Putting Trafficking Out of Business: Jeremy Vallerand on Building a Global Anti-Trafficking Network
“We don't need to be the frontline hero. If the program's already there, let's come alongside of it.” —Jeremy Vallerand
How do you fight global sex trafficking? With a global solution.
Jeremy Vallerand (Atlas Free) shows how networked partnerships, not duplication, drive faster, measurable impact against exploitation.
Jeremy founded Atlas Free to strengthen what already works: resourcing effective local partners instead of reinventing programs. Today, Atlas Free supports a global network focused on ending sexual exploitation and meeting urgent needs.
In this episode, Jeremy shares:
- His unexpected road to founding Atlas Free
- How to utilize a network approach to leadership
- And his challenging take on doing justice with mercy
Jeremy offers a new nonprofit model built on collaboration, showing us how building strong partnerships and treating others with dignity can lead to sustainable, collective change. Jeremy’s contagious conviction will challenge your thinking about mercy, fuel your own passion for justice, and give you a new perspective on how we bring change to the world.
Links
- Atlas Free
- Follow Atlas Free on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn
Key Takeaways
- Build networks. Rather than solving your problem in a vacuum, are there other groups your nonprofit can join forces with to maximize your collective impact? If you feel the tension of competition, that might be a signal to embrace the potential for collaboration.
- Treat everyone with dignity. Like Jeremy’s example of how we view our donors, consider how you can equalize the footing of everyone in your nonprofit’s ecosystem, no matter their title or role. Approach them with the same care that those you support receive. This is a big part of building a culture that combats burnout from within and keeps good people around.
- Lead from your strengths and entrust the rest. Trying to be everything for everyone is a straight shot to burnout. Instead, focus on what you do best, and surround yourself with experts who can carry the rest. It’ll strengthen your position, that of others, and the collective passion surrounding your mission.
Meet the Guest
Jeremy Vallerand is the CEO & President of Atlas Free, leading a global anti-trafficking network in 25+ countries with 40+ member organizations and impact across prevention, outreach, intervention, and survivor care.
Before Atlas Free, Jeremy worked across entrepreneurship and consulting with Fortune 500s, NGOs, and startups, and delivered a TEDx talk on using personal passions to fight injustice.
He holds a BBA from Trinity Western University and a graduate degree in Diplomacy from Oxford University, and previously served as a liaison to the U.S. Congress and the White House while coordinating the National Prayer Breakfast.
Jeremy co-founded Climb for Captives and lives in Seattle with his wife, Maren, and their three children.
