Project Moses Survivor Panel: Stories of Survival
Stories of Survival: Human trafficking and the work of rebuilding
In Parish Hall
The Project Moses Survivor Panel: Stories of Survival invites our community into a deeper understanding of human trafficking, an injustice often described as hidden, yet in many ways it is hidden in plain sight, often woven quietly into places and routines that appear entirely ordinary.
But awareness alone is not enough. This panel has been organized not simply to describe the realities of trafficking, but to focus on what comes afterward: survival, recovery, and the difficult work of rebuilding a life.
The individuals speaking are not symbols or abstractions. They are people who endured coercion, addiction, violence, homelessness, fear, isolation, and profound loss of trust. Their experiences differ, but they share something essential: they began again.
No one rebuilds alone. Across North Texas, nonprofit organizations, counselors, shelters, legal advocates, teachers, medical professionals, recovery specialists, and volunteers help survivors reclaim stability and dignity. Much of that work happens far from public attention. Yet it is often there, in consistent and practical acts of support, that restoration begins.
Our hope is that this gathering will encourage not only understanding but participation. Not everyone is called to the same role. Many people can contribute in meaningful ways. Some are as simple as volunteering to serve meals. Others will participate in clothing drives. Some will have the skills to mentor or advocate. But for us all, the most important contribution will be patience, welcoming, or simple human presence.
Meet the Panelists
Robbie Hamilton
Youth Mentor at New Friends New Life
Robbie Hamilton is a Youth Mentor at New Friends New Life, survivor leader, business owner, and nationally recognized speaker on exploitation, recovery, and hope. After overcoming trafficking, addiction, and repeated arrests, she rebuilt her life through sobriety, service, and mentorship. Pardoned in 2020 as a survivor of human trafficking, Robbie now helps guide vulnerable youth toward healing while demonstrating the possibility of lasting transformation.
Ava Kamden
Executive Director of Savhera Foundation
Ava Kamden is a researcher, consultant, and executive director of Savhera Foundation whose work centers on economic mobility, justice, and survivor-led systems change. As a survivor of sex trafficking, she brings lived experience to trauma-informed, equity-centered leadership across public health, policy, and program design. A graduate of Columbia University, Ava combines research, strategy, and advocacy to advance structural transformation and lasting opportunity.
Nikki Lockett
Adult Case Manager at New Friends New Life
Nikki Lockett is a survivor leader, advocate, and Adult Case Manager at New Friends New Life, where she helps women rebuild safe, sustainable, and independent lives. Drawing on her own journey from exploitation and homelessness to healing, Nikki brings lived experience to survivor mentorship, prevention education, and community advocacy. Her work reflects a deep commitment to restoration, empowerment, and survivor-led change.
Angela Thorne
Founder and CEO of Moses Movement
Angela Thorne is founder and CEO of Moses Movement, a nonprofit focused on preventing sexual exploitation through trauma-informed education, awareness, and faith-based healing. A survivor leader, speaker, author, and podcast host, she equips churches, schools, and communities with practical prevention strategies while advocating for survivor-informed solutions. Her work across North Texas and beyond reflects a commitment to helping build safer, more compassionate communities.
Meet the Moderator
Brendan Miniter
President and CEO of The Center for Nonprofit Management
Brendan Miniter is President and CEO of The Center for Nonprofit Management and a longtime leader in mission-driven organizations, journalism, and public service. His career has included leadership roles in education, media, and the George W. Bush Presidential Center. Through both civic leadership and journalism, he has helped elevate awareness of social issues, including human trafficking, while advancing community engagement and institutional impact.
Project Moses is a mission founded by parishioners to highlight the truths of human trafficking and share the Light of Christ with its survivors.
This ministry focuses on the scourge of human trafficking in our community through education and awareness, advocacy with legislators and law enforcement, and partnerships with many agencies working on the rights and rehabilitation of the many survivors of this crime.
