After working with a woman who had been trafficked, Nicole committed to supporting survivors with career development and placement opportunities. Nicole has worked in the career industry for over 20 years, most notably as LinkedIn’s Career Expert and Consumer Spokesperson and as the TODAY SHOW Career Contributor. Nicole has built a successful business as a career consultant working alongside Fortune 500 companies both to create innovative marketing campaigns targeted toward professional women (i.e.: Ford, Gap, Proctor and Gamble) and professional development programming with the goal of attracting and retaining female talent (i.e.: Google, Ally Bank, Latham).

Carissa Phelps is CEO of Runaway Girl, Inc. and a respected advocate in the anti-human trafficking community. She holds both a Juris Doctorate from UCLA School of Law and an MBA from UCLA Anderson. As a survivor who has rewritten her narrative on her terms, Carissa exemplifies the transformative power of education and employment. As a leader in the anti-human trafficking movement for over a decade, she has helped to bring global and local attention to the issue of human trafficking and has been part of significant changes in legislation, policies, and protocols to improve responses to human trafficking. Carissa is the author of Runaway Girl: Escaping Life on the Streets, One Helping Hand at a Time (Viking 2012), her award-winning memoir. In 2008, she also co-produced CARISSA, an award-winning short documentary film about her life.

Kerri McKeever, CFA was valedictorian of her MBA class at Babson College and has been in finance for over 15 years, starting as a bond trader and working her way up to specializing in institutional investments. She understands the power of funding and how its existence often determines whether potential is realized. Upon learning about EN’s mission and commitment to transparency, Kerri raised a hand to bring her expertise to the table.

Maureen has had a long career in finance, starting at a time when there were few senior female role models. Coming of age in the early days of when feminism made its mark, she was determined to be financially independent. That belief found an avocation when she initiated her fundraising work with Women’s World Banking, a global women’s focused micro finance group. Hearing firsthand from women whose incomes “helped me keep my daughter from being trafficked” opened up a new passion for ensuring women had education and access to financial independence. Two years ago, she heard a presentation about the size and scope of the U.S. trafficking industry and her thoughts expanded towards the U.S.

After learning about the human trafficking epidemic in India, where Chet’s parents were born and extended family remains, Chet became determined to be a part of the solution. Appreciating the correlation between education and opportunity led Chet to Empowered Network, where she is excited by the possibilities presented to the survivors among us. Chet graduated from Johns Hopkins University and The London School of Economics. She lives with her husband and two boys in Tampa, Florida.

A graduate of UCLA and a personal survivor of human trafficking, Rachel has extensive experience in teaching, training, curriculum writing, public speaking, and mentoring. As director of Sowers Education Group and lead author of Ending The Game: An Intervention Curriculum for Survivors of Sex Trafficking, Rachel has helped millions to become more aware of human trafficking and has helped hundreds of survivors break the bonds of attachment to traffickers and the lifestyle of commercial sexual exploitation. Recently, Rachel was appointed to the United States Advisory Council on Human Trafficking for a term of 2 years. http://www.rachelcthomas.com/

Lisa Specht is a civic leader, accomplished attorney, philanthropist, journalist, activist, and door-opener for those who share that tenacious spirit. Lisa is listed as one of the most influential people in Los Angeles “LA 500” along with many honors and awards (including SUPER Lawyer—our personal favorite). Lisa has worked tirelessly to elevate clients, relationships, businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies to their most productive and effective state. A strong belief in the power of financial independence attracted Lisa to Empowered Network; we couldn’t be more grateful.

Summer has always been an artist at heart. Growing up in North Carolina, she graduated with a degree in marketing from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, followed by attending the Art Institute of Atlanta for two years. In 2006, she started her first graphic and web design company called Good Dog/Bad Dog Creative Design. Six years later, she merged with a local social media company to form Exakt Marketing, both in Tampa, Florida. While Exakt Marketing allows her to put her artistic and marketing skills to work, what truly makes her happy is to feel connected and inspired by the communities in which we live. She is thrilled to join the board of Empowered Network, where she will be in charge of strengthening both the online and offline EN brand.

With over 25 years in branding and public, media, and community relations, Crystal brings her expertise to Empowered Network. Crystal joins the board to propel EN’s strategy, growth, and vision, bringing Empowered Network a premier thought leader in the industry. Crystal has a master’s in public relations from the University of Florida and a Bachelor’s in magazine journalism from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.

Brooke is a social impact executive and consultant with over 20 years of experience across the non-profit, technology, and consulting sectors. Early in her career, she spent over 12 years working with global technology consulting companies Accenture and Cognizant, supporting Fortune 500 clients in telecommunications, financial services, and entertainment. As a strategy and operations executive at Thorn, Brooke built global programs, technology products, and operations from the ground up to combat online child sexual exploitation and trafficking. Having worked in the anti-trafficking field for nearly a decade, she is passionate about Empowered Network’s mission and the power of economic empowerment and dignified employment to bring about healing and recovery for survivors.

Cortney is CEO and owner of The Bliss Group, a 50-year-old marketing communications firm focused on Financial Services, Professional Services, Healthcare, Tech, and Impact. She is also the founder of the marketing platform The Next Practices Group. In addition to EN, she sits on the Board of Trustees for the Institute of Public Relations. Over five years ago, with several of her trusted industry colleagues and former clients, Cortney started Exponent Women, an overt networking organization for senior women in the PE and merger and acquisition community. Prior to her career in marketing and PR, Cortney worked in the non-profit sector and government sectors. She held board positions for the Council on Accreditation, which accredits thousands of health and human services organizations in the U.S.; Social Current, focused on setting DEI standards for the social sector nationally; Alliance for Strong Families and Communities; and Red Light Children, an anti-child trafficking organization. She has done pro-bono work with universities and the United Nations. She graduated magna cum laude from New York University with a MS in international relations and earned a BA in political science and environmental studies from St. Michael’s College.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Brooke has always felt a deep sense of responsibility towards her community. With a lifelong dedication to making a positive impact, Brooke’s passion for philanthropy was instilled in her from a young age. She has always believed in the importance of strengthening her “giving muscle” and looking out for her neighbors throughout the city of Los Angeles. With years of nonprofit experience, including work at UJA Federation in New York and the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission, Brooke brings a wealth of expertise to her role. She graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder in 2020 and joined The Change Reaction team starting as the Marketing and Social Media Coordinator and quickly worked her way up as Communications Manager. Brooke is honored to serve on the board of Empowered Network, and she is dedicated to being part of the solution to support survivors in achieving financial independence.

Katisha is a nonprofit human services administrator with a passion for social justice and racial and gender equity. She brings over a decade of experience working with Sanctuary for Families—where she directed helping hand grants to help meet the temporary financial emergency needs of survivors of domestic violence, commercial sexual exploitation, human trafficking, and other related forms of gender-based violence—to Empowered Network’s Program Committee. A graduate of Union College, Katisha went on to be a member of the first graduating class of the Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs at Baruch College, where she earned her Executive Master’s in Public Administration. Her dedication to be a part of the solution is inspiring.

Dr. Mehlman-Orozco currently serves as the CEO of an anti-trafficking consulting firm Mahn, Mehlman & Associates and teaches human trafficking and social justice material at her alma mater George Mason University. Her book, Hidden in Plain Sight: America’s Slaves of the New Millennium, is a leading resource for anti-trafficking advocates.

Designer Lisa Salzer-Wiles founded jewelry brand Lulu Frost in 2004 with the purpose of spreading meaning through each of her works. Lulu Frost is beloved for its modernistic approach to celebrating the past, coupled with a brand commitment to create lasting value and meaning in each and every piece. Lisa believes, “Metal is from the earth, it is so rich and elemental. The power and energies it carries become those that the wearer can carry.”

Julie Zuraw is CEO of the Julie Zuraw Group, a consultancy that has been committed to developing executive leaders, and particularly women, since 2003. She is an expert in corporate positioning strategy, having been the strategy lead for the Publicis Brand Optimization Systems Group, where she built the group’s brand education practice and oversaw global client operations and brand identity initiatives. She has held various management roles in New York City political campaigns and has been a faculty member at both Columbia University and Barnard College, where she has taught courses to undergraduates on skill-development pedagogy and to graduate students on pitching their professional projects, in addition to developing the renowned “Speaking Fellows” program, which builds young women’s voice and power. Julie is a graduate of Bryn Mawr College.

Read Women’s Voices? They’ve Been There All Along by Julie Zuraw.

After fourteen years volunteering for her local Big Brothers Big Sisters, Laura now focuses her fundraising experience and charitable enthusiasm on organizations with less staff. Empowered Network is hugely fortunate to have this helper by nature, whose passion is to advocate for marginalized populations ready to go the next mile, on the team.

Dr. Kellie McElhaney founded the Center for Equity, Gender and Leadership (EGAL) at Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley and is a leading expert on equity fluent leadership, value-creating strategies of diversity and inclusion, and corporate social responsibility. The Center for Gender, Equity and Leadership, launched in November 2017, educates equity fluent leaders to ignite and accelerate change. Kellie helped develop this leadership concept and teaches it globally. Kellie authored a book entitled Just Good Business: The Strategic Guide to Aligning Corporate Responsibility and Brand. Kellie consults and keynotes for Global 1000 companies and organizations all over the world on her areas of expertise. She earned her B.A. from the University of North Carolina, her M.A. from Ohio University, and her Ph.D. from the University of Michigan.

Christine White is on the Program Committee at Empowered Network. She currently serves as a Senior Lecturer in the Law and Society Minor in MLaw Programs at the University of Maryland, College Park. Her area of expertise and research surrounds issues of the role race plays in the criminal justice system and the transnational crime of human trafficking. Christine commits her time and skills to criminal justice reform including the protection of human trafficking survivors.

Rebecca thought she found her fairytale when she moved to Las Vegas with her boyfriend. But her dream became her nightmare when her boyfriend became her pimp at the age of 19. Trapped in a life of chaos, coerced into prostitution, abused and controlled by her trafficker, Rebecca was forced into sex trafficking for nearly six years. Many attempted escapes, two brandings, and several pimps later, federal investigators raided the home, allowing her an eventual avenue for escape. She speaks on leadership and founding non-profits, serves on the United States National Advisory Committee, Dept. of Justice Human Trafficking Advisory Council, the board of Exodus Cry, and the Advisory Network and Program Committee of Empowered Network.

After Valerie graduated from college during one of the worst economic times, she was unsure of where to go next. Through connections, she interviewed at an advertising agency in Chicago, where she instantly fell in love with the city and the creativity that flourished in the industry. Ten years later, after one career pivot and a short stint in LA, Valerie is still working in the ad world and loving the “windy city.” Valerie’s current job is a mix of something she always loved as a child: puzzles. Using that knowledge, she routinely takes creative ideas and meticulously figures out how to fit them seamlessly together within a client’s vision and budget. Sometimes these tasks are as simple as four-piece puzzles, while others feel like 1,000 pieces scattered in front of her. However, she thinks it’s the perfect role that allows her to tap into her creativity while also thinking through strategy and innovative solutions. She’s worked with numerous clients ranging from healthcare to CPG to an international shoe store. While her job keeps her professional life fulfilled, her desire to help others both locally and across the U.S. was still lingering. She is thrilled to join the Empowered Network advisory board, where she will use her skills and knowledge to help highlight all the incredible things Empowered Network does and increase their awareness.

Jennifer is a graduate of the Art Institute of Atlanta and brings 25 years of experience as a Brand Consultant and Graphic Designer. She was Lead Designer of the brand marketing re-brand team for a major financial company’s IPO, where she provided strategic design guidance, as well as the development/design and facilitation of brand training materials. She currently holds the role of Brand Manager and Art Director. Jennifer has always been a firm believer in not only giving back but getting involved. From 2004-2009, she served on the Communications Advisory Committee for Camp Twin Lakes, a camp facility that caters to children with life challenges. Her contributions were as a brand advisor as well as re-designing of all Camp Twin Lakes’ marketing materials. When the opportunity presented itself to work with EN, it just made sense. We are meant to do much more, much bigger things outside of ourselves – and what better way than to be part of an organization whose mission is to lift others? For that reason, Jennifer is excited to bring her knowledge and expertise to continue to promote and elevate the Empowered Network brand.

Tonya Cornileus is the Vice President of Development, Inclusion and Wellness at ESPN where she serves as an integral member of the Human Resources senior leadership team and regularly acts as an advisor to other senior management at ESPN. Dr. Cornileus is responsible for learning and organization development, talent management, diversity & inclusion, and wellness. Dr. Cornileus joined ESPN in November of 2009. Dr. Cornileus’ philanthropic endeavors focus primarily on promoting education. In 2019, she established the Tonya Harris Cornileus CJC Diversity in Communications Endowed Scholarship Fund at the University of Florida. She mentors high school and college students and sits on the board of the Greater Hartford Urban League. She earned her Ph.D. and M.Ed. in Human Resources and Organizational Development from the University of Georgia and her bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications from the University of Florida. Tonya believes that she will determine what success is in her terms and has since developed and helped others in Your Aha Life. She shares the values at Empowered Network and believes that survivors should be given the option for a new destination – “Destination: Economic Freedom.”

Judi Hill is a dedicated community leader who retired from the Akron Public Schools system in 2008 after thirty years of service. Since then, Judi has advocated for children as a court appointed Guardian ad Litem, served as the chair of the planning committee for College for Kids, and been on the board of Leadership Akron, Towpath Credit Union, Christ Child Society of Akron, and the Advisory Board of the American Cancer Society. She is in her second term as president of the Akron Branch of the NAACP after serving as Vice President for over 10 years. Mrs. Judi Hill has received numerous awards for her engagement: Project GRAD Akron Community Service Award, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Child Advocate Award, University of Akron’s College of Education Alumni Award, The Helen E. Arnold Humanitarian Award, The Akron Urban League Volunteer of the Year Award, and The YWCA Hidden Heroine Award.

Cristian Eduardo is a Lead Human Trafficking Consultant and Survivor with Shobana Powell Consulting, shaping national human trafficking trainings and policies. He also serves as a Survivor Consultant for ECPAT-USA, Center for Court Innovation, and USCRI. He is the Co-Founder of United Immigrants of New York (UIONY), a coalition of immigration advocates providing accessible education and resources to Spanish-speaking immigrants in New York. Cristian Eduardo is on the Steering Committees for New Yorkers for the Equality Model and Louisiana for the Equality Model and has been instrumental in the development of Equality Model training and legislation across the US.

As a Pakistani Muslim woman, a survivor of gender-based violence, and the child of immigrants and social justice servants, I am committed to building a world rooted in love, justice, and collective liberation. My greatest teachers have been girls behind bars and those impacted by gender-based and state violence. All of my work is led by the belief that by centering the liberation and leadership of girls and women of color, we will all see freedom. I have expertise in supporting movements that address the intersections of racial and gender justice, particularly juvenile justice, sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation, and gender-based violence impacting women and girls of color. Empowered Network’s work to interrupt cycles of violence and give survivors the tools and support to achieve their long-term goals are exactly the kinds of solutions we need to truly end exploitation.