Rebecca Bender

Rebecca Bender is a leading human trafficking survivor advocate, recognized for her work in anti-trafficking education, survivor empowerment, and policy reform. After experiencing nearly six years of sex trafficking, Bender has dedicated her career to combating modern-day slavery and supporting survivors. She collaborates with the FBI, Homeland Security, and other agencies as an expert on human trafficking, providing specialized training to law enforcement, community leaders, and medical professionals.

Following her escape, Bender rebuilt her life while raising her daughter, launching her own business and earning a master's degree. She founded Elevate Academy, an online school for survivors of human trafficking, which has served thousands of students across the United States and internationally. Bender is also CEO of the Rebecca Bender Initiative, an organization focused on survivor leadership, anti-trafficking training, and advocacy.

Bender's expertise has contributed to policy changes at state and federal levels, strengthening legal frameworks for prosecuting traffickers and supporting survivors. She has been appointed to the United States National Advisory Council and frequently serves as a subject matter expert and expert witness in court proceedings. Her training programs have reached more than 115,000 professionals in the anti-trafficking field.

As an author, Bender has written "Roadmap to Redemption," a faith-based workbook for survivors and advocates, and the memoir "In Pursuit of Love," which details her journey from trafficking victim to advocate. Her story has been featured in the PSA "More Than a Survivor." Bender is a TEDx speaker and recipient of multiple awards, including FBI and Congressional recognition awards, the Hero to Our Generation Award, the Female Overcomer Award, and the Unlikely Hero Award.

Through her advocacy, education, and leadership, Bender continues to influence the global movement to end human trafficking and empower survivors.