Connection. Education. Research.


Our mission is to provide education and empowerment to human trafficking survivors, activists, researchers, advocates, and community members working in the anti-trafficking response movement.

Dr. Anne Friesen

CEO. Chief Strategy Consultant.

Dr. Anne Friesen is the CEO and Chief Strategy Consultant of Human Trafficking Now, a global virtual community dedicated to advancing the latest research, resources, and collaboration in the fight against human trafficking. With more than 25 years of experience in social justice and human services, Anne leads international initiatives to strengthen prevention efforts, expand survivor support, and empower anti-trafficking organizations and response systems worldwide.

 Anne has partnered with foundations, governments, nonprofits, and advocacy networks across the U.S., Africa, South Asia, and Saudi Arabia. Her expertise includes organizational design, operational design, strategic planning, systems transformation, and sustainable growth for health and human service organizations and government agencies. Previously, she served as Executive Director of Friend to Friend, where she advanced data-driven, trauma-informed programs for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. She also created HELP, an evidence-based life skills program that helps survivors build long-term safety and self-sufficiency.

 Anne has served in key leadership roles on U.S. and international boards, including as Co-Chair of the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence, North Carolina Coalition Against Human Trafficking, Chair of Springs of Living Water (Ethiopia), Chair of Freedom Rising (Bangladesh), and Vice-Chair of Fields of Hope. Her contributions have been recognized through awards such as Moore County Citizen of the Year and Moore County Woman of the Year.

 She holds a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Professional Practice and executive certifications from Harvard University’s Kennedy School and Duke University in nonprofit management, leadership, and performance measurement.

 Anne provides comprehensive training, consulting, and strategic support to nonprofits, government agencies, and global partners. Her work blends expertise in organizational leadership, anti-human trafficking systems, and trauma-informed service models. Her areas of specialization include:

Leadership Transition Consulting for Nonprofit Organizations

Guiding boards and executive teams through periods of change with clarity, alignment, and long-term stability.

Anti-Human Trafficking Consulting, Research, Speaking, and Analysis

Delivering expert insight, program development, and system-strengthening strategies for local, national, and global initiatives.

Organizational Design & Strategic Planning

Creating sustainable and effective strategies for health and human service organizations, government systems, and coordinated community response models.

Women’s Empowerment & Leadership Programming

Developing evidence-based programs that build confidence, capacity, and career pathways for women and emerging leaders.

Survivor-Focused Advocacy & Trauma-Informed Care

Training teams to deliver compassionate, culturally responsive, survivor-centered services and support.

Holistic Leadership & Strength-Based Training

Supporting organizations in cultivating resilient, mission-driven teams grounded in values, purpose, and shared strengths.

Long-Term Sustainability for Nonprofits

Designing strategic frameworks that ensure organizational health, mission alignment, and financial stability.

Trauma-Informed Human Trafficking Response Systems

Strengthening coordinated community responses and improving outcomes for vulnerable and exploited populations.


Does your organization need training and consulting expertise on: 

  • Organizational Design, Strategic Planning, and Sustainable Growth Strategies Tailored for Health and Human Service Organizations and Response Systems

  • Executive Transition & Succession Planning

  • Research on Best Practices for Nonprofit Board Anti-Human Trafficking Leadership

  • Building Effective Trauma-Informed Human Trafficking Shelter Programs

  • Women Empowerment & Leadership Programming

  • Creating Non-Profit Long-Term Sustainability

  • Evidence-Based Programming That Results in Self-Sufficiency for Women, Men & Families in Crisis

  • Creating Strength-Based Teams & Diverse Workplace Cultures of Positivity & Effective Communication

    TO HELP REDUCE BARRIERS FOR NONPROFITS, DR. ANNE FRIESEN OFFERS HER TRAINING & CONSULTING USING A SLIDING FEE SCALE. For more information, email anne@annefriesen.com

Contact Dr. Anne Friesen for more information