Libertas International Podcast

We are excited to welcome Jacob Ostler to the Libertas International Podcast! Jake is a therapist from Utah who works with human trafficking survivors, survivors of torture, and survivors of ritualistic abuse. In this podcast, Jake details his vast educational background at the University of Utah and Vanguard University as well as his travels fighting human trafficking across Africa, Nepal, Thailand, Mexico and here in the United States. Additional Notes Human Trafficking in Utah - https://www.standard.net/police-fire/2024/jun/22/human-trafficking-in-utah-happens-daily-and-local-police-are-under-equipped-investigators-say/ Dangers of Voluntourism- https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/17/learning/high-on-helping-the-dangers-of-voluntourism.html Human Trafficking in Nepal-https://freedomcollaborative.org/newsletter-archive/ngos-drive-efforts-to-improve-on-nepals-tier-2-status Human Trafficking in Thailand-https://ecpat.org/story/trafficking-in-thailand-the-demand-fuels-child-trafficking-for-sexual-purposes/ What is Ritual Abuse?- https://www.rasasc.org.uk/ritual-abuse/ Child Marriage in the United States- https://www.unchainedatlast.org/child-marriage-in-the-u-s/

We are back with another episode of the Libertas International Podcast!  This time, we are back with Benny Yu, the Founder of El Pozo de Vida and 27 Million. He holds a Masters Degree in Theology and has spoken all over the world about the life saving work he does at El Pozo de Vida.  Based in Mexico City, Benny details in this story his history of abuse, how he deals with organized crime, and how faith plays a key role in what he is trying to do at EPDV.  He is also the author of Painful Miracles, a book about his life and the works of God in El Pozo de Vida.  We are grateful for Benny for being a true pioneer in this field and for sharing his time with us!  Links Below https://27million.com/our-team/ https://www.elpozodevida.org.mx/ https://www.amazon.com/Painful-Miracles-Walking-Miraculous-Breakthrough-ebook/dp/B095BXMDXV/ref=sr_1_1?crid=ZFA2VFZ1SZ4G&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.05mjlXGU340mnmrm0B61Nefcu3hISPmDjBrpRjB2a_2KMN_lOQMibbPfDYZcyVBdTgG4W5mx2Yr7kkzsPMw7PH6PAlbTIlsUkWbs9KmdOpZYXUpxHhiGUz0_cqYGbpaLTgvvrb-3B_GUIXnFgTMwi5GfBb2xv8agCbqxikfbiaj_6oSWLZKO46Tf76I0AYtk.Bfwk2IatS_Xx1HBCfLP5vZ1V1nlOVFUoj5KoPcZCvpo&dib_tag=se&keywords=benny+yu&qid=1731895650&sprefix=benny+yu+%2Caps%2C350&sr=8-1

Welcome back to the Libertas International Podcast! This week we talk with Tyson Wright, Founder of the International Coalition for Prevention and Empowerment. Tyson talks about duty, and how he started this NGO due to promises he made to people who very much desired knowledge for prevention. During the interview he talks about how prevention matters, his work in Panama and Ecuador,  his work with indigenous people, addresses some controversial  topics regarding prevention, and how people can get involved in ensuring that prevention is something that is developed in communities over a long span of time. As Tyson states, it really is a fight that everyone can be involved in.  Here are some more information about human trafficking prevention and Tyson's NGO. https://preventempower.org/our-story https://cdapress.com/news/2024/sep/27/run-for-human-trafficking-victims/ https://panama.iom.int/en/news/panama-committed-fight-against-trafficking-persons-0 https://www.oas.org/ext/en/security/crime-prevention-network/Recursos/Multimedios/shame-silences-ecuadors-indigenous-people-trafficked-for-sex https://www.alaskachildrenstrust.org/blog/unraveling-the-stories-of-sex-trafficking-innbspalaska

We are honored to welcome DEA Agent Steve Murphy to the Libertas International Podcast!  Steve Murphy is a retired DEA agent renowned for his pivotal role in the pursuit and eventual capture of the infamous Colombian drug lord, Pablo Escobar. Born in the United States, Murphy joined the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in the 1980s and was stationed in Colombia during the height of Escobar's reign of terror. Alongside his partner, Javier Peña, Murphy worked tirelessly to dismantle Escobar's Medellín Cartel, which was responsible for a significant portion of the cocaine trafficked into the United States during that era. Murphy's efforts, often at great personal risk, contributed significantly to the DEA's operations in Colombia and the eventual downfall of Escobar in 1993. His experiences during this tumultuous period were later dramatized in the popular Netflix series "Narcos," where actor Boyd Holbrook portrayed him. Following his retirement from the DEA, Murphy has become a public speaker, sharing his experiences and insights on law enforcement, international drug trafficking, and the challenges of combating organized crime. He also co-authored a book titled "Manhunters: How We Took Down Pablo Escobar," which provides a detailed account of his and Peña's roles in the high-stakes operation against the Medellín Cartel. Steve joins the podcast to talk about the search for Pablo Escobar but also to talk about working with law enforcement in a different country and how to avoid the appearance of the "ugly" American. He also talks about how to stay brave in the fight vs. evil in the modern day as he did when he was facing one of the most evil men that has ever walked the earth. Trailer for Narcos-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xl8zdCY-abw Link to the Game of Crimes Podcast-https://gameofcrimespodcast.com/ Additional Articles about Steve Murphy https://www.insidenova.com/headlines/from-small-town-cop-to-narcos-legend-ashburn-resident-talks-about-his-career/article_eaceac5e-e799-11ea-a341-4fdb96bfe979.html https://www.aetv.com/real-crime/meet-the-dea-special-agents-who-helped-bring-down-pablo-escobar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4C17dgJ6eQ

We are back with another episode of the Libertas International Podcast! This weeks guest takes us to Africa, multiple countries in Africa with the Founder of My Sister's House Rochelle Sellers. Rochelle has been fighting poverty for over 20 years working all over Africa to empower women and children. Her journey takes her to Ethiopia, Uganda, Sierra Leone, etc. In this episode she talks about a personal tragedy that occurred when she was a young girl that left her orphaned. And how that experience has shaped her and the work that she continues to put forth this day. She also talks about her faith, and what it means to her when serving the most vulnerable in Africa. For more information on what we discussed in this podcast please visit the following links. A short summary of child sacrifices in Uganda https://www.worldvision.org/blog/5-things-need-know-child-sacrifice-uganda Link to Libertas International libertasinternational.org Human Trafficking in Ethiopia https://www.unodc.org/easternafrica/en/Stories/new-ethiopian-law-on-human-trafficking-and-migrant-smuggling.html Organ Harvesting https://worldhope.org/blog-combating-the-evils-of-organ-harvesting/

We are happy to welcome Steve Adams from the National Center for Child Safety and Awareness! Steve spent 35 years in law enforcement and has been with the National Center for over 20 years. The center provides assemblies for children parents and teachers to offer training and education to keep kids safe from sexual abuse. *Trigger warning- this episode contains details of sexual abuse and can be disturbing to listeners. Here is the link to the Center's website-https://protectrkids.net/ Here is an interview between Steve and Tyler on Steve's radio program in the Sacramento area- https://www.therundown.org/show-recordings

Libertas is honored to be welcoming Alessandra Serano to the Libertas International Podcast! *Content warning. Contains strong language. Alessandra Serano rejoined the United States Department of Justice and currently serves as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Criminal Division for the Eastern District of Virgina where she handles child exploitation cases and cyber related matters.  Ms. Serano was previously employed by the United States Department of Justice in various roles for over 18 years.  From 2003-2017, Ms. Serano served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of California where she prosecuted child exploitation and trafficking cases as well as organized crime and gang-related cases involving narcotics, human and sex trafficking. She litigated numerous immigration and border related crimes, firearms offenses, and national security cases. From 2017-19, she worked at Main Justice as the Department of Justice's National Project Safe Childhood Coordinator in Washington D.C. where she served as a subject matter expert on child exploitation, human and sex trafficking involving minors, and other federal child sexual exploitation offenses. Ms. Serano also served as Senior Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General, Office of Legal Policy where she worked on human trafficking policy for the Department.   From 2020-21, Ms. Serano served as the First Assistant United States Attorney and Criminal Chief for the U.S. Attorney’ s Office – District of the Virgin Islands.  Ms. Serano received numerous individual awards relating to her work and expertise in human trafficking including the U.S. Attorney General’s Award, the Federal Bar Association’s Hon. Sarah T. Hughes Civil Rights Award, and Women in Federal Law Enforcement’s “Top Prosecutor” Award. She has received several team awards including the Commissioner’s Award from the San Diego County Juvenile Justice Commission, Meritorious Unit Citation from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department for Operation “Stolen Souls,” Investigative Team of the Year Award by the California Narcotic Officers’ Association, and Outstanding Overall Partnership Award by the U.S. Department of Justice.  Since 2014, Ms. Serano serves as an Adjunct Law Professor at the University of San Diego where she teaches an upper division class on human trafficking and child exploitation and guest lectures at the California Western School of Law and Georgetown Law.  Ms. Serano graduated magna cum laude from the University of Miami, School of Law in 1999, and received her B.A. in Political Science/Law & Society from the University of California, Riverside in 1993. She is currently working on her Executive Certificate in Public Leadership from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.  Ms. Serano is a licensed real estate broker in California and earned her private pilot's license. Mr. Serano's work achieved over 150k in restitution for the survivors of Project Bat Bridge. https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/former-aisd-teacher-sentenced-to-7-years-in-prison-for-paying-for-sex-with-columbian-girls-minor-children-federal-court-austin-isd-us-department-of-justice-attorney-medellin-columbia-round-rock-sadler-means-ywla-garcia-ymla-navarro-echs-indictment A past case of her's when she was with the Department of Justice https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-1m30child235650-ex-teacher-37-arrested-child-porn--2008dec30-story.html

Welcome back to the Libertas International Podcast!  Today, Tyler talks about one of his personal heroes and the most famous ring in Guatemala. A ring that represents not only education and empowerment but also represents a date where all of that as well as her freedom was made possible.  This wonderful survivor is named Desi. She was featured in an earlier podcast and is part of the survivor leadership counsel at Libertas International 2024. And today, you will hear a version of that story in English similar to what she shared in Spanish episodes earlier.  She is the "ring bearer" and we love her for it!  For more information on Libertas International visit the following links.  libertasfreedom.org  Facebook- Libertas International  Instagram @libertasinternational X @libertasfreed TikTok- Libertas International  LinkedIn- Libertas International

Bienvenidos al podcast de Libertas International!  En este programa, exploramos el impacto del trabajo incansable de mujeres inspiradoras en la sociedad. Hoy, nos honra presentar a Betty Pedraza Lozano, fundadora de la Corporación Espacios de Mujer en 2003 y directora de la organización desde entonces. Desde su fundación, Betty ha liderado una lucha implacable contra la trata de personas en Colombia, transformando políticas y conciencias. Co-fundadora de la Alianza Colombiana de Organizaciones de la Sociedad Civil contra la Trata de Personas, representa a esta alianza en la Alianza Global contra la Trata de Mujeres (GAATW). A través de su organización, Betty ha llevado a cabo campañas de concientización pública, enfocadas en prevención, identificación de víctimas y servicios de apoyo. Ha establecido una "escuela" de formación para mujeres vulnerables, brindándoles conocimientos sobre sus derechos y cómo protegerse contra la trata de personas y otras formas de explotación. Además, su trabajo se centra en la capital colombiana, Medellín, y en el departamento de Antioquia. Betty Pedraza Lozano ha sido fundamental en la integración del derecho internacional de los derechos humanos en Colombia, colaborando con organizaciones internacionales y el gobierno colombiano. En 2015, fue reconocida como Heroína en la Lucha contra la Esclavitud Moderna por su dedicación incansable en la lucha contra la trata de personas. Además, recibió el premio TIP (Trafficking in Persons) Hero Award del Departamento de Estado de los Estados Unidos, el más alto honor que puede recibir un defensor en contra de la trata de personas. Únanse a nosotros mientras exploramos el legado y la labor continua de Betty Pedraza Lozano en la defensa de los derechos humanos y la lucha contra la trata de personas en Colombia. ¡Bienvenida, Betty! http://www.tipheroes.org/betty-pedraza-lozano/ https://www.gaatw.org/resources/e-bulletin/815-interview-with-betty-pedraza-lozano-from-espacios-de-mujer https://www.espaciosdemujer.org/

Libertas International is proud to have Brandon Merrill, the founder of Utah Homicide Survivors, a nonprofit based in Provo, Utah that serves surviving families of homicide victims.  Under Brandon's leadership, UHS has grown to become a leading advocate for homicide survivors in Utah, offering a wide range of services to help families navigate the aftermath of tragedy. With years of experience working in the field of victim services, Brandon is dedicated to helping survivors heal and find justice. His passion for helping others and his commitment to making a difference in the lives of those affected by homicide are a driving force behind the success of Utah Homicide Survivors. Brandon graduated from Utah Valley University in 2013, with a degree in International Politics. He moved to Vermont to attend Vermont Law School and study environmental law later that year. After taking his first environmental law class he decided that it wasn't the path for him. In order to graduate from law school he found an internship with the Never Again Foundation in Arizona, which sadly closed their doors in 2019. This organization taught him the importance of legal services for families of homicide victims and how to navigate the family through the numerous civil legal processes. After graduating from Vermont Law School in January 2016, Brandon worked as a divorce and custody mediator and a money laundering analyst while also continuing to volunteer for the Never Again Foundation. In August 2017, he took a staff position with the Never Again Foundation. In 2018, Brandon and his wife Karleigh moved to Utah to open a Utah chapter of the Never Again Foundation. In early 2019 the Never Again Foundation was hit hard with financial troubles and had to close their door permanently in March 2019. Brandon did not want to see the gap for homicide survivors re-open so he started Utah Homicide Survivors that same month where he serves as the Founder and Executive Director.  Brandon details how he got started in this work, how he keeps himself sane in the work that he does and what are the factors that can lead to homicide. Here is an event that Brandon puts on every year that honors victims of homicide-https://ksltv.com/589460/families-of-utah-homicide-victims-gather-to-support-each-other-for-national-day-of-remembrance/ A case Brandon was involved in involving a road rage homicide in Utah-https://www.fox13now.com/news/local-news/families-grieve-over-loved-ones-killed-in-road-rage-incidents List of homicide victims in Utah-https://www.ksl.com/article/50567570/grim-tally-a-look-at-each-of-utahs-homicide-victims-of-2022

This is a story of friendship, of love, and how the human spirit can brighten even the darkest of places. Baleigh Dellos joins the Libertas International Podcast to talk about why she went to Ukraine, what she accomplished while she was there, what the world really needs to know about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and how the connection between two people and the power of friendship can bring hope and love in the middle of a war zone.  Baleigh Dellos is a dedicated advocate for social justice, focusing on sexual assault prevention, migrant rights, and combatting human trafficking. Beginning at Utah State University, she supported survivors of sexual assault and raised awareness on campus. Transitioning to migrant rights, she ran a shelter for migrant children, providing them with a safe space to heal and grow. In Salt Lake City, Baleigh worked directly with human trafficking survivors, offering vital support and advocacy. She also played a crucial role in developing anti-trafficking programs, addressing root causes and supporting vulnerable populations. Taking her work globally, she collaborated with organizations and governments in Europe, particularly in Greece, Spain, and Ukraine, to establish comprehensive anti-trafficking strategies. She lived in the Philippines and speaks fluently in their language.   Baleigh's unwavering commitment to social justice and her tireless advocacy continue to inspire change and empower communities worldwide. Here are the links to the organizations that are mentioned in the show as well as some additional show notes on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. https://www.saveukraineua.org/ libertasfreedom.org https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-2-years-what-to-know-d0f1c1bd57f7ebbe5f7335738acbc6b4 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/04/russia-ukraine-war-at-a-glance-what-we-know-on-day-740 https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/28/opinions/ukraine-russia-war-define-victory-arutunyan/index.html

¡Nuestro primer ganadora del premio TIP Hero en el podcast!En el corazón de la ciudad peruana de Iquitos, la dedicación inquebrantable de una mujer brilla como un faro de esperanza en medio de las sombras de la trata de personas. Los notables esfuerzos de Paola Hittscher en la lucha contra esta lacra moderna no solo le han ganado admiración, sino también el prestigioso Premio Héroe TIP del Departamento de Estado. La historia de Paola es una de altruismo y determinación. Con sus propios recursos, ha intervenido repetidamente para apoyar a las víctimas, a menudo utilizando su propio dinero para proporcionar refugio, atención médica y otras necesidades básicas. Sus acciones ejemplifican un compromiso raro de poner las necesidades de los sobrevivientes primero, demostrando que la verdadera defensa va más allá de las palabras hacia acciones tangibles y transformadoras. A través de su organización en Iquitos, Paola se ha convertido en un salvavidas para aquellos atrapados en los horrores de la trata, ofreciendo no solo refugio, sino también empoderamiento y un camino para recuperar sus vidas. Su enfoque es holístico, abordando las complejas necesidades de los sobrevivientes con compasión y experiencia. Recibir el premio TIP (Trata de Personas) es un testimonio de las extraordinarias contribuciones de Paola. Este reconocimiento, el más alto que un defensor de la trata de personas puede recibir, subraya el profundo impacto de su trabajo y sirve como un llamado a la acción y apoyo continuo contra esta injusticia global. Acompáñanos en este episodio mientras nos adentramos en el inspirador viaje de Paola Hittscher, explorando los desafíos que enfrenta, las vidas que toca y el espíritu incansable que la impulsa hacia adelante en la lucha por la justicia y la dignidad para todos. https://andina.pe/ingles/noticia-perus-prosecutor-paola-hittscher-honored-as-us-2023-tip-report-hero-944084.aspx https://www.meridian.org/news/from-pakistan-to-peru-how-ivlp-tip-heroes-are-shaping-the-fight-against-human-trafficking/

TRIGGER WARNING! This episode details very disturbing details on sexual abuse of children and animals. Listener discretion is advised. In this episode, Tyler interviews longtime friend who uses a codename *Batman due to the ongoing cases he his working in the United States. Batman details four cases that he has worked over the last 18 years involving American men who were preying on children. *Batman is one of the pioneers in the fight vs. American sex tourists who have traveled to Latin America to abuse children and we are grateful for his trailblazing example to allow us to do this work today. The case of Whayne Cooperman in Nicaragua. - https://www.poderjudicial.gob.ni/prensa/notas_prensa_detalle.asp?id_noticia=5152 The case of "Billy" in Jaco, Costa Rica. The case of Dennis de Jesus in Medellin,  Colombia- https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/broward-resident-pleads-guilty-traveling-colombia-engage-sexual-activity-minors And the case of Joshua David Brown in Lima, Peru. https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ice-peruvian-authorities-rescue-36-sex-trafficking-victims-including-11-minors Here is the link to Batman's nonprofit. https://www.breakingchains.com/ Here is the link to become a monthly donor at Libertas International- libertasfreedom.org

En otro episodio del Podcast Libertas International, exploramos la inspiradora historia de Saúl Argote, un valiente mexicano que arriesga su vida en Cancún. Saúl dedica su labor a brindar atención y sanación a niños víctimas de abuso, marcando una diferencia crucial en la región. Descubre cómo este héroe local se convierte en un faro de esperanza para aquellos que han sufrido, destacando su valentía y compromiso inquebrantable con la protección infantil. ¡No te pierdas este conmovedor relato de resiliencia y altruismo en nuestro último episodio! Un poco mas sobre Saul.. Nacido en Guadalajara Jalisco México en 1975 Estudio psicología Clínica en la Universidad Autónoma  de Guadalajara . Tiene estudios de medicina tradicional china y diplomados de GESTALT . Radica en Cancún Qroo donde trabaja como coordinador de la casa de asistencia temporal del DIF de Cancún. Tambien trabaja como asesor del DIF Q ROO. Ha trabajado en atención a víctimas de violencia  desde el 2002 a la fecha en lugares como CIAM Cancún y DIF . Para saber mas sobre Libertas International vea a ver libertasfreedom.org Sobre el turismo sexual en Cancun- https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiC26zr7dODAxV-JUQIHa1KCJsQFnoECDgQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theyucatantimes.com%2F2022%2F12%2Fchild-sex-tourism-is-a-reality-in-quintana-roo-morena-senator-says%2F&usg=AOvVaw19yTIBKhbGAVQ2VHZ8hdI6&opi=89978449 La condena de un tratante en Cancun en 2023- https://riviera-maya-news.com/human-trafficker-captured-in-cancun-sentenced-to-more-than-five-years/2023.html

JC Holt joins us this week on the Libertas International podcast! JC Holt is a 20 year law enforcement  veteran.  He retired in 2021 after serving in a variety of positions at the rank of sergeant.  He spent much of his career in an investigative role. He holds a bachelors degree in business management and an associates degree in criminal justice. He’s been married for over 20 years and has 4 children. JC discusses his role in the police for 20 years, what it looks like to crimes against children, and how to remain trauma informed and trauma sensitive during his role as the person investigating crimes. JC Also talks about the current issues facing policing around the USA and if any of those criticisms are valid. JC was featured in local Utah news for his work bridging the gap between LE and the general public. https://www.abc4.com/news/badge/behind-the-badge-and-in-front-of-the-cameras-west-jordan-pd-sergeant-j-c-holt-keeps-the-public-informed/ JC talking about a home invasion murder that he worked in Salt Lake. https://www.sltrib.com/news/2020/04/19/west-jordan-police-making/ For more info on Libertas International visit libertasfreedom.org

En este episodio, adentrémonos en la historia inspiradora de Jazmyn Alvara, una destacada profesora universitaria que lidera el movimiento en contra de la trata de personas en Medellín. Jazmyn no solo es una educadora comprometida, sino también una defensora apasionada de la igualdad y la justicia en la sociedad. Alvara coordina iniciativas educativas y manifestaciones públicas para combatir este grave problema, buscando desafiar y erradicar las desigualdades estructurales que perpetúan la trata de personas. Con una combinación única de experiencia académica y determinación, Jazmyn ha liderado estrategias innovadoras para abordar este desafío en Medellín. En este episodio, descubriremos cómo Jazmyn Alvara fusiona su pasión por la enseñanza con su incansable labor para construir un entorno educativo y social que proteja a todos, especialmente a los más vulnerables. Exploraremos sus desafíos, logros y la visión que impulsa su compromiso con la transformación social en la comunidad de Medellín. ¡No te pierdas esta conversación inspiradora sobre educación, igualdad y liderazgo con Jazmyn Alvara! libertasfreedom.org

We are happy to welcome back The Children's International Rescue Foundation to the Podcast! This time we are joined by one of the co-founders of the group, Walt. He also serves at the director of operations.  Walt details his journey working undercover, why relationships are so vital, some what real undercover investigations look like vs. how they may be portrayed on other media outlets. This conversation is vital as there is much confusion and misrepresentation on undercover work in general.  Walt is a highly skilled investigator dedicated to combating transnational criminal organizations involved in child trafficking. His expertise encompasses investigative fieldwork, hostage rescue, fugitive apprehension, and small unit leadership. Walt has had the privilege of briefing Vice Presidents of Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, as well as U.S. Ambassador Popp on behalf of NGOs fighting human trafficking in the Northern Triangle. He has also conducted extensive ground investigations in Colombia and Ecuador, collaborating with National Police agencies to infiltrate criminal networks. In 2021, Walt played a pivotal role in an award-winning Colombian human trafficking investigation.Throughout his career, Walt has held positions such as S.W.A.T Master Operator, U.S. Marshal Service Task Force Officer, Police Sergeant, and U.S. Marine Corps Platoon Sergeant. Walt emphasizes the importance of continuous training, operational planning, and international partnerships between law enforcement, financial institutions, and NGOs in combating the human trafficking crisis in Latin America. Walt's language abilities in Spanish and Portuguese, along with his cross-cultural experiences, including a two-year Christian mission in Brazil and teaching the English Connect program in Ecuador, further enrich his perspective. Above all, Walt considers his greatest success to be his enduring marriage of over 20 years and the joy of raising children with his wife. Here is the link to their website-https://www.childrensinternationalrescuefoundation.org/ Here is the link to some of their recent cases-https://www.childrensinternationalrescuefoundation.org/post/2-csam-web-studios-eliminated Here is the link to the Libertas International website- libertasfreedom.org

En este emocionante episodio de nuestro podcast, entrevistamos a Katherine Díaz, la fundadora de Valientes Colombia. Katherine comparte su apasionada perspectiva sobre la importancia de la educación y cómo ha sido el motor de su vida. Ella nos lleva a través de su inspiradora historia de cómo surgió la idea de fundar Valientes Colombia, una organización dedicada a empoderar a jóvenes a través de la educación. Escucharemos sobre sus desafíos y triunfos en el camino. Katherine también comparte con nosotros los tipos de casos que más la han conmovido en su trabajo. Descubriremos cómo estos casos han influido en su misión y en su profundo compromiso con mejorar la educación en Colombia. No te pierdas esta entrevista llena de inspiración y aprendizaje sobre cómo una persona puede marcar una diferencia significativa en la vida de los demás a través de la educación. Escucha la historia de Katherine Díaz y Valientes Colombia, ¡una verdadera fuente de inspiración! Aqui esta el link para el sito de Valientes Colombia- https://valientescolombia.org/ Una entrevista en ingles sobre Valientes Colombia y la trata en Bogota, Colombia- https://thebogotapost.com/a-look-into-child-trafficking-in-colombia/49278/

*Trigger warning, this podcast contains explicit language. We are excited to host THE expert of human trafficking in Salt Lake City, Utah to the Libertas International Podcast! Matt Pierce, the Founder of HealEx. Matt Pierce is a public health and medical professional. He works as a Physician Associate in both general medicine and mental health. Over the last 7 years, Pierce has served on, built, and managed both local and international community health programs, mobile medical clinics, and training programs centered on helping vulnerable and marginalized people access health care. Throughout his service and studies he discovered that the most vulnerable and marginalized people he has worked with were those suffering from the trauma of human trafficking and exploitation, in particular sexual exploitation. He has focused his study and work around this specific issue, and continues to specialize at the intersection of healing and exploitational trauma. He has served as the Vice President of the Utah Academy of Physician Assistants, and is currently serving on the Utah Trafficking in Persons Executive Board as the Co-Chair of the Medical Subcommittee. He is the founder of HealEx, a nonprofit organization focused on helping people heal from exploitation through direct healing services, collaboration, and telling the truth about trafficking. As well as offering care to survivors in Utah he has also offered medical care to survivors in India, Haiti, Mexico, and Dominican Republic. *Matt is soft spoken but the audio comes across clear. Here is the link to HealEx- https://www.heal-ex.org/ Here is the link to more information on human trafficking in Utah-https://www.abc4.com/news/human-trafficking-in-utah-what-does-it-look-like/ Stats on how human trafficking affects the LGBTQ population-https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4204396/ A link to the HealEx documentary "The End of Slavery" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXSPXkaS9cI&t=1s link to Libertas International- libertasfreedom.org

In this incredible episode of the Libertas International Podcast, Christina Rengal shares her story of surviving human trafficking and time in federal prison to going on to change the lives of survivors of human trafficking and immigrants all over Latin America. Her journey takes her from the streets of Las Vegas, the Federal Prison system, Ecuador, Venezuela, Mexico, and all the way to Oxford as a student of human rights. Her journey takes her through Las Vegas as a trafficking victim and all the way to cities in Latin America such as Cucuta, Colombia, Juarez,Mexico and Quenca, Ecuador as a defender of justice and healing. She also shares her thoughts on survivor leadership in the movement and all we can all work more collaboratively in the fight against human trafficking. Christina is the founder and Executive Director of United Justice a nonprofit organization fighting sex trafficking in Latin America. United Justice focuses on building effective resources for victims of sex trafficking as well as support for families in Mexico who are searching for their forcibly disappeared children. With over five years of experience as an advocate for victims of sex trafficking for the FBI and over twelve years of experience fighting sexual exploitation in nine countries, Christina brings her expertise along with her personal lived experience to the fight against sexual exploitation. Through partnerships with the US Department of Justice, FBI, and other local nonprofits Christina has provided training to over 3,000 law enforcement and first responders in the United States. Her direct work with victims in Cambodia, Vietnam, Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, and the United States gives her a unique access to effectively fight sex trafficking through a human rights lens. To learn more about Christina and United Justice please visit their website https://www.ujustice.org/aboutus For more info about survivors and their impact on the movement of anti human trafficking-https://www.salvationarmy.org/isjc/23Mar2021-3 For more info about Libertas International please visit https://libertasinternational.org/