Survivor Alliance Leadership Academy
Applications open January 2026
What is the Leadership Academy?
The Survivor Alliance Leadership Academy (“the Academy”) is a virtual learning environment tailored to accommodate diverse learning styles, from guided content to opportunities for collective discussion. The Academy empowers individuals with lived experience of human trafficking and modern slavery to assume leadership roles in the anti-trafficking sector. It serves as a dedicated space for survivors to enhance their leadership skills and amplify their impact within the sector.
Since its founding, the Academy has supported survivors to move from isolation and burnout toward community, purpose, and meaningful work. Alumni have gone on to expand their consulting, step into full-time roles, and shape the broader anti-trafficking movement across the globe.
The former Academy operated as an 18-month program. Thanks to the generous support of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation and the Sherwood Foundation, the Academy has transitioned into a more flexible and accessible model.
Who is the Leadership Academy for?
The Academy is designed for people with lived experience of human trafficking and/or modern slavery who are seeking to deepen their leadership in the anti-trafficking sector. This includes individuals engaged in direct service roles, community-based advocacy, peer mentorship, volunteering, systems change work, research, organizing, and related leadership roles.
Expanded Access
The Academy is designed for people with lived experience of human trafficking and/or modern slavery who are seeking to deepen their leadership in the anti-trafficking sector. This includes individuals engaged in direct service roles, community-based advocacy, peer mentorship, volunteering, systems change work, research, organizing, and related leadership roles.
Program Pathways
Live Cohorts
The Live Cohort pathway supports individuals through group learning and shared reflection.
Self-Directed
The Self-Directed pathway offers a flexible learning experience for individuals who prefer to progress materials independently.
Program Focus
At the Academy, we are deeply committed to driving meaningful systems change! The program focus includes, but is not limited to, the following: evolution of the sector, principles of systems thinking, innovative strategies within systems, and much more.
Applications Open January 2026!
The leadership academy is free to survivors, supported by our philanthropic partners committed to ethical and sustainable survivor leadership. Thank you to our Donors!
