Human Trafficking Program Director, Association for the Recovery of Children
Tina Paulson specializes in locating, liberating and providing emergency assistance to sex trafficking victims. Based in the Los Angeles area, Tina possesses a wealth of current street-level insight on the inner workings of the commercial sex trade after working extensively with survivors over the years.
Alex Trouteaud’s extensive research on sex buyers and demand helps policymakers in Washington D.C.develop solutions that address commercial sexual exploitation in the US.
Summer Stephan is known as a leader and a “Modern Day Abolitionist” both locally and nationwide in the fight against sex trafficking, spearheading several efforts including the award-winning “The Ugly Truth” campaign and the San Diego Trafficking Prevention Collective.
Forensic Psychologist, University of Nevada Las Vegas
Alexis Kennedy has published numerous studies on trauma, child exploitation and sex trafficking. Her research and testimony has been used to educate communities and shape policies that work to end sex trafficking.
Sheriff Gore has worked in law enforcement for over 40 years, witnessing the evolution of sex trafficking and organized crime nationwide. He has since helped to establish the San Diego Regional Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children Advisory Council.
Staca Shehan currently works as the Executive Director of NCMEC’s Case Analysis Division. The information and data collected is used nationwide to provide assistance to law enforcement, first-responders, and victim specialists in the identification, recovery and location process of child sex trafficking victims.
Xavier Becerra has assisted in various anti-trafficking developments, including the 2018 shutdown of Backpage.com and other online platforms that promoted ads for child prostitution.
Assemblywoman Shirley Weber has introduced and supported several bills that address the needs of sex trafficking survivors such as identification, prevention, protection and legal defenses. She continues to work towards legislation that supports women and children recovering from trauma.
Center for Justice & Reconciliation, Point Loma Nazarene University
Dr. Gates is the co-author of groundbreaking research on sex trafficking and gangs in San Diego. He continues to be an active member in the anti-trafficking community by implementing scholarships for human trafficking survivors and serving on several leading research committees, in addition to developing educational programs to prevent human trafficking in San Diego’s middle and high schools.
Tera Hilliard manages Forgotten Children, Inc., a non-profit organization that provides outreach, intervention, after care services, and housing for victims of human trafficking. In addition to the operation of a drop-in center on a prostitution track in the Los Angeles area, FCI drives awareness by providing resources and support to schools and law enforcement.
