Celebrating Women Fighting Trafficking for International Women’s Day 2022

by | Mar 8, 2022

This International Women’s Day, our team wanted to take time to celebrate a few of the women who lead the anti-human trafficking movement. Our staff nominated women they admire who have made a difference by fighting trafficking day in and day out. There are so many ways to play a part in combating trafficking, and these women exemplify doing the work in a meaningful and substantial way. We hope you are inspired by their work and join us in honoring them!

Bukola Oriola, Journalist, Author, Speaker, and Advocate

Bukola Oriola is a Nigerian-American journalist, author, speaker, and advocate who is actively involved in transforming anti-trafficking efforts in her community in Minnesota and nationwide. Through her work with the nonprofit she founded, The Enitan Story, Bukola utilizes her lived experience as a survivor of labor trafficking to uplift and empower other survivors and to advocate for practical, powerful solutions in the community response to trafficking. Bukola was appointed by President Obama to the U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking is a skilled trainer, an entrepreneur, and an incredible single mother to her wonderful son Samuel.

Nominated by Marie Martinez Israelite, Director of Victim Services

Jaunna Murillo, Focal Point for the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Council in Belize

Jaunna Murillo is the Focal Point for the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Council in Belize. She single-handedly coordinates all efforts to fight trafficking in the country. While there are many people involved in the fight in Belize, it is Jaunna who coordinates the 10 separate government entities and numerous non-governmental organizations (NGOs) involved in combatting human trafficking within the country. Her efforts extend from assisting government officials with amending trafficking legislation, strategizing on public awareness campaigns, television appearances, working with NGOs to fill gaps in services, to speaking at events. Jaunna has a quiet passion for fighting human trafficking in Belize and her positive, collaborative attitude is infectious. She is a pleasure to work and she works tirelessly, as I often receive emails and text messages late at night and on the weekends. I whole-heartedly nominate her for recognition on International Women’s Day.

Nominated by Chris Lick, Law Enforcement Advisor, Belize

Jenny McGee, Founder and CEO of Starfish Project

Jenny McGee is the founder and CEO of Starfish Project. Starfish Project is a Social Enterprise with a Holistic Care Program that cares for women escaping human trafficking and exploitation in Asia. At Starfish Project women and girls experience freedom, establish independence and develop careers. They have employed and trained over 160 women and served thousands more through their community outreach.

Nominated by Stefanie Atem, Executive Assistant to the CEO

Nusura Kemigisha, TIP Coordinator for the Uganda Police Force

Nusura Kemigisha serves as the TIP Coordinator for the Uganda Police Force within the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID). In her role, Nusura coordinates TIP investigations and victim rescues nation-wide. Nusura is an experienced TIP investigator and leader of her team at CID Headquarters and has completed many successful TIP investigations, involving both domestic and transnational cases. Nusura is highly dependable and a hard-worker who moves the many TIP law enforcement objectives forward each and every day. Nusura is a valuable partner to the Human Trafficking Institute and in implementing HTI’s model in Uganda.

Nominated by Tyler Dunman, Special Counsel to the DPP, Uganda

Lindsey Roberson, Trial Attorney, Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, U.S. Department of Justice

Lindsey Roberson serves as a trial attorney in the Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit within the U.S. Department of Justice. Prior to her current role, Lindsey was the Director of Legal Engagement at the Human Trafficking Institute where she led HTI’s legal and advocacy teams in reducing human trafficking crimes through technical assistance in our Partner Countries and thought leadership in the United States. 

Lindsey is an extremely experienced prosecutor who has spent most of her career prosecuting human trafficking cases, advocating for survivors, and promoting a victim-centered approach to trafficking cases. We would like to nominate Lindsey as we have been fortunate enough to witness first-hand her fierce yet humble dedication to combating human trafficking and removing victims from exploitation around the world. 

Nominated by Kim Thompson, Director of Advancement, and Hailey Barth, Grants and Development Coordinator

Kisha Requena, Community Development Officer for the Belize Department of Human Services

Kisha Requena is a Community Development Officer, within the Department of Human Services. She has been assigned to work with victims of Trafficking in Persons for the past eight years.

Ms. Requena is a committed officer, who goes the extra mile for all victims. She ensures that they receive all the services that are tantamount to their growth and development. Ms. Requena is a trailblazer, who never retreats in the face of adversity, but holds steadfast and advocates for victims.

I nominate Ms. Kisha Requena, as she is committed, respectful and empathetic to victims of Trafficking In Persons.

Nominated by Elswith Chevez, Victim Assistance Coordinator, Belize

This International Women’s Day, we hope you honor the women in your community who are fighting trafficking and building a safer future. We join you in celebrating their impact!

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