Economic Empowerment and Financial Management for Human Trafficking Survivors

The Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center (STAC) Third Friday Training Webinar Series is dedicated to educating everyone about the critical issue of human trafficking. This interactive series aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the various facets of human trafficking, from its root causes and methods of operation to the profound impact it has on survivors, their families, workplaces, and society both in our home towns and worldwide.

Many human trafficking survivors face significant financial exploitation, leading to damaged credit, mistrust in financial institutions, and re-traumatization. Traffickers force them to open credit cards and other bank accounts in their names, steal their identities, force them to commit crimes, and destroy their credit. This can make it hard for a survivor to find a good job, a safe place to live, and move forward in their life. This program will provide survivors and those who are working with them the knowledge and tools to regain financial stability and independence. 

Presenters will discuss:

• Rebuilding Credit: Utilize the Debt Bondage Repair Act to effectively block negative items that resulted from trafficking on the survivors’ credit reports to improve credit scores.
• Access Vital Resources: Identify key resources and initiatives, such as the Survivor Inclusion Initiative, that support financial inclusion.
• Further Discussion on Rebuilding and Maintaining credit: Understand the steps to build and maintain good credit and savings.
• Budget Effectively: Creating a budget and managing monthly expenses. 
• Utilize Benefits: Take advantage of available benefits from employers or other programs.

Download the presentation file here

Presenters:

Hollie Nadel

Hollie Nadel: Hollie Nadel is a positive, creative, compassionate individual with robust management and problem-solving skills. Early in her youth, Hollie had a clear passion for art, production, and design, leading her to a successful career in Costume Design and Wardrobe after graduating Cum Laude from Ithaca College with a BFA in Theatre Production Design. Hollie has since transitioned into a successful career in Human Resources, Operations, and Recruiting, launching her own small business last year. Hollie’s most impactful work is displayed through her efforts and dedication to the anti-trafficking movement. As a survivor of human trafficking, the mission of the movement is a deeply personal one for her. Hollie has worked alongside other anti-trafficking leaders, seeking protections and justice for fellow victims of human trafficking. Over the past five years, Hollie has prioritized enlightening others and raising awareness around the evolving realities of human trafficking. She has been a featured speaker for ACAMS AML Symposiums, Congressional briefings, NGA’s Criminal Justice Policy Advisor’s briefing on Human Trafficking, and workshops for mental health professionals to discuss trauma related to human trafficking. Additionally, Hollie has been a consultant for anti-trafficking organizations, including the Human Trafficking Legal Center, where she currently serves on the Advisory Board. She received her certification from the ACAMS/ Liechtenstein Initiative for Finance Against Slavery and Trafficking, provided survivor support for the Survivor Inclusion Initiative, and is currently working to pass additional anti-trafficking legislation. 

Sarah Byrne

Sarah Byrne: Sarah Byrne is a partner with Moore & Van Allen PLLC in Charlotte, N.C. where she leads the firm’s Human Trafficking Prevention and Compliance Practice. This work includes leading a pro bono program that provides free legal representation to survivors of sex trafficking, forced labor and child sex abuse, and assisting organizations with related legal, regulatory and social obligations. At the national level, Sarah is a frequent conference speaker and advocate for legislative change in support of trafficking victims. She is a founding member of the National Survivor Law Collective, a national network of trauma-informed lawyers providing legal aid to survivors. Focusing on the intersection of human trafficking and the financial sector, Sarah works with national banks, the United Nation’s Finance Against Slavery and Trafficking (“FAST”) Initiative, and other agencies to increase survivor access to financial services, restored credit status and financial wellness.

Stanley Nadel

Stanley R. Nadel: Stanley R. Nadel was President and a Principal of Standard Pension Services, LLC. until July 2020.  He began his career in 1975 and brings deep knowledge, expertise, and insight to his clients and colleagues alike. After graduating from Hofstra University with his Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Stan launched his financial services career at a major New York City bank in the employee and benefit trust department. During this time, he realized his passion for retirement plan design and began working at Standard Pension Services. Today, Stan specialized in retirement planning and administration, business planning, and personal estate planning. He constructs customized strategies that coordinate business and personal benefits for planning. His extensive knowledge and professional demeanor combined with his helpful, caring, and personal approach, deliver an exceptional client experience. This approach has produced long term client and professional relationships.

Stan and his wife live on the North Shore of Long Island and currently he is the President of Nadel Consulting, Inc.

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STAC needs your support to sustain these important webinars. Will you donate today? Each gift helps to bring this vital information to the many people who are empowering survivors and preventing human trafficking. The only way we can maintain these programs and this work is with YOUR help.

Suggested donation: $20