Check Out Alison Phillips’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alison Phillips.

Hi Alison, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I provide training on human trafficking to law enforcement and other first responders across the U.S. Our business has helped thousands of officers identify and assist victims of human trafficking. I started this business two years ago after leaving as Director of the Missouri Attorney General’s Office Human Trafficking Task Force. In Missouri, this is our statewide task force for addressing this crime. My work in human trafficking began about 15 years ago when I learned about this terrible crime through my experiences as a foster and adoptive parent.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely could have been a smoother road! As Director of the statewide task force in MO, I loved my job and built a successful program in Missouri. That was until other key partners in the task force and I eventually uncovered state and local government-level corruption related to this crime. I was told to “leave it alone” and “put a smile on my face and tell everyone everything is fine.” It became clear that my only recourse was to resign or become another cog in the wheel of government corruption. So, I started this private training business. Bringing my work into the private sector has helped me become more effective and efficient than I thought.

Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your work.
We provide skill-based training to law enforcement. We teach officers how to identify victims and perpetrators of this crime and best practices for interacting with people with significant trauma histories. We also help agencies build programs, run operations, and consult on investigations. What we are known for is how practical our training is. Many officers leave our class and start finding victims and getting them help within days, sometimes even hours, after class. I am most proud of that. Many people in this effort need help finding ways to be effective and make a difference. We are different in that way.

What were you like growing up?
I grew up with a perfect, supportive family that provided every opportunity for me. It is this that motivates me to do this work. If someone like me can’t or won’t do this work to help and serve some of our most underprivileged, marginalized, and exploited, then who will? With privilege comes responsibility.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.humantraffickingtrainingcenter.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-phillips-a00771110?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BJd%2BvDD9zSwSTBpI6w6khSA%3D%3D