It took me a few years in corporate to realize I needed something more engaging. I moved to Uganda as an IJM Communications Fellow and never looked back—finally using my writing for a mission that matters. Now in DC, I get to share survivors’ stories from India in new ways every day. IJM has helped me grow as a writer, certainly, but I’ve also loved exploring life visually—now my camera comes with me wherever I go!

I was hesitant about moving to Washington, given that it meant leaving the best city in the world: Chicago! But I am passionate about helping people use their voice to fight crimes like human trafficking. I work with our Global Advancement team to develop strategies that help offer IJM’s supporters ways to engage in the fight for justice. I love strategic plans and spreadsheets, but the most meaningful part of my job is finding ways to invite other people into this mission.

Every case and client IJM engages with is a response to God’s call on us to be the channel of His love and mercy. My own role within this broader mandate is to oversee our efforts to bring that vision to the body of Christ worldwide. What could be better than being God’s hands and feet in this world, and helping His Church become one. Add to that, the joys of D-I-Y and books over the weekend – I am living the good life, I’d say!

I love solving puzzles, and working as a researcher is like solving one puzzle after another. I came to IJM after spending over six years as a corporate researcher at a Big Four accounting firm. I have the privilege to spend every day leading a team that provides research and strategy to our advancement teams so that we can see slavery end in our lifetime.

I graduated from college with a degree in Human Rights Policy and came to IJM shortly thereafter, motivated to rally others and invite them to be part of the justice movement. I’m part of an awesome development team that works to raise the funds required to fuel the mission. The best part of working at IJM is the staff; my colleagues are also my friends, mentors, and the most fun and dedicated people I know.

I am passionate about freedom, and love that I get to be a part of IJM’s work to free people from violent forms of oppression around the world. I began with IJM as an Aftercare Fellow in Kolkata in 2010, supporting our team of national social workers in their efforts to bring restoration to the lives of trafficking survivors, and have spent the past five years supporting casework operations in India from our HQ office. I now have the privilege of leading our strategic planning process for IJM’s justice system transformation work globally.

As a former pastor, I am passionate about the Church moving to action to defend the poor from oppression. I joined my department to help inspire the global Church to take up this holy calling. I run Tough Mudder obstacle courses because I think they exemplify the dedication of my colleagues: doing whatever is necessary, for as long as is necessary, until the job is done and the oppressed are set free.

I spent ten years working on humanitarian issues around the world. I joined IJM to bring my program management and evaluation skills to an equally compelling issue – those suffering from violence.  My job is to bring evidence to bear for the mission – the scale of the crime, gaps and opportunities in the justice system, and the measureable impact of IJM’s work. I love that I get to do the work with tremendously committed and fun people. 

I started my career in human rights with an anti-trafficking organization in Los Angeles working to support trafficking victims. After college I moved to Kolkata with IJM as a Communications Intern to combat commercial sexual exploitation in India. As a life-long dancer I find beauty in the tangled but beautiful dance of India. I now work as an Associate Program Manager for South Asia.

After attending IJM’s Global Prayer Gathering, I felt compelled to serve and spent a year in Bangalore as an Admin Intern. While I was there, I found myself helping out with everyone’s computer glitches and other tech support…I realized I was secretly a nerd at heart! I then joined the Headquarters team as a Helpdesk Engineer. Today I get to provide technology solutions for the global mission. My ukelele is my “discipline of joy,” and I love breaking it out for the occasional jam session.