Speakers
| Speaker | Date | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| Mina Chiang | Jul 23, 2026 |
 Mina Chiang is a sought-after expert in combating human trafficking and modern slavery, especially for her work in combating slavery in the scamming compounds in Southeast Asia, ending forced labour in the fishing industry, and survivor engagement and empowerment. Mina offers technical advice to UN agencies, Interpol, governments, NGOs, and the private sector through her work. She is an international speaker and has been interviewed by numerous media, including CNN, New York Times, and Sky News. Mina is the founder and Director of Humanity Research Consultancy (HRC), an award-winning, UK-based social enterprise revolutionising the fight against human trafficking by bringing in experts from the Global South. HRC provides cutting-edge research, training, and consultancy services for clients. Mina has an interdisciplinary background in engineering, sociology, anthropology, and international development. |
| Matt Friedman | Aug 27, 2026 |
 Matt Friedman is an international human trafficking expert with more than 35 years of experience. He is CEO of The Mekong Club, an organization of Hong Kong’s leading businesses that have joined forces to help end all forms of modern slavery. Mr. Friedman previously worked for USAID and the United Nations in over 40 countries. Mr. Friedman offers technical advice to numerous governments, banks, and corporations working to eliminate all forms of modern slavery and is the author of sixteen books. In 2017, Mr. Friedman received Asia’s prestigious “Communicator of the Year” Gold Award, and in 2025, he was honored with the Friends of ASEAN Business Award. |
| Michelle Tupy | Sep 10, 2026 |
 Michelle Tupy is a nonprofit and community-services leader based in New Brunswick with extensive experience in gender-based violence support, volunteer engagement and nonprofit governance. She currently serves as Regional Director for Shelter Movers in the Maritimes, overseeing operations across New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. Shelter Movers provides free moving and storage services for individuals and families fleeing abuse. Under Michelle’s leadership, the organization expanded beyond its original regional scope and has now completed more than 1,800 survivor-supported moves.
Through media outreach and community advocacy, Michelle has spoken publicly about the barriers survivors face when leaving abusive relationships and the importance of coordinated volunteer networks and community support systems in improving safety and access to services.
Prior to her current role, Michelle worked with Hospice Southeast New Brunswick in both community services and business development positions. She helped develop grief support and public education initiatives as well as manage the organization’s social enterprise and volunteer engagement initiatives.
Michelle currently serves as Chair of Urban/Rural Rides, a nonprofit dedicated to accessible transportation services, and is an active board member with Moncton Cares, a nonprofit that supports refugees, immigrants, newcomers and other vulnerable community members as they settle and integrate into life in New Brunswick. Her board leadership emphasizes collaboration between businesses, volunteers, and nonprofits to strengthen accessibility, community wellbeing, and social impact across Atlantic Canada.
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| Laura Hackney | Sep 24, 2026 |
 Laura Hackney is a human rights advocate and full-stack software engineer from Atlanta, GA. She is the CEO and Cofounder of AnnieCannons, a national organization dedicated to training, preparing, and connecting individuals who have experienced human trafficking to sustainable careers in tech. Laura helped to build AnnieCannons’ Coding Training Program and develop AC’s internal portfolio of software products. Prior to AnnieCannons, Laura managed the Program on Human Rights at Stanford University’s Freeman Spogli Institute. She also worked as the Senior Research Associate for Stanford’s Anti-Trafficking Project in the Mekong Sub-Region and was a Program Associate for the Freeman Spogli Institute’s International Policy Implementation Lab. Laura is passionate about the intersections of human rights, technology, and education. She is based in Brooklyn, NY.
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AnnieCannons is a nonprofit with the mission to train, prepare, and connect individuals who have experienced human trafficking to sustainable careers in tech. AnnieCannons' programs incorporate a unique blend of in-demand technical training alongside project-based learning, job readiness, personal and professional development, and job placement and support. This holistic approach to economic justice centers equity, accessibility, and survivor-centricity so that participants will be capable, qualified, and successful in obtaining jobs in the tech field, forever breaking cycles of exploitation.
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