Across the country, organizations are rethinking how they support survivors of human trafficking, turning to those with lived experience for guidance, leadership, and solutions. Survivor-led advocacy is a powerful force for lasting change in this growing movement.
In the field of nonprofit leadership and trauma-informed care, few voices resonate with as much clarity and conviction as that of Alicia Tappan, M.A. A survivor of sex trafficking and now a recognized expert in advocacy and education, Tappan is transforming how communities support survivors by placing them at the center of the solution.
As the founder and chief executive officer of Survivor-Led Solutions, she is pioneering new systems that elevate the voices of survivors into leadership positions.
“Survivor leadership forms its own professional consulting demographic,” Tappan says. “It’s greatly needed in the fight against human trafficking.”
Creating a Platform for Survivor Leadership
Tappan began her career with nearly a decade of advocacy as a volunteer and executive director of another nonprofit. However, it wasn’t until a decisive moment in 2021 that her mission crystallized.
“I was hosting a retreat for nearly 20 survivor leaders from across the nation,” she recalls. “I asked, ‘Who is mentoring you through this change?’ No one had an answer. I realized—we’re the first generation coming forward, saying this has to stop.”
That insight led Tappan to launch Survivor-Led Solutions in 2023.
“We got angry, saw a need, and started filling it,” she shares.
The organization provides leadership development, consulting, and direct training for organizations serving survivors. It also runs events like the “Because I Wore This” awareness campaign, launched a retreat program called LeadHer Retreats, and established a series of self-care workshops under the title The Leader Sanctuary.
“It invites directors, case managers, and counselors to have a self-care day,” Tappan explains. “We need healing spaces not just for survivors, but for those who serve them.”
Turning Story Into Strategy
Tappan is also an author. Her new book, “Innocence Interrupted,” will be released on July 29th and marks the first in a three-part series. She confirms that the book is more than a memoir: “It’s a curriculum. It includes a testimony, an evidence-based practice conversation, and a reflection piece. It’s interactive. Law enforcement, child welfare—everyone who works with survivors — should have a copy.”
Tappan is also developing a “train the trainer” model and certification based on the book. These tools will help agencies implement more compassionate, effective strategies.
“I want people to learn from survivors and use those lessons to transform their own practices.”
Tappan’s work has earned national recognition. Her accolades include being named Survivor of the Year by Attorney General Ashley Moody in 2019, receiving the George Washington Honor Medal in 2024, and being honored with Motivational Speaker of the Year awards in Scarlett Magazine’s 2024 and 2025 Woman of the Year issues.
Anchored in Faith and Family
Tappan attributes her success to the support of her family, especially her husband, whom she calls her anchor.
“My education gave me credibility, but my family gave me strength,” she reflects.
Tappan lives in Milton, Florida, with her husband and three sons. Her routine keeps her grounded.
“I’m in bed by 9 p.m., up at 6:30 for Bible study, and go to therapy monthly. I know I have to take care of myself.”
Outside work, Tappan enjoys painting by numbers, doing puzzles, practicing yoga, and relaxing by the beach.
“I’ve started reading fiction again, too. It’s been a refreshing change after years of school and research.”
Looking Forward: Building a Future for Survivors
Tappan has big plans for the years ahead. She is finishing her Ph.D. in forensic psychology, focusing on crisis intervention. She’s working on the Global Survivor Leader Certification Program and hopes to host the first-ever survivor leader symposium.
Tappan also dreams of opening a drop-in center in Northwest Florida.
“It will be a place where survivors can come forward, tell their stories, and get help, without fear of being re-traumatized. Here, they can gain leadership and professional development skills, which help provide long-term care.”
Tappan’s message is simple but urgent: “We are the first generation of survivor leaders, and we’re building something that didn’t exist before. Now it’s our job to change the narrative of human trafficking.”
