Ms. Andrea Powell is a distinguished global policy advocate with two decades of experience in supporting survivors of sex trafficking and image-based sexual violence. She currently serves as the Director of Policy and Business Development at Alecto AI and the Director of Survivor Engagement and Services at MyOwn. Andrea’s work is deeply rooted in her lived experiences and reflects her commitment to a survivor-centered approach, encapsulated in her guiding ethos: “There is no ‘about us, without us.'”

Andrea’s first book, Believe Me, was published in July 2024. She has previously been the founding Director of the Image-Based Sexual Abuse Initiative, powered by Panorama Global, and co-founded Karana Rising, a survivor-led organization advocating for justice for survivors of sex trafficking in the United States. Her extensive efforts include leading national and international initiatives to develop services, housing, and policies that promote the rights and healing of survivors of human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and sexual abuse.

In 2004, Andrea co-founded FAIR Girls, where she led the team for 14 years in providing case management services and establishing a safe home for survivors in Washington, D.C. She also played a key role in the DC Human Trafficking Task Force. At Karana Rising, founded in 2019, Andrea and fellow survivors work to advance justice and healing for those affected by arrest and incarceration due to trafficking. Through her initiatives, Andrea has engaged with over 2,000 survivors across the United States, the Balkans, Russia, Bangladesh, India, and Uganda.

Andrea holds a master’s degree from the University of Bonn, Germany. Outside her professional work, she is a multimedia artist, author, and bunny mom, residing with her daughter on the beach near San Diego, California.