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.
About

We believe that no human life should be for sale. Children, teens, and adults of all genders 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 Team















Amber Fatheree
Development Manager
Maty Satuye
Bilingual Case Manager
Maty has 10+ years of experience serving communities, advocating for, and supporting underserved and marginalized individuals and families. She believes in fostering a community where seeking support is normalized, recognizing that most individuals and families experience challenges. She is passionate about empowering others through education and supportive guidance, helping individuals break cycles and overcome barriers. With a strong focus on family and self-awareness, she values both the energy of a full house filled with loved ones and the solitude needed for reflection on her goals and accomplishments.
Melissa Melendez
Operations Manager
10+ years FOH & BOH Restaurant Experience
Born in Washington, D.C., but raised in Houston, Melissa is dedicated to creating a welcoming environment at A 2nd Cup. Since discovering her passion for coffee in 2016, she has devoted herself to mastering the art of coffee making while fostering community in Lindale Park. Alongside her team, she is committed to raising awareness, one cup at a time. Melissa loves taking long road trips with her husband and their furry companion, exploring both the beach and the mountains.
Timeka Walker
Chief Executive Officer
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
Timeka Walker is an innovative leader with over 20 years in nonprofit 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 to end human trafficking, Timeka worked with vulnerable youth, HIV positive homeless men and women, and those suffering from mental illness. Throughout her career Timeka has served in various leadership roles in programs, operations, administration, and finance.
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 anti-human trafficking movement.
Timeka received her Licensed Master of Social Work from the University of Houston and holds an Executive Leadership Certification from Rice University.
Elaine Andino
Chief External Affairs Officer
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.
Titus Benton
Chief of Staff
M.A. in Historical Theology Lincoln Christian University | B.A. in Biblical Studies & Student Ministry Saint Louis Christian College | Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership Certification
Titus Benton has served United Against Human Trafficking since 2021. Hired as the Chief Operating Officer, he also served as the Chief Operating & People Officer before being named to the Chief of Staff role in May of 2024. A Missouri native, Titus Benton has spent his entire career inspiring and facilitating growth in organizations and communities. With twenty years of leadership experience in pastoral and nonprofit work, an expertise in communications, and a passion for people, Titus’ core values in life are peace, curiosity, and courage. Since moving to Texas in 2011, Titus has grown to love Houston for the rich diversity, incredible restaurants, and friendly people. In his free time he loves to read, listen to country music, and lose at chess.
Au’Vonnie Alexander
Director of Programs
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 those in under-served communities is what led her to UAHT. Her passion, drive, and commitment focus not only on herself but on those around her. An Oakland native with over 10 years experience working in many populations through education, mentoring, outreach, and advocacy, Au’Vonnie commits her career to advance those in all demographics, establishing relationships to build partnerships, and creating new programs to provide incomparable visualizations of fighting so all may live free.
Erika Washington
Chief Operations Officer (COO)
Ph.D. Public Policy & Administration, Specializing in Non-Profit Management, Walden University | Master Public Policy & Administration, Governors State University | Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, Governors State University | Non-Profit Management Certification
A Chicago native, Erika Washington has substantial experience working in education and nonprofit sectors specializing in finance, budgeting, and grants management. Erika has over 15 years experience researching qualitative and quantitative data impacting criminal justice systems and have executed large research projects for the United States Probation & Parole. She was also a Grant Reviewer for the United States Department of Education. She joined UAHT to further her passion in such meaningful and purposeful work. She spends her personal time, writing, researching, and spending time with her three daughters. She moved to Houston in 2020 to enjoy the culture, diversity, and nonetheless, the food.
Nate Arneson
National Pathway 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 The Pathway, a secure, online referral database for individuals who have experienced human trafficking. 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.
Bailey Anderson
Development and Coalition Manager
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science – Louisiana Tech University
Juris Doctorate & Doctorate of Comparative Law – Louisiana State University, Paul M. Hebert School of Law
Barred in State of Louisiana 2022
Bailey is a Southwest Louisiana native. Her passion for human trafficking and domestic abuse survivors has been and is her driving force in her education and career endeavors. Bailey’s legal experience ranges from drafting legislation to filing protective orders and custody suits for abuse survivors. Her lifelong goal is to make people’s world a safer place in hopes that they can live in full autonomy and create an abundant, free life for themselves and loved ones. Her dream is to move toward creating diverse, safe, and unified communities for all—a community where systemically underprivilege individuals have a voice.
Bailey enjoys painting (murals & acrylics), practicing herbalism, camping, studying esoteric topics, and traveling with friends.
Dalton Taylor Johnson
Prevention & Outreach Manager
Bachelor of Social Work, University of Houston-Clear Lake
Taylor has been in the fight against human trafficking since 2019. As the overlap between various systems of oppression made themselves more evident in his life, he dedicated himself to inspiring change in every sphere of life – every individual relationship, every community, and our culture as a whole. Taylor approaches identifying human trafficking situations and preventing exploitation by inviting and empowering those he serves to explore new ways of thinking and being. Taylor is committed to fighting against trafficking by using his expertise to encouraging men and boys to walk alongside UAHT as we inch closer to a vision of a better world: a world without exploitation and gender-based violence.
Taylor is in love with philosophy, can talk about music for hours and comes well-equipped with more than enough terrible dad jokes.
Taylor Woodruff
Prevention & Outreach Manager
Bachelor of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University| International Justice Fellows
A native of Houston, Texas. Taylor Woodruff’s experience ranges from overseeing and managing Houston’s 24/7 trafficking hotline, developing, and implementing community engagement strategy for trafficking organizations in Houston.
Taylor enjoys catching up on his ever-growing reading list, listening to Bob Dylan, and taking advantage of Houston’s art and museum scene.
Anansia Redmon
Case Manager
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, Prairie View A&M University| Licenses Real Estate Agent
A native of Houston, Texas. With 10 years of case management experience, Anansia prides herself on being skilled when it comes to delivering services, advocating for the vulnerable, and building community partnerships. By joining UAHT Anansia hopes to be a contribution by continuing to deliver services to clients and empowering them to live their best life.
Anansia enjoys spending time with her 2 children, learning new things, eating, and traveling. Anansia also enjoys showing properties to potential homeowners on the weekends.
RHONDA R. HOLMES
Director of Coalition and Expansion
Bachelor of Science in Business, Marketing, University of Phoenix
With over 20 years of experience, Houston native, Rhonda Holmes has mentored more than 700 young people. She gives young voices a platform for action and activism. As a community organizer, Rhonda plans impactful events for vulnerable communities, creating opportunities to make a real difference. Rhonda spearheads initiatives that continue to touch countless lives. Her dedication has made a lasting impact on youth, parents, and senior citizens across Houston. Her love for superheroes truly reflects the champion she is for the underserved community.
Rhonda enjoys her three little humans that she has the privilege to love on, meaningful conversations, building relationships and lots of good food.
anthony Hernandez
Collaboration Manager
 Bachelor of Arts in Theology, Franciscan University of Steubenville
Hey, I’m Anthony Hernandez, and I’m excited to be here at UAHT! I’m a fourth-generation Texan who loves golf, pro wrestling, and hanging out with my anxious little chiweenie, Bumi. When I’m not working, you can probably find me making unnecessary trips to Buc-ee’s, trying (and failing) to keep my plants alive, getting way too excited about the H-E-B Weekly Meal Deal, or rotting in bed while doomscrolling. I also recently bought my grandma’s old house and have been slowly fixing it up, learning the joys and struggles of homeownership along the way. I love to cook—sometimes I go all out, sometimes I just throw things in a pan and hope for the best. More than anything, I enjoy meeting new people, sharing a laugh, and building connections.
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 human trafficking through preventing exploitation, educating the community, and empowering survivors.
When you give to United Against Human Trafficking, 81% of our total revenue goes directly to programs and services; 11% to management & general, and 8% to fundraising efforts.
Financials
Board of Directors
CHAIR
TOM KENNEDY
Global Wealth Advisors
VICE CHAIR
CHRISTINE HANSEN
Koch Industries
TREASURER
MARK PEAVY
Peavy Energy Ventures, LLC
YVETTE OLDACRE​
Exxon
ANNIE WADE
Comcast
TEDDY MOHLE​
Contango
JYOSTNA MAHENDRA
Chevron
NATESHA SANCHEZ​
CHRO Aviation
CHUCK COMBS​
Enterprise Products
Advisory Council
BRITTANY DES VIGNES
Insperity
ERIN KELLEY
Fidelity National Title
DAN MARTINEZ, JD
Tritico & Rainey
ALICIA O'GILBERT
UT Health
FRANCISCO SANCHEZ, MPA
Homeland Security & Emergency Management
HOWARD TURK
Turk & Company
JOSEPH WESLEY
FedTech
Thank You to Our Sponsors

