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Meet the Heroes

Explore all the Heroes! Use the filters below to check out where and how they work, or view by class to make connections between Heroes working all over the globe.

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Honorable Francisco Sierra
Honorable Francisco Sierra

Japan, Class of 2004

As the Ambassador from Colombia to Japan, the Honorable Francisco Sierra was able to address a unique problem: people who were being trafficked from Colombia to Japan.

Honorable Francisco Sierra
Honorable Francisco Sierra

Japan, Class of 2004

As the Ambassador from Colombia to Japan, the Honorable Francisco Sierra was able to address a unique problem: people who were being trafficked from Colombia to Japan.

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Irén Ádámné Dunai
Irén Ádámné Dunai

Hungary, Class of 2010

A government official,Irén Ádámné Dunai has diligently networked between agencies to provide shelter, open a crisis hotline, and set up a shelter referral service.

Irén Ádámné Dunai
Irén Ádámné Dunai

Hungary, Class of 2010

A government official,Irén Ádámné Dunai has diligently networked between agencies to provide shelter, open a crisis hotline, and set up a shelter referral service.

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Maria Grazia Giammarinaro
Maria Grazia Giammarinaro

Italy, Class of 2012

The OSCE Special Representative and Coordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, Maria Grazia Giammarinaro has transformed their efforts.

Maria Grazia Giammarinaro
Maria Grazia Giammarinaro

Italy, Class of 2012

The OSCE Special Representative and Coordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, Maria Grazia Giammarinaro has transformed their efforts.

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Vannak Anan Prum
Vannak Anan Prum

Cambodia, Class of 2012

A victim of labor trafficking, Prum has spread awareness of this issue through his paintings.

Vannak Anan Prum
Vannak Anan Prum

Cambodia, Class of 2012

A victim of labor trafficking, Prum has spread awareness of this issue through his paintings.

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Laura Anyola Tufon
Laura Anyola Tufon

Cameroon, Class of 2013

As the Northwest Regional Coordinator for the Justice and Peace Service in Cameroon, Laura Anyola Tufon has targeted child and forced labor.

Laura Anyola Tufon
Laura Anyola Tufon

Cameroon, Class of 2013

As the Northwest Regional Coordinator for the Justice and Peace Service in Cameroon, Laura Anyola Tufon has targeted child and forced labor.

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Major D. Tumenbayar
Major D. Tumenbayar

Mongolia, Class of 2008

A high-ranking Police Officer in the South of Mongolia, Major Tumenbayar has been crucial to the fight against cross-border human trafficking.

Major D. Tumenbayar
Major D. Tumenbayar

Mongolia, Class of 2008

A high-ranking Police Officer in the South of Mongolia, Major Tumenbayar has been crucial to the fight against cross-border human trafficking.

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Nancy Kassebaum
Nancy Kassebaum

Japan, Class of 2005

After she completed several successful Senate terms, Nancy Kassebaum accompanied her husband to Japan, where he served as the United States Ambassador.

Nancy Kassebaum
Nancy Kassebaum

Japan, Class of 2005

After she completed several successful Senate terms, Nancy Kassebaum accompanied her husband to Japan, where he served as the United States Ambassador.

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Mohammed Bassam Al-Nasseri
Mohammed Bassam Al-Nasseri

Iraq, Class of 2013

An officer with the International Organization for Migration in Iraq, Mohammed Bassam Al-Nasseri has shaped policy and advocate for victims.

Mohammed Bassam Al-Nasseri
Mohammed Bassam Al-Nasseri

Iraq, Class of 2013

An officer with the International Organization for Migration in Iraq, Mohammed Bassam Al-Nasseri has shaped policy and advocate for victims.

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Van Ngoc Ta
Van Ngoc Ta

Vietnam, Class of 2014

A Lawyer for an Australian charity, Van Ngoc Tan works in Vietnam and China to free victims of forced labor and sex trafficking.

Van Ngoc Ta
Van Ngoc Ta

Vietnam, Class of 2014

A Lawyer for an Australian charity, Van Ngoc Tan works in Vietnam and China to free victims of forced labor and sex trafficking.

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Marietta Dias
Marietta Dias

Bahrain, Class of 2008

After retiring from the Airline industry, Marietta Dias devoted her life to helping fight for the rights of migrant workers in Bahrain.

Marietta Dias
Marietta Dias

Bahrain, Class of 2008

After retiring from the Airline industry, Marietta Dias devoted her life to helping fight for the rights of migrant workers in Bahrain.

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Laura Germino
Laura Germino

United States of America, Class of 2010

Working with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, Laura Germino began fighting against modern-day slavery in the Tomato picking industry.

Laura Germino
Laura Germino

United States of America, Class of 2010

Working with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, Laura Germino began fighting against modern-day slavery in the Tomato picking industry.

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Ippei Torii
Ippei Torii

Japan, Class of 2013

Ippei Torii, the Secretary General of the Solidarity Network with Migrants Japan, has provided assistance to thousands of workers.

Ippei Torii
Ippei Torii

Japan, Class of 2013

Ippei Torii, the Secretary General of the Solidarity Network with Migrants Japan, has provided assistance to thousands of workers.

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Tek Narayan Kunwar
Tek Narayan Kunwar

Nepal, Class of 2014

A District Court Judge in Nepal, Tek Narayan Kunwar has pioneered the implementation of the Nepalese anti-trafficking law, while maintaining a victim centered approach.

Tek Narayan Kunwar
Tek Narayan Kunwar

Nepal, Class of 2014

A District Court Judge in Nepal, Tek Narayan Kunwar has pioneered the implementation of the Nepalese anti-trafficking law, while maintaining a victim centered approach.

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Ricky Martin
Ricky Martin

United States of America, Class of 2005

An international superstar, Ricky Martin and his foundation, created in 2000, have been extensively involved in anti-trafficking work.

Ricky Martin
Ricky Martin

United States of America, Class of 2005

An international superstar, Ricky Martin and his foundation, created in 2000, have been extensively involved in anti-trafficking work.

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Reverend Peter Nguyen Van Hung
Reverend Peter Nguyen Van Hung

Taiwan, Class of 2006

Peter Nguyen Van Hung came to Taiwan first in 1988 as a missionary, and now fights for Vietnamese women and workers who have been trafficked.

Reverend Peter Nguyen Van Hung
Reverend Peter Nguyen Van Hung

Taiwan, Class of 2006

Peter Nguyen Van Hung came to Taiwan first in 1988 as a missionary, and now fights for Vietnamese women and workers who have been trafficked.

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Kailash Satyarthi
Kailash Satyarthi

India, Class of 2007

Nobel Peace Prize Winner Kailash Satyarthi has freed an estimated 83,000 children from forced and bonded labor since the 1980s.

Kailash Satyarthi
Kailash Satyarthi

India, Class of 2007

Nobel Peace Prize Winner Kailash Satyarthi has freed an estimated 83,000 children from forced and bonded labor since the 1980s.

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Wahyu Susilo
Wahyu Susilo

Indonesia, Class of 2007

In 2000, Wahyu Susilo began championing the cause he still stands for: the rights of the estimated 4.5 million Indonesians who work overseas.

Wahyu Susilo
Wahyu Susilo

Indonesia, Class of 2007

In 2000, Wahyu Susilo began championing the cause he still stands for: the rights of the estimated 4.5 million Indonesians who work overseas.

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Susan Ople
Susan Ople

Philippines, Class of 2013

Founder and president of an NGO, Susan Ople provides assistance to Filipino workers who have moved overseas for work.

Susan Ople
Susan Ople

Philippines, Class of 2013

Founder and president of an NGO, Susan Ople provides assistance to Filipino workers who have moved overseas for work.

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Natalia Abdullayeva
Natalia Abdullayeva

Uzbekistan, Class of 2010

Specializing in spreading awareness, Natalia Abdullayeva works to make sure the labor force of Uzbekistan remains informed about trafficking.

Natalia Abdullayeva
Natalia Abdullayeva

Uzbekistan, Class of 2010

Specializing in spreading awareness, Natalia Abdullayeva works to make sure the labor force of Uzbekistan remains informed about trafficking.

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Sompong Srakaew
Sompong Srakaew

Thailand, Class of 2008

Thailand exports a large amount of the world’s seafood, and Sompong Srakaew has set out to make sure they do this without using slave labor.

Sompong Srakaew
Sompong Srakaew

Thailand, Class of 2008

Thailand exports a large amount of the world’s seafood, and Sompong Srakaew has set out to make sure they do this without using slave labor.

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Simona Broomes
Simona Broomes

Guyana, Class of 2013

An ex-miner herself, Simona Broomes fights for the rights of women in the mining profession in Guyana.

Simona Broomes
Simona Broomes

Guyana, Class of 2013

An ex-miner herself, Simona Broomes fights for the rights of women in the mining profession in Guyana.

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Adiba Umarova
Adiba Umarova

Tajikistan, Class of 2005

As a journalist in Tajikistan, Adiba Umarova was able to re-open a cold case which led to the arrest of a trafficking ringleader.

Adiba Umarova
Adiba Umarova

Tajikistan, Class of 2005

As a journalist in Tajikistan, Adiba Umarova was able to re-open a cold case which led to the arrest of a trafficking ringleader.

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Aida Abu Ras
Aida Abu Ras

Jordan, Class of 2009

Over 60,000 migrant women work in Jordan, primarily as domestics, and Aida Abu Ras founded the first NGO to help them.

Aida Abu Ras
Aida Abu Ras

Jordan, Class of 2009

Over 60,000 migrant women work in Jordan, primarily as domestics, and Aida Abu Ras founded the first NGO to help them.

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Aida Mbodj
Aida Mbodj

Senegal, Class of 2005

Aida Mbodj is a powerful politician in Senegal, well-respected and admired, who used her political power to combat human trafficking in the early part of the millennium.

Aida Mbodj
Aida Mbodj

Senegal, Class of 2005

Aida Mbodj is a powerful politician in Senegal, well-respected and admired, who used her political power to combat human trafficking in the early part of the millennium.

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Alice Nah
Alice Nah

Malaysia, Class of 2009

While working on her PhD Thesis, Alice Nah saw the plight of migrant workers in Malaysia.

Alice Nah
Alice Nah

Malaysia, Class of 2009

While working on her PhD Thesis, Alice Nah saw the plight of migrant workers in Malaysia.

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Angelina Atyam
Angelina Atyam

Uganda, Class of 2005

Angelina Atyam’s fight to combat human trafficking was personal: the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) abducted her daughter.

Angelina Atyam
Angelina Atyam

Uganda, Class of 2005

Angelina Atyam’s fight to combat human trafficking was personal: the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) abducted her daughter.

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Bhim Lama, Ganesh Shrestha, & Kumar Giri
Bhim Lama, Ganesh Shrestha, & Kumar Giri

Nepal, Class of 2008

The Esther Benjamin’s Memorial Foundation Rescue Team have liberated many Nepali girls from circus slavery in South Asia.

Bhim Lama, Ganesh Shrestha, & Kumar Giri
Bhim Lama, Ganesh Shrestha, & Kumar Giri

Nepal, Class of 2008

The Esther Benjamin’s Memorial Foundation Rescue Team have liberated many Nepali girls from circus slavery in South Asia.

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Charmaine Gandhi-Andrews
Charmaine Gandhi-Andrews

Trinidad and Tobago, Class of 2014

Ms. Charmaine Gandhi-Andrews is the Director of Trinidad and Tobago's anti-trafficking body, and has shaped policy and legislation at a high level.

Charmaine Gandhi-Andrews
Charmaine Gandhi-Andrews

Trinidad and Tobago, Class of 2014

Ms. Charmaine Gandhi-Andrews is the Director of Trinidad and Tobago's anti-trafficking body, and has shaped policy and legislation at a high level.

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Chief Togbega Hadjor
Chief Togbega Hadjor

Ghana, Class of 2004

Chief Togbega Hadjor is chief over the region which includes the infamous Lake Volta, where young boys are sold as slaves to fishermen.

Chief Togbega Hadjor
Chief Togbega Hadjor

Ghana, Class of 2004

Chief Togbega Hadjor is chief over the region which includes the infamous Lake Volta, where young boys are sold as slaves to fishermen.

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Elisabeth Sioufi
Elisabeth Sioufi

Lebanon, Class of 2014

Elisabeth Sioufi, a lawyer, was incredibly influential in forming and drafting Lebanon’s anti-trafficking policy and legislation, and provides training on the laws of human trafficking.

Elisabeth Sioufi
Elisabeth Sioufi

Lebanon, Class of 2014

Elisabeth Sioufi, a lawyer, was incredibly influential in forming and drafting Lebanon’s anti-trafficking policy and legislation, and provides training on the laws of human trafficking.

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Elly Anita
Elly Anita

Indonesia, Class of 2009

After a horrific ordeal at the hands of a fraudulent recruitment company in Iraq, Elly Anita joined the NGO Migrant Care.

Elly Anita
Elly Anita

Indonesia, Class of 2009

After a horrific ordeal at the hands of a fraudulent recruitment company in Iraq, Elly Anita joined the NGO Migrant Care.

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Ganbayasgakh Geleg
Ganbayasgakh Geleg

Mongolia, Class of 2010

The founder of the Mongolian Gender Equality Center, Ganbayasgakh Geleg has been helping victims of trafficking since 2002.

Ganbayasgakh Geleg
Ganbayasgakh Geleg

Mongolia, Class of 2010

The founder of the Mongolian Gender Equality Center, Ganbayasgakh Geleg has been helping victims of trafficking since 2002.

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Gary Haugen
Gary Haugen

United States of America, Class of 2012

When Gary Haugen created IJM in 1997, he was one of the first to recognize a world-wide problem: human trafficking.

Gary Haugen
Gary Haugen

United States of America, Class of 2012

When Gary Haugen created IJM in 1997, he was one of the first to recognize a world-wide problem: human trafficking.

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George Vanikiotis
George Vanikiotis

Greece, Class of 2009

Major George Vanikiotis of the Hellenic Police has been an incredible asset to anti-trafficking activists in Greece.

George Vanikiotis
George Vanikiotis

Greece, Class of 2009

Major George Vanikiotis of the Hellenic Police has been an incredible asset to anti-trafficking activists in Greece.

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Brother Xavier Plassat
Brother Xavier Plassat

Brazil, Class of 2010

Brother Xavier Plassat, a friar of the Dominican order, first came across forced labor practices after coming to Brazil in the 1980s.

Brother Xavier Plassat
Brother Xavier Plassat

Brazil, Class of 2010

Brother Xavier Plassat, a friar of the Dominican order, first came across forced labor practices after coming to Brazil in the 1980s.

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Linda Al-Kalash
Linda Al-Kalash

Jordan, Class of 2010

Whether it is bringing cases to court, or providing basic legal assistance, Linda Al-Kalash and her NGO fight against forced labor.

Linda Al-Kalash
Linda Al-Kalash

Jordan, Class of 2010

Whether it is bringing cases to court, or providing basic legal assistance, Linda Al-Kalash and her NGO fight against forced labor.

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Irene Fernandez
Irene Fernandez

Malaysia, Class of 2006

The late Irene Fernandez was a well-known activist and advocate in Malaysia, supporting the rights of women, and the rights of Migrant workers, for decades.

Irene Fernandez
Irene Fernandez

Malaysia, Class of 2006

The late Irene Fernandez was a well-known activist and advocate in Malaysia, supporting the rights of women, and the rights of Migrant workers, for decades.

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Jean Claude Mbvoumin
Jean Claude Mbvoumin

France, Class of 2008

After retiring from a successful soccer (football) career, Jean Claude Mbvoumin made it his mission to help African victims of fraudulent football recruiting.

Jean Claude Mbvoumin
Jean Claude Mbvoumin

France, Class of 2008

After retiring from a successful soccer (football) career, Jean Claude Mbvoumin made it his mission to help African victims of fraudulent football recruiting.

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Norotiana Ramboarivelo Jeannoda
Norotiana Ramboarivelo Jeannoda

Madagascar, Class of 2015

Norotiana Jeannoda is an incredible civil society advocate in Madagascar, helping victims and changing policy.

Norotiana Ramboarivelo Jeannoda
Norotiana Ramboarivelo Jeannoda

Madagascar, Class of 2015

Norotiana Jeannoda is an incredible civil society advocate in Madagascar, helping victims and changing policy.

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Parosha Chandran
Parosha Chandran

United Kingdom, Class of 2015

Parosha Chandran is a human rights lawyer who operates out the UK. Both a cutting edge policymaker, and a practicing attorney, she has helped victims to seek justice in the courts.

Parosha Chandran
Parosha Chandran

United Kingdom, Class of 2015

Parosha Chandran is a human rights lawyer who operates out the UK. Both a cutting edge policymaker, and a practicing attorney, she has helped victims to seek justice in the courts.

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Parosha Chandran
Parosha Chandran

United Kingdom, Class of 2015

Parosha Chandran is a human rights lawyer who operates out the UK. Both a cutting edge policymaker, and a practicing attorney, she has helped victims to seek justice in the courts.

Parosha Chandran
Parosha Chandran

United Kingdom, Class of 2015

Parosha Chandran is a human rights lawyer who operates out the UK. Both a cutting edge policymaker, and a practicing attorney, she has helped victims to seek justice in the courts.

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Rahel Gershuni (Rachel Gershoni)
Rahel Gershuni (Rachel Gershoni)

Israel, Class of 2006

Rahel Gershuni, Israel's National Anti-Human Trafficking Coordinator, began coordinating government efforts informally, and then was given her present position.

Rahel Gershuni (Rachel Gershoni)
Rahel Gershuni (Rachel Gershoni)

Israel, Class of 2006

Rahel Gershuni, Israel's National Anti-Human Trafficking Coordinator, began coordinating government efforts informally, and then was given her present position.

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Tony Maddox
Tony Maddox

United States of America, Class of 2015

Tony Maddox, a journalist-executive, founded the CNN Freedom Project, the greatest awareness project in anti-human trafficking.

Tony Maddox
Tony Maddox

United States of America, Class of 2015

Tony Maddox, a journalist-executive, founded the CNN Freedom Project, the greatest awareness project in anti-human trafficking.

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Tony Maddox
Tony Maddox

United States of America, Class of 2015

Tony Maddox, a journalist-executive, founded the CNN Freedom Project, the greatest awareness project in anti-human trafficking.

Tony Maddox
Tony Maddox

United States of America, Class of 2015

Tony Maddox, a journalist-executive, founded the CNN Freedom Project, the greatest awareness project in anti-human trafficking.

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Karen G. I. Rigby
Karen G. I. Rigby

The Bahamas, Class of 2016

Karen G. I. Rigby
Karen G. I. Rigby

The Bahamas, Class of 2016

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Mr. Brahim B. Ramdhane
Mr. Brahim B. Ramdhane

Mauritania, Class of 2016

Mr. Brahim B. Ramdhane
Mr. Brahim B. Ramdhane

Mauritania, Class of 2016

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Allison Lee
Allison Lee

, Class of 2017

Allison Lee
Allison Lee

, Class of 2017

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Leonardo Sakamoto
Leonardo Sakamoto

Brazil, Class of 2017

Leonardo Sakamoto
Leonardo Sakamoto

Brazil, Class of 2017

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Kim Jong-chul
Kim Jong-chul

Republic of Korea, Class of 2018

Kim Jong-chul is the founder and former Director of the Advocates for Public Interest Law.

Kim Jong-chul
Kim Jong-chul

Republic of Korea, Class of 2018

Kim Jong-chul is the founder and former Director of the Advocates for Public Interest Law.

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Josue Ango
Josue Ango

Burkina Faso, Class of 2018

Josue Ango is a driving force behind Burkina Faso’s efforts to combat human trafficking.

Josue Ango
Josue Ango

Burkina Faso, Class of 2018

Josue Ango is a driving force behind Burkina Faso’s efforts to combat human trafficking.

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Yanira Violeta Olivares Pineda
Yanira Violeta Olivares Pineda

El Salvador, Class of 2018

Yanira Violeta Olivares Pineda leads a team of prosecutors dedicated to holding human traffickers accountable and delivering justice to victims.

Yanira Violeta Olivares Pineda
Yanira Violeta Olivares Pineda

El Salvador, Class of 2018

Yanira Violeta Olivares Pineda leads a team of prosecutors dedicated to holding human traffickers accountable and delivering justice to victims.

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Ausamah AlAbsi
Ausamah AlAbsi

Bahrain, Class of 2018

Ausamah AlAbsi has played an instrumental role in increasing protections for trafficking victims and significantly reducing the vulnerability of migrant workers to human trafficking in Bahrain.

Ausamah AlAbsi
Ausamah AlAbsi

Bahrain, Class of 2018

Ausamah AlAbsi has played an instrumental role in increasing protections for trafficking victims and significantly reducing the vulnerability of migrant workers to human trafficking in Bahrain.

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Ary Varela and Natalino Correia
Ary Varela and Natalino Correia

Cabo Verde, Class of 2020

Holding human traffickers criminally accountable and assisting victims in attaining justice in Cabo Verde

Ary Varela and Natalino Correia
Ary Varela and Natalino Correia

Cabo Verde, Class of 2020

Holding human traffickers criminally accountable and assisting victims in attaining justice in Cabo Verde

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Mohammed al-Obaidly
Mohammed al-Obaidly

Qatar, Class of 2021

Mohammed al-Obaidly is one of the most important Qatari figures advocating for labor and human trafficking reforms in Qatar.

Mohammed al-Obaidly
Mohammed al-Obaidly

Qatar, Class of 2021

Mohammed al-Obaidly is one of the most important Qatari figures advocating for labor and human trafficking reforms in Qatar.

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Shoichi Ibusuki
Shoichi Ibusuki

Japan, Class of 2021

Ibusuki has sought justice on behalf of countless foreign workers by providing legal representation for those who are taking action against former employees for labor law violations.

Shoichi Ibusuki
Shoichi Ibusuki

Japan, Class of 2021

Ibusuki has sought justice on behalf of countless foreign workers by providing legal representation for those who are taking action against former employees for labor law violations.

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Apinya Tajit
Apinya Tajit

Thailand, Class of 2022

Ms. Apinya is the Deputy Director of the Stella Maris Seafarer’s Center, an NGO in Thailand.

Apinya Tajit
Apinya Tajit

Thailand, Class of 2022

Ms. Apinya is the Deputy Director of the Stella Maris Seafarer’s Center, an NGO in Thailand.

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