The Career Profile Project

Job Title and Job Description

Director of the Abolitionist Network

I connect with people to better understand the landscape of what is happening in the systems of human trafficking, and the counter-trafficking movement. I help to connect like-minded people with shared vision, and I work to build relational networks.

What are some related career opportunities and job titles in your company or in your career area?

Community Organizer is the broad carrier label. Working with non profits that focus on partnerships, networking and systems thinking applied to fighting injustice in communities.

What education or training did you have to prepare for this career?

I majored in Sociology in Undergrad, and took advantage of several study abroad programs, one in South Africa and one in Egypt. I was very involved in organizations and groups on campus working with the homeless community, as well as building networks between the leaders of all the various social justice groups on campus. I went to live in a safehouse to learn more about the realities of human trafficking, and I spend a lot of time on the streets, listening to the community and trying to better understand the systems. As I meet people, and go to where they are, I slowing begin to introduce them to others, and start to build bridges between various communities that otherwise may not have met.

What education or training do you recommend for students today who want to enter this field?

I recommend a commitment to building relationships, and a investing in a wide variety of communities withe listening and learning as your first priority. Then as you better understand your part in the system, and where your strengths and passions are needed, you can join into what is already happening, and help to further the movement. Connecting people is such a needed position, but it isn‘t easy. You are often forgotten in the end, and you need to be ok with that. Learn to listen, learn to identify people‘s and organizations strengths and weaknesses and build others up, as you connect like minded people and groups together.

When you were in high school, did you know that you would enter this field?

No. I wanted to be involved in ministry in some way - but i wasn‘t sure what that would look like. I thought perhaps i would go into education so i could use that anywhere in the world and teach kids and love them. But when i heard about Human Trafficking i knew i needed to somehow be a part of fighting against this injustice, not just internationally, but right in my own community.

Skills Profile

Skills Used	Rating (5=Most Important thru 1=Not Important)	Comments
Artistic
Athletic / Physical
Bilingual
Computer Technology
Coordination / Using Hands, Tools, and Equipment
Creative Thinking
Interpersonal
Investigative / Fact Finding
leadership and Supervising
Logical Thinking
Math
Mechanical Understanding
Sales and Negotiation
Scientific and Experimental
Social Service / Helping Skills
Teaching / Instructing
Verbal Communication
Understanding Nature, Plants, Animals
Understanding Yourself
Writing
Interview By: Sarah