NPO 004: Collaboration and Gathering Information (Laura Ng, Traffick Free)
Today's Guest: Laura Ng
Laura serves as the Executive Director of Traffick Free, a faith-motivated organization that provides the greater metropolitan area of Chicago with tools and sustainable programs to combat human trafficking and transform the lives of survivors and communities. Over the years, she has been uncompromising in educating others about the realities of both sex and labor trafficking and unaccepting of the myth that the problem is so big, there is nothing an individual can do to reduce its injustices.
Prior to heeding to this calling, Laura worked in pension administration for ten years and got her bachelor’s degree in journalism. As the tugging of her heart became stronger towards non-profit work, she transitioned to the role of Senior Manager of Annual Events at Chicago Cares, overseeing the city’s two largest days of service that bring together thousands of volunteers to serve at Chicago Public Schools, as well as a variety of non-profit community partners across the city. This role allowed her to go into each of the city’s vibrant neighborhoods and gain understanding of the complexities and social issues that must be addressed in order to transform individuals and their communities.
Laura received a Masters in Social Work at the University of Illinois-Chicago with a concentration in Community Health and Urban Development.
Nonprofit Spotlight: Traffick Free
Traffick Free is a faith-motivated organization that provides the greater metropolitan area of Chicago with tools and sustainable programs to combat human trafficking and transform the lives of survivors and communities. Traffick Free seeks to mobilize the Chicagoland area into a place where human trafficking is unacceptable and where survivors have resources for immediate and holistic needs.
Story of Good: Lourdes Nieto
Lourdes is a Chicago Police Officer who has gone above and beyond to help support Traffick Free's mission in the community. She hosts her own Trafficking 101 education sessions in the Pilsen neighborhood now. In addition, Lourdes has served as a volunteer at events and has even offered to roll up her sleeves and help clean at the drop-in center.
Lessons Learned:
Laura shared great tips on how to get started with a nonprofit organizations. From the importance of gathering information to what kinds of boards to put in place, Laura gives encouragement, realistic advice and funny anecdotes along the way! She shares how collaboration, partnership and humility have played a large role in giving their organization credibility in the community. Laura also talks about the role of filling existing gaps rather than duplicating services. One tool she talked about was using Survey Monkey to help gather information from stakeholders. Survey Monkey has free and paid options and report possibilities with both.
Designer of Nonprofit Optimist logo: Becca Cards (Becca Russo)
Music for Nonprofit Optimist podcast: Music for Makers (Logan Nickleson)
Next Interview: Sharon Holdvogt, Board Chair of the Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos Midwest Young Professionals Board