systems, trafficking can remain unnamed or misunderstood, and individuals can move through processes without anyone fully recognizing what they are carrying.
That disconnect revealed how vulnerable people can fall through the cracks when systems aren’t connected. It also showed me how important it is to strengthen those systems.
Trafficking sits at the intersection of power, vulnerability, and opportunity. Addressing it requires more than responding after harm occurs – it requires building systems that can identify exploitation early, respond effectively, and support survivors in practical and meaningful ways.
In my role as HTI’s inaugural Kenya Country Director, that means working to strengthen partnerships, improve coordination, and build sustainable frameworks that support long-term impact.
I’m also motivated by the resilience of survivors. Many are navigating incredibly difficult circumstances, yet they show remarkable courage and clarity about what safety and justice should look like. It reminds me that rescue is one part of the response, and that the ongoing work lies in strengthening the systems responsible for prevention, protection, and prosecution so survivors are supported in ways that truly serve them.
If you could thank one person for inspiring and mentoring you, who would it be?
I would thank Gabriella Danza, my former supervisor at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). She was a principled and thoughtful leader who deeply valued fairness and integrity.
She didn’t just oversee my work – she invested in my growth. She taught me how to design and implement programs with long-term impact and helped me understand the responsibility that comes with leadership.
What stood out most was how she supported other women. She created space for them, advocated for them, and made sure their contributions were recognized. She showed me that leadership isn’t only about what you accomplish – it’s about who you elevate along the way.
I would simply say, “Thank you for seeing my potential and choosing to invest in it. The way I lead and build today carries your influence, and the space you created for me is the kind of space I now strive to create for others.”
What encouragement would you give to others pursuing a career in law?
A career in law is strongest when it’s grounded in purpose. The work requires critical thinking, clear communication, and the ability to engage with people whose experiences may be very different from your own.
Stay curious. Listen well. Ask thoughtful questions. Behind every legal decision is a real human story.
Seek mentors who challenge you and environments that help you grow. The law is shaped by people who are willing to keep learning and adapting. When you commit to growth and stay connected to your “why,” you build a career that is both impactful and meaningful.
What motivates you each day?
What motivates me most is the responsibility that comes with the work. The issues I deal with involve real people and real consequences. That requires discernment, compassion, and a commitment to turning difficult facts into meaningful action.
I’m also motivated by the people I work alongside. Their dedication and expertise reinforce the purpose behind the work – even on challenging days.
Outside of work, the people in my life keep me grounded. They remind me that this work exists within a bigger picture, and that perspective helps me show up each day with focus and intention.
