I was so pleased to talk with Shamere and learn from her difficult life experience and subsequent professional journey helping survivors.

Shamere McKenzie is a distinguished international anti-trafficking strategist, systems leader, and consultant to the United Nations and various U.S. government agencies, with more than 15 years of cross-sector impact. A passionate activist and internationally recognized speaker, she leverages her lived experience with sex trafficking to transform adversity into advocacy, driving systemic change and advancing policies that promote justice, protection, and meaningful survivor inclusion on both national and global stages.

As the CEO of Sun Gate Foundation, an anti-trafficking organization, Shamere passionately channels her commitment to education and policy into providing survivors of human trafficking with essential educational opportunities. Her influential role extends to the Maryland State Human Trafficking Task Force, where she co-chairs the Victim Services Committee, leading cross-sector collaboration to improve services for survivors.

We talk of the foundation of her work, taking in her developed skills in advocacy,consultation with agencies both international and local. Her task has taken her worldwide and included training the FBI and Homeland Security. The challenges include getting people and agencies to learn about trauma informed counselling and how to interact with victims. The problems of identification of survivors and the difficult task of gaining trust.

Working since 2011 in this field on her first international speaking engagement she now, in 2024, started the Caribbean Survivor Network.

Beyond her impact in the United States, Shamere responded to a call from the Ministry of Justice in her birthplace, Jamaica, and holds the distinguished title of the first appointed Anti-Human Trafficking Ambassador for Jamaica since 2018.

Drawing on her experiences as a former Program Director, Shamere authored a groundbreaking anti-trafficking program and oversaw an emergency residential program for adult survivors. She is a sought-after resource, having trained various professionals, including the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Diplomatic Security, prosecutors, judges, faith leaders, hotel and airline staff, in identifying and responding to human trafficking victims, both in the U.S. and globally.

Her compelling narrative and leadership have been featured in several books, documentaries, and media outlets, serving as an impactful educational tool. Her most recent documentary, "False Promises," released in 2018 on the island of Aruba, specifically addresses sex trafficking awareness among Caribbean youth.

Shamere holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Loyola University Chicago and actively serves on various boards, advisory groups, and speakers bureaus. She has garnered numerous awards in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the anti-trafficking movement.

A faith-driven leader, Shamere draws strength from her unwavering religious belief . Refusing to be labeled a victim or survivor, she proudly identifies as a liberator— one who has broken free from the chains of her past, determined to pave the way for others who have endured enslavement. Her voice, vision, and leadership continue to shape a global movement toward justice, dignity, and systemic transformation.

• Tel.US.. 571-403-1495   info@sun-gate.org www.sun-gate.org