Celebrating Champions in the Fight Against Trafficking
The Polaris Star Award Gala is an annual event that brings together individuals, organizations, businesses, and activists who are dedicated to combating human trafficking. This prestigious award ceremony, hosted by United Abolitionists, Inc., and UCF’s Center for the Study of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery, honors and recognizes the outstanding efforts and initiatives made in the fight against modern-day slavery and exploitation.
Polaris Star Awards 2026
Do you know an individual, organization, or initiative making a powerful impact in the fight against human trafficking? Nominate them for the 2026 Polaris Star Awards.
We are accepting nominations in the following categories: Education, Agents for Change, Survivor Champions, and Achievement Awards. Each category celebrates leadership, innovation, and advocacy in the global movement to end human trafficking.
Deadline: Monday, October 27, 2025, by 5:00 p.m.
See below for detailed information about each category.
Be sure to review the descriptions to select the best fit for your nominee.
CATEGORY: EDUCATION
Nominees for this category are community organizations, companies, or non-profit leaders who provide anti-trafficking education & training programs to communities, locally regionally, or globally.
SUBCATEGORIES:
Community:
Nominees in the Community subcategory are recognized for their grassroots efforts in delivering anti-trafficking education and training at the local level. These individuals or organizations work directly with schools, neighborhood groups, faith-based organizations, and civic leaders to build awareness, foster prevention, and empower bystanders with the tools to recognize and report trafficking. Their programs are often culturally responsive and designed to reach underserved or high-risk populations, ensuring that education is accessible and impactful across diverse communities.
International:
This subcategory honors organizations or leaders whose anti-trafficking educational initiatives extend beyond borders. These nominees develop and implement training programs in collaboration with international agencies, NGOs, and local partners in regions most affected by trafficking. Their work promotes global awareness, cultural competence, and cross-border solutions by sharing best practices, research, and resources. Their efforts contribute significantly to building a worldwide network of informed advocates, educators, and frontline professionals dedicated to eradicating trafficking.
Corporate Partner:
Nominees in the Corporate Partner subcategory are businesses or industry leaders who champion anti-trafficking education within their organizations and beyond. These companies go beyond compliance by integrating trafficking awareness and prevention training into employee development, vendor engagement, and customer-facing practices. Whether in hospitality, transportation, finance, or tech, their educational efforts equip staff with the knowledge to identify and respond to trafficking while leveraging their platforms to promote awareness on a broader scale.
Non-Profit:
This subcategory celebrates non-profit organizations and leaders who have developed innovative and impactful educational programs to prevent trafficking and support survivors. These nominees are committed to equipping communities, professionals, and policymakers with the tools needed to understand the complexities of trafficking. Through workshops, curriculum development, public awareness campaigns, and survivor-informed training models, they create sustainable education efforts that inspire action and foster long-term change.
CATEGORY: AGENTS FOR CHANGE
Nominees for this category are those who use their platform to initiate change on a wider scale, including legislation, technology, detection, and spreading the key messages to a broader audience.
SUBCATEGORIES:
Media:
Nominees in the Media subcategory harness the power of storytelling, journalism, social platforms, and visual arts to expose the realities of human trafficking and inspire collective action. Whether through documentaries, news reporting, podcasts, or digital campaigns, these individuals or organizations raise public consciousness and shift narratives. Their work informs, empowers, and mobilizes audiences by giving a voice to survivors, spotlighting systemic issues, and encouraging prevention and intervention on a broad scale.
Legal:
This subcategory recognizes legal professionals, firms, or advocacy organizations advancing the fight against trafficking through policy reform, litigation, survivor support, and systemic change. These nominees are instrumental in drafting, promoting, or implementing legislation that strengthens protections for victims, increases penalties for traffickers, and addresses the root causes of exploitation. They also work to ensure survivors have access to justice, legal counsel, and safe pathways to rebuild their lives.
Major Events:
Nominees in the Major Events subcategory leverage high-profile gatherings—such as sports tournaments, conventions, or cultural festivals—to spotlight and mitigate human trafficking risks. These individuals or organizations use their platform to implement detection strategies, train event staff, and educate attendees. Their proactive approach transforms potential trafficking hotspots into spaces of awareness, vigilance, and advocacy, often influencing practices and protocols for future large-scale events.
Law Enforcement:
This subcategory honors law enforcement agencies, officers, or specialized task forces demonstrating outstanding leadership in the detection, prevention, and disruption of trafficking operations. These nominees go beyond arrests—they prioritize victim-centered approaches, collaborate with community partners, and champion training initiatives that improve the identification of trafficking indicators. Their commitment to justice and survivor safety contributes meaningfully to dismantling trafficking networks and supporting long-term recovery.
CATEGORY: SURVIVOR CHAMPIONS
Nominees for this category are open to non-profits, wellbeing services, or individual advocates who champion survivors.
SUBCATEGORIES:
Individual:
Nominees in the Individual subcategory are survivor leaders or dedicated advocates whose personal commitment to uplifting survivors drives real change. Through lived experience, mentoring, public speaking, or grassroots activism, they amplify survivor voices and advance trauma-informed approaches. These champions inspire others with their courage, resilience, and unwavering advocacy, turning their journey into a powerful force for healing, awareness, and systemic transformation.
Regional:
This subcategory recognizes organizations or initiatives that provide survivor-centered support and advocacy at the regional level. These nominees develop programs that address the unique needs of survivors within their local or state communities, including housing, legal aid, job readiness, and mental health services. By building strong networks and collaborative partnerships, they ensure survivors receive sustained support and the resources needed to thrive.
International:
Nominees in the International subcategory are global advocates or organizations whose work transcends borders to uplift and empower survivors of trafficking worldwide. Whether through cross-national partnerships, culturally responsive programs, or international advocacy, these leaders advance survivor inclusion, rights, and leadership on a global scale. Their efforts create pathways for survivor-led reform and inspire global best practices in survivor care and empowerment.
Wellbeing:
This subcategory honors individuals or organizations focused on the holistic wellbeing of survivors—mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual. These nominees integrate trauma-informed care into services such as counseling, healthcare, safe housing, art therapy, or wellness coaching. Their work fosters healing, dignity, and resilience, empowering survivors to reclaim their lives and move forward with confidence and strength.
CATEGORY: ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Nominees for the Spotlight Award should be – an individual spotlight on a survivor – a hero who pushes barriers to lead the way in helping other survivors.
SUBCATEGORIES:
Lifetime Achievement Award:
This prestigious subcategory honors an individual whose lifelong dedication has made a transformative impact in the fight against human trafficking. Through decades of service, leadership, advocacy, or innovation, these nominees have shaped policy, empowered survivors, and inspired future generations of change-makers. Their legacy is defined by unwavering commitment, resilience, and a profound influence on the anti-trafficking movement at local, national, or global levels.
William Wilberforce Award:
Named after the famed British abolitionist, this award honors an individual or organization that exemplifies moral courage and strategic advocacy in dismantling modern slavery. Nominees for the William Wilberforce Award demonstrate a deep commitment to systemic change, whether through policy reform, public awareness, education, or survivor support. Their work carries forward the spirit of abolition, driven by purpose, integrity, and a call for justice.
Frederick Douglass Award:
This subcategory recognizes an individual, often a survivor leader—who uses their voice to advocate for freedom, equality, and systemic reform. Like Frederick Douglass, nominees are powerful communicators and change agents who confront injustice, educate communities, and inspire action. Their leadership often bridges personal experience with public advocacy, advancing dignity and rights for all who have experienced exploitation.
Catalyst Award:
Nominees for the Catalyst Award are those whose efforts have sparked significant momentum in the anti-trafficking movement. Whether through launching groundbreaking initiatives, building collaborative networks, or introducing innovative solutions, these individuals or organizations serve as accelerators of change. Their visionary leadership brings diverse partners together and ignites progress across sectors.
Spotlight Award:
The Spotlight Award is a powerful tribute to a survivor who has turned their lived experience into a beacon of hope and leadership. This individual pushes through barriers to uplift other survivors—through mentorship, education, advocacy, or storytelling. They are a true hero whose courage, resilience, and generosity light the path for others on their journey to healing and empowerment.
Carol Welker Volunteer of the Year Award:
This subcategory recognizes an individual who has selflessly dedicated their time, energy, and heart to supporting anti-trafficking efforts. Whether assisting with events, mentoring survivors, providing behind-the-scenes support, or mobilizing community action, these volunteers exemplify the spirit of service. Their consistent contributions have made a tangible difference in the lives of others and in the success of the organizations they support.
Past Polaris Star Award Winners
Meet the remarkable individuals, organizations, and teams who have been honored with a Polaris Star Award. These winners have taken meaningful action to confront human trafficking and support those affected by it—through education, advocacy, outreach, and survivor support
| Year | Recipients | Category | Subcategory |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Dr. Shelly Wager USF BRIGHT Project | Education | Community |
| 2025 | PACT - ECPACT USA | Education | International |
| 2025 | Sean Walker, G6 Hospitality | Education | Corporate Partner |
| 2025 | Dawn Hawkins, The National Center on Sexual Exploitation | Education | Non-Profit |
| 2025 | Angel Studios | Agents for Change | Media |
| 2025 | Janet Owen, University of Central Florida | Agents for Change | Legal |
| 2025 | Rotary District 6980 | Agents for Change | Major Events |
| 2025 | Special Agent, Seminole Co Sheriff’s Office | Agents for Change | Law Enforcement |
| 2025 | Kim Figueroa | Survivor Champions | Individual |
| 2025 | Kelly Posze | Survivor Champions | Regional |
| 2025 | A21 | Survivor Champions | International |
| 2025 | Christine Frederick | Survivor Champions | Wellbeing |
| 2025 | Sue Aboul-Hosn | Achievement Award | Lifetime Achievement Award |
| 2025 | Dr. Doug Gilmer | Achievement Award | William Wilberforce Award |
| 2025 | Ezekial McKine | Achievement Award | Frederick Douglass Award |
| 2025 | Evan Patel | Achievement Award | Catalyst Award |
| 2025 | McKibbons Group - Ally Martin and Greg Burnes | Achievement Award | Spotlight Award |
| 2025 | Misti Spencer | Achievement Award | Carol Welker Volunteer of the Year Award |
| 2024 | National Center for Missing & Exploited Children | Education | Community |
| 2024 | The Mauvano Project | Education | International |
| 2024 | Hilton Hotels & Resorts | Education | Corporate Partner |
| 2024 | My Life, My Choice | Education | Non-Profit |
| 2024 | Benji Nolot, Exodus Cry | Agents for Change | Media |
| 2024 | Bradley J. Edwards, Edwards Pottinger LLC | Agents for Change | Legal |
| 2024 | Tim Tebow, Tim Tebow Foundation BRANDS | Agents for Change | Major Events |
| 2024 | Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation | Agents for Change | Law Enforcement |
| 2024 | Olivia Littleton, One More Child | Survivor Champions | Individual |
| 2024 | Phoenix Dream Center | Survivor Champions | Regional |
| 2024 | Atlas Free | Survivor Champions | International |
| 2024 | One More Child | Survivor Champions | Wellbeing |
| 2024 | Surviving Hero - Rebecca Bender | Achievement Award | Spotlight Award |
Polaris Star Awards’25
In 2025, the 14th-annual Polaris Star Awards honored 18 individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to the fight against trafficking.
