Dr. Stephany Powell

Board Member

Dr. Stephany Powell joined the board of Free to Thrive because of its stellar reputation among human trafficking service providers and a desire to contribute to the mission of the organization.  Dr. Powell’s unique insight into the world of sexual exploitation and trafficking gained through her years with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), coupled with her passion for education and her heart for community, make her an incredible leader in the movement to end sexual exploitation. 

Dr. Powell is the Director of Law Enforcement Training and Survivor Services at the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE).  Prior to joining NCOSE, Dr. Powell served as the Executive Director of Journey Out, a Los Angeles-based social services provider for trafficking survivors.

Dr. Powell retired from the LAPD as Vice Sergeant after thirty years of service. In addition to her LAPD tenure, Dr. Powell is a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership. Additionally, she is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Behavioral Science at Los Angeles Trade Technical College. Dr. Powell uses her considerable skills and insight to educate the community about the complex and often misunderstood world of sex trafficking and to create positive change for its victims. Dr. Powell is a powerful speaker, a tenacious educator and advocate for change, and one of the premiere experts in this field. Dr. Powell published a human trafficking youth prevention workbook, which has been utilized on a national and international level.

Dr. Powell has owned a horse ranch for twenty years and has owned horses for thirty years. She has participated in the sport of rodeo as a Barrel Racer. Dr. Powell is deeply passionate about the community and attempts to make a difference whenever possible. She sees life as a challenge and lives accordingly through patience and self-determination.