Tequasia Harris is the Human Trafficking Case Manager at Sojourner Center and a part of our Community Outreach team.
Our Community Outreach team consists of dedicated case managers who are trained to safety plan and provide resources for those in our community who need them most. Because Arizona is a prime transit and destination area for both sex and labor trafficking in the United States, we know how vital it is that these survivors receive essential trauma-informed services.
What originally brought you to Sojourner Center?
“I first started at Sojourner Center as an intern in 2015. I wanted to experience working with survivors of domestic violence. I’ve stayed here because I love supporting survivors through their healing journey and reestablishing their new lives.”
What is a moment that deeply impacted you and your work?
“I worked with a human trafficking survivor for about two years. I watched her push through all obstacles to become self-sufficient and happy on her own. She taught me that no matter how small the step is, any moment forward is growth. Even when she felt she took two steps back, she learned from it and continued in the right direction.”
Why is Human Trafficking Prevention Month so important to the community?
“This month is so important to the community because it allows for the conversation around Human Trafficking to be discussed in depth and openly. Although sometimes it can be hard to acknowledge that this is going on in our backyard, the reality is that human trafficking happens everywhere. Discussing the signs, how to get help, and what it may look like helps bring the issue to the surface. When the community knows more about human trafficking, we can recognize when someone may need help and set preventative measures to ensure it does not continue.”
January 2023