Reflections from The Jensen Project Grant Tank Cohort

As proud recipients of a grant from The Jensen Project, we were invited to participate in their annual Grant Tank cohort, an experience that extends far beyond financial support. The cohort creates a unique space for leaders in the anti-human trafficking movement to come together, build camaraderie, and collaborate on solutions to the complex challenges we face. This year, I had the honor of representing Freedom a la Cart, eager to learn from others and deepen our impact. 

The theme of the 2024 Grant Tank cohort was “Create Joy,” and The Jensen Project truly delivered. Each day started with grounding words from the TJP team, and we began with a candle ceremony that set the tone for deep connection, reflection, and purpose throughout the cohort. This intentional space invited us to share our work, foster meaningful collaboration, and find joy in the journey. 

As a member of this cohort of 24 anti-human trafficking organizations, I was inspired by the wealth of knowledge and experience shared over the course of the week. What really stood out throughout the cohort was the power of collaboration. We weren’t just there to share our own successes – we were there to learn from one another’s challenges and lessons learned. Each of us brought unique perspectives but all working toward the same outcome: a world without sexual exploitation. 

Collective Impact and Shared Goals

As part of the cohort, we came together to align our efforts, knowing that the fight against human trafficking requires a collective impact, a theme of the  TJP cohort. The collective impact approach is an effective means of collaboration to address complex social issues and achieve greater results. 

One takeaway that really resonated with me was during a panel featuring Rights4Girls, World Without Exploitation, and the National Center on Sexual Exploitation. The discussion focused on advancing anti-human trafficking policy, and one line stuck with me: “Without common language, we can’t push toward a common goal.” 

This powerful reminder highlights the importance of not only unifying our efforts but ensuring we are all speaking the same language. Whether we are advocating for policies, delivering services, or communicating within our own organizations, we must be aligned in our mission and language. This is true in the anti-human trafficking movement, within the Grant Tank cohort, and in our work at Freedom a la Cart. 

Data-Driven Solutions: Turning Information into Wisdom

The theme of shared goals continued with a presentation by Allies Against Slavery, a data and technology partner within the cohort. They emphasized the importance of data to drive the anti-human trafficking mission, introducing us to the DIKW pyramid: Data, Information, Knowledge, Wisdom. This framework demonstrates that collective wisdom is built on knowledge, which is founded in accurate, actionable data. At Freedom, we’re exploring tools to track survivor outcomes more effectively and measure the long-term success of our programs. 

The importance of data was further reinforced by work shared by The Network. Ian Hassell’s journey from the CIA to founding an organization focused on dismantling human trafficking networks – specifically the illicit massage industry – was both fascinating and sobering. One startling fact he shared: The United States has more illicit massage businesses than McDonald’s. This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a call to action for more strategic, data-driven responses.

Survivor-Centered Reform: Empowerment Through Social Enterprise

One of the most powerful parts of the cohort was the focus on survivor-centered reform. A panel featuring economic empowerment organizations – Designed for Joy, Rethreaded, and Thistle Farms – provided insight into how these social enterprises partner with one another to provide opportunities for survivors. Each organization shared its unique model and advice for creating sustainable employment pathways, offering both career development and supportive services.

This survivor-centered approach aligns closely with our own work at Freedom, where we constantly strive to put the voices and needs of survivors at the heart of our mission. It was a reminder to always “ask survivors what they need” and to ensure that we remain peer-focused, community-driven, and curious in our approach to support. By collaborating with other social enterprises like Rethreaded, we can strengthen the services offered to survivors, creating a stronger, more resilient community of support.

Inclusive Leadership: Moving Beyond Biases

The Grant Tank also provided an opportunity to dive into the concept of inclusive leadership, a discussion led by “the Amandas” from Impact Rising, an organization invested in helping teams discover and design their path to greater impact. As we engaged in dialogue about strategic growth, we were asked to examine our own biases and explore how to overcome them. We reviewed the elements of six signature traits of an inclusive leader, as outlined in Deloitte’s research, and reflected on how fostering diversity and inclusion within our organizations is key to long-term success.

This was more than just an exercise; it was a chance to turn theory into practice. How can we truly embody these traits in our leadership roles? How can we ensure that our work is shaped by inclusive practices, not just in policy but in day-to-day operations? At Freedom, we are working to foster curiosity and commitment, two key traits of inclusive leadership. We strive to create environments where diverse voices are heard and valued, and where biases are challenged through open dialogue and training.

As I reflect on the week, I am left with a deep sense of hope. The work is not easy, and the road ahead may be long, but as Ian from The Network reminded us with this thought-provoking quote by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” Even in the face of daunting challenges, progress is being made, and together, we can keep moving forward – one step, one partnership, one act of joy at a time. A heartfelt thank you to the TJP team for bringing this group of thought leaders together for three days of joy and learning.