a think-DO tank building communities that promote dignity, liberty, and justice for all
About Us
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Lincoln’s pioneering policies (THINK) and Tubman’s impactful actions (DO) remind us that securing constitutional rights requires both a solid legal framework and community engagement. While rights may be written on paper, they need leaders and catalysts to actualize them.
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Today, we are applying this same strategy to combat modern-day slavery and human trafficking. We believe that true freedom arises from a collaboration between effective laws and community-based initiatives. Our mission is to ensure that constitutional rights are accessible and meaningful for those violated by exploitation.
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Through data-driven direct services, collaboration, and legal efforts, strategically connected by AI software, we aim to bring to life the justice and liberty envisioned by Lincoln and Tubman, making these principles a tangible reality for victims of human trafficking.
Executive Team
In 2018, Brooke founded the Tri-County Human Trafficking Task Force after Charleston was identified as the second most prevalent area for human trafficking in South Carolina. As Co-Chair, she leads nine subcommittees focused on the community’s response to this crisis. Additionally, she co-founded and serves as CEO of The Formation Project, a nonprofit supporting aging-out youth and adult trafficking victims.
Leveraging her legal expertise and business acumen, Brooke has authored and managed numerous federal, state, and foundation grants, securing millions of dollars to establish a comprehensive approach to trafficking that includes research, social services, legal support, and developing tech.
A Charleston native, Brooke graduated cum laude from Furman University with a BA in Political Science. While at Furman Brooke served as a team captain for the Paladin's Track / Cross Country teams where she set multiple school records and won an individual SOCON Championship in the 5,000 meter. She earned her Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina Rice School of Law, where she received honors for her dissertation on healthcare policy. Brooke was Miss South Carolina 2013 and won Miss Congeniality at both Miss SC and Miss America.
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Brooke, her husband Michael, and their three children reside in Mount Pleasant. She believes in a redeeming God, loves the Constitution, and enjoys sports, singing, politics, and good coffee.
In 2018, Lauren was appointed Co-Chair of the Tri-County Human Trafficking Task Force by the South Carolina Attorney General's Office. With 20 years of experience in law enforcement, she served as Chair of the Law Enforcement Sub-Committee from 2019 to 2022, driving initiatives that secured critical DOJ grant funding for social services. Notably, in 2023, the task force obtained $7.1 million from the Howard G. Buffett Foundation to enhance and sustain a robust, multidisciplinary approach to combat human trafficking in the Tri-County region. She continues to serve as Co-Chair and is a board member of the Formation Project, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting survivors.
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Lauren is a compelling speaker, engaging audiences both domestically and internationally. She has served as a keynote speaker at the Canadian Hate Crime Conference and hosted analyst roundtables for the NYPD Intelligence Bureau. As a subject matter expert, she has participated in panel discussions for the National Counter Terrorism Center and conducted training sessions for the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers on targeted violence and terrorism prevention.
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In 2023 and 2024, she presented at the National Homeland Security Conference, focusing on empowering election planning through data-driven strategies. Recently, she completed her Master Trainer certification for the DHS National Threat Evaluation and Reporting Office, further solidifying her role as a leader in the fight against human trafficking and violence prevention.
Anne L. Ross, Legal Director
With a profound commitment to justice and advocacy, Anne's practice is dedicated to addressing the legal needs of human trafficking survivors and advocating for victims' rights. She represents these survivors through both direct representation and a volunteer attorney network, ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights upheld. Since joining the organization in November 2023, she has become a vital force in providing essential legal aid and policy analysis. With an LL.M. in Agricultural & Food Law, her studies included critical issues related to forced labor.
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Previously, Anne worked for a national nonprofit consumer education and watchdog organization focused on maintaining the integrity of food supply chains. Her research and travels in Eastern Europe investigating fraud in global supply chains led to proposals for reforming federal regulations on imported organic food. She has lectured and led trainings on fraud detection in complex supply chains, further showcasing her expertise.
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Before pursuing her LL.M., Anne was a litigator for two large regional firms, concentrating on business litigation and appeals. She also served as a law clerk for a retired South Carolina Supreme Court Justice. As a mission-driven advocate, Anne excels in navigating complex legal landscapes, screening for trafficking cases, clarifying clients' legal rights, and championing restitution and enforcement of victims' rights. Beyond her direct advocacy, she is a sought-after speaker at continuing legal education seminars, where she shares her insights on human trafficking and legislative developments. Anne’s dedication and expertise are making a transformative impact in the lives of those she serves and policy at-large.