Date
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Time
12:45 PM - 2:15 PM
Name
Closing the Gap with STAR: Building a Certified Survivor Advocate Workforce
Track
Multi-Disciplinary Team
Jamie Rosseland Samantha Lawson Davis Inderjit "Vicky" Basra
Description

Discover how a groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind survivor advocate certification program in Florida is transforming workforce development in anti-trafficking services. Developed through partnership between the Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center, LSF Health Systems, and survivor leaders, this initiative addresses a gap in standardized, survivor-centered training pathways for individuals with lived experience serving survivors of trafficking. This session explores how the program integrates survivor leadership, trauma-informed care, and certified peer support frameworks to build a skilled workforce of survivor advocates. The discussion highlights how structured training and professional development improve long-term outcomes for lived experience professionals while strengthening service quality. Gain insight into how cross-sector collaboration, co-design processes, and evidence-based practices create pathways for leadership, sustainability, and survivor-centered systems change.