Thought Leader • Facilitator • Mentor
Nancy is a nationally recognized advocate dedicated to transforming the lives of those impacted by human trafficking and domestic violence. With over a decade of unwavering service, she has become a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change especially within Wisconsin’s response to these critical issues.
Her journey began with a fervent commitment to making a difference in the lives of survivors. As a motivational speaker and group facilitator, Nancy connects deeply with diverse audiences from survivors to professionals blending her lived experience with evidence-based strategies. Her presentation style is warm, energetic and tailored to each audience’s needs, and she brings personal testimony together with practical solutions.
In 2010, she founded Fresh Start Learning, a Milwaukee-based nonprofit that bridges gaps in support for survivors. Through this organization, Nancy leads groundbreaking initiatives: survivor-led street outreach, and the Purpose Filled Purse program, which distributes resource bags to those in need. Her vision positions survivors not just as recipients of help, but as leaders in outreach and change.
Nancy’s impact also extends into policy and publication. She authored the book The Exodus, in which she shares her personal journey from exploitation, addiction, and abuse in a city known for a high volume of trafficking, to healing, empowerment and a life of purpose. Her advocacy has supported important legislative reforms, including the passage of the Ban the Box and Wisconsin’s Safe Harbor laws.
As a mentor, Nancy offers both one-on-one and group relationships, tailored to adolescents and adults undergoing major life transformations from exiting trafficking or substance abuse, to building a new life of wellness and safety. Her mentoring approach emphasizes deep listening, goal-setting, motivation, and often integrates case-management or facilitation for those with lived experience.
She also provides accredited, evidence-based trainings and workshops on topics including human trafficking response and prevention; domestic violence; substance-abuse recovery; motivational speaking; building momentum for transformational change; and urban social issues. These training sessions can range from a single day to longer multi-session engagements, and serve youth, adults, professionals and survivors alike.
Through her work, Nancy is driving a mission of empowering human trafficking and domestic violence survivors helping them reclaim hope, rebuild their lives and become agents of change in their communities.
