Our Leadership: Denise Rae

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Denise Rae is a dedicated clinician, independent researcher, and passionate advocate for survivors of human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and domestic violence. With a robust background in clinical social work and a specialization in trauma-informed care and survivors advocacy, Denise leverages her expertise to support and empower trauma survivors, facilitating their journey towards healing and recovery. As a fellow survivor, Denise is committed to leading a “survivor-centric, survivor-led” movement that caters to the specific needs of the individual and target communities alike. As a practitioner of various metaphysical practices and a devout researcher into the leading theories of consciousness and sociology, Denise’s well rounded education, knowledge and expertise draws on various knowledge bases to create holistic interventions that are focused on restorative justice.

Denise has collaborated with numerous agencies and organizations, applying a trauma-informed approach that emphasizes understanding, recognizing, and responding to the effects of all types of trauma. Her work underscores the importance of shifting focus from “what is wrong with this individual?” to “what happened to this individual?” – a perspective crucial in avoiding unintentional re-traumatization and enhancing the efficacy of support provided to survivors. Denise’s rich experience also includes 6 international humanitarian tours in the countries of South Africa, Malawi, Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala and Mexico, the like of which has shaped her current worldview and delivery of culturally competent care.As an independent researcher, Denise contributes significantly to the body of knowledge surrounding human trafficking. She is actively involved in initiatives such as Generation 30 by the UNODC, which features research aimed at making a global difference in human trafficking issues. Her work includes investigating the underreported cases of male trafficking victims, and child trafficking as demonstrated by her engagement in studies revealing significant gaps in victim detection .

Denise's commitment extends beyond research and clinical work to active advocacy for survivor rights and the integration of gender-based violence interventions in anti-trafficking strategies . Through her relentless advocacy and well-informed interventions, she stands at the forefront of the fight against human trafficking, striving to restore dignity and provide restitution to victims, recognizing its critical role in promoting rehabilitation and healing. Through her PJTI Research & Advocacy Group work, Denise partners with survivors seeking restorative justice in their trafficking and abuse cases using an integrative civil and therapeutic model of care that encompasses various psycho-social domains. From the clinic to the courtroom, Denise is committed to empowering survivors with the necessary tools and resources to take on their restorative justice journeys each step of the way. 

Multi-certified in multiple trauma related specialties, including counseling and advocacy for survivors of human trafficking, sexual abuse, and violent crimes and registered with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences as a clinical social worker,  Denise has completed over 3000 hrs of supervised direct client care focused on treating trauma related disorders with an emphasis on victims of crime.

Newly established residency in the state of Texas and a recipient of the Human Trafficking Institutes research based grant initiative, Denise partners with Texas based CBO's and key stakeholders to fill present gaps in data and advocate for policies that are survivor centric and survivor led.

As the Director of Research for PJTI, Jesus brings a unique scientific perspective to the fight against one of our time's most pressing human rights issues. His work involves leading research initiatives that focus on understanding the neurological and psychological impacts of human trafficking on survivors. By applying his expertise in behavioral neuroscience, Jesus is contributing to developing evidence-based therapeutic interventions aimed at mitigating the long-term trauma experienced by victims of trafficking.

Jesus has initiated outreach programs aimed at connecting survivors of human trafficking with higher education opportunities. He believes that access to education is a crucial pathway to empowerment and long-term recovery. While this initiative is in its early stages, Jesus is building partnerships with educational institutions and developing resources to help survivors gain the tools and confidence they need to rebuild their lives.

Jesus’s role also involves integrating advanced AI and data analytics to enhance the organization’s ability to identify trafficking patterns, assess the efficacy of intervention programs, and optimize resource allocation. His research leadership has significantly contributed to the organization's strategic development, boosting its operational readiness and impact by over 60%. Furthermore, Jesus is actively crafting the organization’s research agenda, ensuring it remains at the forefront of scientific innovation and human rights advocacy.

His work with PJTI underscores his belief in the power of science to drive transformative social change. By bridging the gap between scientific research and practical applications, Jesus is making a tangible difference in the fight against human trafficking. Looking towards the future, he aims to pursue a doctoral degree and continue making meaningful contributions to the STEM community. His dedication to human rights fuels his mission to create a safer, more equitable world.