As we all struggle to find a sense of normalcy in today’s world, the mission of HTI Labs has remained consistent – we are committed to fighting sex trafficking, domestic violence, and sexual assault through the development of data-driven research and technology.
The current climate has deeply affected us, and our work is more important now than ever. Our data is not only showing an increase in domestic violence, but also a shift in the sex trafficking industry that will have long-term effects.
I am writing to you today to ask you to partner with us and become the bridge that allows us to see the future effects of what we have been building.
“HTI Labs is the most comprehensive approach to date in understanding & combatting domestic & international trafficking.”
Homeland Security Investigations
As a student at Creighton University, I developed a theory that we could use data science to identify trafficking networks. It turned out to be a pretty good theory. With seed funding, this research project became an innovative organization that is driving change throughout the country.
Within just 5 years, we have been able to:
- Create the first empirical data on trafficking in Nebraska, which catalyzed a significant change in law.
- Write a law providing criminal record relief for survivors, which was ranked #1 in the country by the Polaris Project and the American Bar Association.
- Provide a lead to Homeland Security Investigations of a network trafficking Asian women across the country. This lead resulted in the dismantling of the largest domestic & international sex trafficking organizations to date, including the arrests of numerous organizational leaders and the seizure of over $3M in illicit funds. Because of this investigation, we were nominated by HSI for a federal award, and “The Omaha Model” was born.
- Uncover a large-scale trafficking network operating out of Omaha involving dozens of victims and multiple traffickers.
- Identify and support the investigation of a Russian organization trafficking women.
- Design software that equips first responders across industries – from hospitals to service providers – to identify and respond to situations of trafficking. The Department of Child and Family Services is among the first organizations to adopt our software.
As the founder of this organization, I’m extremely proud of what we have been able to accomplish in 5 short years, and I’m even more excited about where we are going. In order to address long-term sustainability, we recently transitioned to a social enterprise and developed a business model that will allow for ongoing, self-funded innovation by 2023.
To Donate to HTI Labs:
Because our mission falls within IRS guidelines, tax-deductible donations can be made through the Omaha Community Foundation. Please visit omahafoundation.org/donate and select “Other Funds” under the Categories drop down menu in order to find the “HTI Labs Charitable Fund.”
An Anonymous Donor has generously offered to match 100% of up to $100k of donations from this Special Event.
An investment in HTI Labs is an investment in the lives of those that are most vulnerable today and tomorrow. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your consideration.
Join us for a Special Zoom Event:
Because we are all in this together, without being together, please join me on Tuesday, May 19th for a special HTI Labs Zoom event. This real-time conversation about the pressing problems around sex trafficking and domestic violence in today’s climate will include a Q&A.
Date: Tuesday, May 19th
Time: 10:30 am CST
Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/4611520718
Meeting ID: 461 152 0718
Phone: + 1 346 248 7799
“HTI’s work is groundbreaking and we are hopeful they can continue to expand their trailblazing efforts.”
Women’s Fund of Omaha
