About
Our Mission
To end human trafficking through preventing exploitation, educating the community, and empowering survivors.
Our Vision
We fight so that all may live free.

We believe that no human life should be for sale. Children and teenagers, men and women are exploited for sex and labor in our city every day. We exist to change that.
Preventing Exploitation
To fully end human trafficking, we must both support survivors and prevent people from ever being abused. By learning how to recognize the signs of trafficking, teens know how to stay safe and avoid exploitation. Informed kids are less likely to succumb to traffickers’ tactics.
Educating the Community
Education prepares the community. Through educational trainings, we prepare professionals, first responders, and community members to recognize and address human trafficking situations. Institutions become qualified to aid victims and survivors with a trauma-informed approach. Through our podcast, community members learn how to break down the systems that enable trafficking to flourish.
Empowering Survivors
Outreach prevents exploitation and empowers victims and survivors. Through case management, support groups, and direct outreach, we bridge the gap between service providers and those who need them. We interact with overlooked people to identify exploitation and empower them with appropriate resources for restoration.
Human trafficking is a violation of basic human rights and should be addressed as such. Together, we must restore that basic human right to every trafficked person—freedom.

Our History
2007 UAHT Established as “Houston Rescue and Restore Coalition” (HRRC)
UAHT received IRS designation as an official 501(3) in December 2007 and launched a billboard media campaign with the message to Stop Modern Day Slavery in Houston.
2009 UAHT Partnered with Crime Stoppers
UAHT co-authored the 911 Crime-Stoppers protocol for handling calls of human trafficking. The protocol was approved by the National Emergency Number Association and is now available to 911 call centers across the country.
2010 UAHT Joined the Texas Task Force
The Attorney General of Texas appointed to serve on the statewide task force on human trafficking (The Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force), effective January 1, 2010.
2010 UAHT Advised the White House
The White House and Department of Health invited UAHT to participate in a stakeholder meeting to advise the government on how best to strengthen victim services for survivors of human trafficking.
2011 UAHT Conducted a Field Assessment
UAHT completed a Field Assessment on Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking in the Harris and Galveston Counties. The report is used by local officials and agencies as a guide to develop better services for this victim population.
2014 UAHT Received Community Leadership Award
UAHT received the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award. Staff traveled to Washington, D.C. to receive the award from the FBI Director. The Houston Rescue and Restore Coalition re-branded as the organization you know now: United Against Human Trafficking.
2015 UAHT Launched First E-Learning Course
UAHT launched its first Human Trafficking 101 e-Learning course, allowing the small organization to reach more people.
2016 UAHT Created New Media Campaign
UAHT launched “Watch For Traffick” in partnership with the City of Houston, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, and the Houston Police Department.
2017 Uaht Launched Prevention Courses, Direct Outreach and Supportive Services
UAHT launched programming to help prevent human trafficking and serve current victims and survivors.
Our Team
RENEE BYARS
Human Resources Manager
DAN MURRAY
Partnership Manager
EMMA CHONG
Grant Writer
RACHEL DAWSON
Administrative Coordinator
ARGENIS SANTAMARIA
Outreach Coordinator
ANNA JOHNSTON
Communications Coordinator
SARA JAYNE BREUER
Education Coordinator
TYLER R. CUNNING
Outreach Specialist
HATTIE JACOBSON
Programs Assistant
DALTON TAYLOR JOHNSON
Programs Specialist
Timeka Walker
Executive Director
Master of Social Work, University of Houston | Bachelor of Science in Psychology, University of Houston| Non-Profit Leadership Alliance | Executive Leadership Certification at Rice University | FBI Citizens Academy
A licensed social worker, Timeka Walker is an innovative leader with over 18 years in nonprofit management and leadership. Timeka is dedicated to serving the most vulnerable and marginalized in our society to bring dignity and love to each individual. Before joining the fight against human trafficking, Timeka served HIV positive homeless men and women and those suffering from mental illness through the AIDS Foundation Houston. During her decade-long tenure Timeka served as the Program Director, Senior Director of Programs, and finally as the Chief Operating Officer. Additionally, Timeka worked with at-risk youth at Neighborhood Centers for six years.
Joining UAHT in 2015, Timeka passionately leads the organization in its efforts to offer trauma-informed programming and serving as a unifying force for the entire anti-human trafficking movement. Under her leadership the organization has grown from two team members to over 20 members and serves over 25,000 individuals each year.
Timeka received her Licensed Master of Social Worker from the University of Houston and holds an Executive Leadership Certification from Rice University.
Elaine Andino
Director of Donor and External Partnerships
Master of Public Policy, George Mason University | Bachelor of Arts in English, Baylor University
For 15 years, Elaine’s passion for ending human trafficking has fueled her work. From research and legislative work in Washington DC, to working with survivors in South Korea, to hosting an anti-trafficking conference in Virginia, to running fundraising and communication efforts in Houston, her zeal for ending exploitation continuously deepens. Elaine loves partnering with donors and coalition members who are dedicated to creating systemic change in Houston.
Jenna Cooper
Director of Programs
Master of Social Work, University of Houston
As a transplant from New York, Jenna first learned of human trafficking while studying Social Work at the University of Houston. During her time there, Jenna worked directly with trafficking survivors, which inspired her to make this her life’s work. She realized that many people know of human trafficking, yet the issue remains a prevalent injustice in the Houston community. Jenna strives to implement, develop, and enhance programs that educate every part of the community to prevent and combat trafficking while supporting survivors.
Katarina Sowerby, MBA
Director of Finance
Master’s in business administration, Loyola University New Orleans | Executive Leadership Certification, Rice University| Bachelor of Science in Social Economics Science, Lambung Mangkurat University
Katarina is deeply passionate about nonprofit organizations and decided to continue her nonprofit management career path upon her graduation from Business School at Loyola University New Orleans where she was introduced further to social justice concepts. Prior to pursuing her MBA, she worked for an international nature conservation nonprofit organization in Indonesia, where she is from, for more than 8 years and worked for an IT company in the United Kingdom.
Now she is a very proud American who continues to strive for making a great and positive difference in the community. She has volunteered for various Houston-based nonprofits and worked for a Mental Health Nonprofit in Houston for more than a decade. She is very thrilled to be part of a highly mission-driven team. Professionally, she believes that the unique nature of nonprofit mission and organization culture need sophisticated management approaches to support the mission.
Au’Vonnie Alexander
Education & Outreach Manager
Master of Arts in Sociology, Texas Southern University; Bachelor of Science in Communication, Fresno State University
Au’Vonnie’s optimism for motivating, inspiring and uplifting youth is what led her to be a youth specialist at UAHT. Her passion, drive, and commitment focus not only on herself but to those around her. Au’Vonnie focusses on speaking for those who want to be heard but don’t know how. Through storytelling and expressive discussions, Au’Vonnie hopes to continue impacting lives of youth in all communities positively one person at a time. She notes that “If I can motivate and inspire at least one out of every ten youth that I come in contact with through my own personal story and experiences; then I have done something right–my mission has been accomplished.”
Nate Arneson
Coalition Manager
Bachelor of Science in Biology, University of Minnesota—Moorhead
Aspiring to see a sustainable and unified effort to fight human trafficking, Nate manages the Rescue and Restore Coalition led by UAHT. Nate brings his experience with nurturing inter-agency relationships in Guatemala to facilitate a culture of collaboration within the coalition and analyze our needs as a unified voice to fight this crime at a macro level. His passion for building partnerships ensures that our communities within and external to Houston are ready to address those needs and assist survivors from identification to restoration.
Anna Fornaris
Client Services Manager
Master of Science in Psychology, California Coast University | Bachelor of Science in Psychology, West Texas A&M University
Throughout her career Anna has worked extensively with adolescents and adults experiencing problems directly related to substance use, mental health, homelessness, and other significant life challenges. After providing direct services to individuals, groups, and families for 14 years, Anna spent 11 years in program development, implementation, and management. Over the years, she has internalized the importance of actively helping those that are suffering and often overlooked in our community. She is excited to join UAHT and bring her passion and skills to help fight the travesty of human trafficking.
Erin Martin, MSW
Case Manager
Master of Social Work, Our Lady of the Lake University, San Antonio
Erin R. Martin determined that her passion for helping individuals and families through case management is a self-rewarding job. Within 12 years of providing case management services, Erin developed the skills of advocacy, negotiation, education, facilitation, and leadership. Furthermore, Erin aspires to bridge the gap in services within the community to provide resources and information for her clients. Erin has devoted her expertise to the homeless population, at-risk youth, and victims of domestic violence. When Erin is not working she enjoys exercising, volunteering, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Misa Nguyen
Director of Strategic Initiatives
Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts, University of Texas at Austin
“What Starts Here, Changes the World.” Misa internalized this motto from her alma mater and believes that individual efforts create a collective impact against human trafficking and social justice issues. With her eyes on the future, Misa plans and strategizes projects today that propel UAHT’s mission and vision into tomorrow. Aside from her dedication to UAHT, Misa delights in sharing with others Houston’s culturally diverse food scene and Fair Trade food, clothing, and goods.
Veronica Bucio
Community Engagement Coordinator
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, University of Houston
A former career newspaper journalist, Veronica has transitioned her communication skills to the nonprofit sector and considers her work within it a most personal and impassioned second act. As a native Houstonian, she has long been aware of the susceptibility of labor exploitation and trafficking in immigrant communities, and, as a mother of a young daughter, her troubled concern over the problem of sex trafficking has grown as its shadow has expanded ever wider online. Because of this, Veronica is honored to work with UAHT toward abolishing the slavery that is human trafficking, and she embraces the opportunity to encourage and celebrate the generosity of spirit of UAHT’s volunteers as its community engagement coordinator.
Emma Chong
Grant Writer
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Certificate in Latin American Studies, Regis College
Emma first came to Houston through Americorps, teaching ESL to Latinx immigrants at an East End community organization. What was supposed to be only an 11-month term of service became a full-time residency! Emma uses her passion for writing to convey UAHT’s important mission to current and potential donors.
Rachel Dawson
Administrative Coordinator
Bachelor of Science in Health Fitness, Sam Houston State University
Rachel loves her hometown of Houston, TX. She enjoys exploring the city and immersing herself in the diversity of its various neighborhoods. After learning about the prevalence of human trafficking in her city, she knew she needed to be a part of the fight. Her background experience in various non-profit positions and passion for assisting those in need are what drew her to UAHT. As Administrative Coordinator, Rachel works to ensure the daily operations of the UAHT team run smoothly so that we can focus on our mission – To end human trafficking through awareness, education, and outreach.
Anna Johnston
Communications Coordinator
Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing, University of Houston
Anna loves Houston—the museums, the free events, the diversity. She grew up here, attended university here, and got married here. That’s why when she heard that her beloved hometown was home to thousands of human trafficking victims, she knew she needed to act. Anna paired her love of storytelling with her passion to bring freedom to Houston and became UAHT’s Communications Specialist. Through blogs, newsletters, and social media, Anna aims to transform difficult and complicated facts into understandable and meaningful conversations.
Sara Jayne Breuer
Education Coordinator
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science-International Affairs and French with a Minor in Peace and Conflict Studies, University of California Riverside
A recent California transplant, Sara Jayne works toward a better world where all are free to pursue their dreams and live free from exploitation and violence. When she learned about trafficking in 2008, Sara Jayne knew she wanted to do something. She dove into research and helped enforce anti-trafficking legislation throughout Los Angeles County. For the past five years, she worked at the American Red Cross, teaching communities how to prepare for disasters. She also served clients in shelters, met with families after home fires, and went door-to-door to teach people about fire safety. She is passionate about working in diverse communities, bringing together different people towards a common purpose. Sara Jayne brings her love of community theater and entertaining others into delivering engaging and informative presentations. It has been her dream to work professionally in human trafficking for over a decade, and she is overjoyed to work with UAHT. As the Education Specialist, she hopes to bring knowledge of human trafficking to as many people in Houston and beyond as possible so that we can work together to help victims become empowered survivors.
Dalton Taylor Johnson
Programs Specialist
Bachelor of Social Work, University of Houston-Clear Lake
Resilient youth inspire Taylor. After seeing human trafficking, sexual assault, and other atrocities ignored by trusted systems, Taylor hopes to change the way our community views some of the most overlooked people in our community: children. Taylor aims to equip young people to grow and advance on their own terms. To do so, Taylor visits schools and juvenile detention centers to facilitate conversations that build the kids’ self-confidence and prevent abuse. He approaches those difficult conversations with compassion and a trustworthy listening ear.
Samantha Ledezma
Outreach Specialist
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, minor in Sociology, University of Texas in Austin
Samantha has a strong passion for social justice, mental health, and her hometown—Houston. In hopes of creating an equal world for all, she advocates for individuals of all genders and ages whose freedom was robbed. With a deep desire to see trauma victims fully recover, Samantha helped children in the child protection system and empowered adolescents recovering from eating disorders in both Austin and Houston. Humbled by the privilege of higher education, Samantha whole-heartedly brings awareness and sparks activism in her community. Her experiences and education inspire empathy as she builds relationships in overlooked communities and gives a voice to the voiceless with UAHT. With passion, knowledge, and commitment, Samantha’s voice reaches and educates others to fight for freedom for all
Annual Reports
United Against Human Trafficking pledges good stewardship in every donation received. We are transparent with our finances, annual reports and internal revenue service disclosure forms. We acknowledge your contributions are investments towards our mission to end and prevent human trafficing through education, outreach and awareness.
When you give to United Against Human Trafficking, over 81% of our total revenue goes directly to programs and services; 11% to general operations and 8% to fundraising efforts.
Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax – Form 990
Board of Directors
CHAIR
WENDY FONG
Chief Gigs
VICE CHAIR
ERIC BARTZ
Community Volunteer
TREASURER
CAROLINE VETTERLING
Blazek & Vetterling
MICHELLE BRESSER
Community Volunteer
KRYSTAL CARTER
Danny Kay Cloud
MONICA DE LA CERDA
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
ANGELA KOHL
Air Liquide
NICK LONGO
Chevron
LJ MOODY
Opportune
RADHIKA RAJENDRA
AstraZeneca
ABNET TSEGAI-HURST
Center for Clinical Studies
ANNIE WADE
Comcast
Advisory Council
DAN MARTINEZ, JD
Tritico & Rainey
ALICIA O'GILBERT
UT Health
FRANCISCO SANCHEZ, MPA
Homeland Security & Emergency Management
JOSEPH WESLEY
FedTech